Dharmendra Pradhan Orders Crackdown on Fake Telegram Channels Ahead of NEET Re-Exam

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday directed authorities to launch a crackdown on fake Telegram channels and online groups spreading misinformation ahead of the NEET UG re-examination 2026. The directive came during a high-level review meeting attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, the National Testing Agency, and central security and intelligence agencies to assess preparedness and strengthen examination security measures.

During the meeting, Pradhan stressed the importance of maintaining strict vigilance and ensuring foolproof arrangements for the fair and smooth conduct of the medical entrance examination. Officials reviewed security protocols, logistical planning, and risk assessment mechanisms to identify possible vulnerabilities before the examination takes place. The government also discussed preventive and corrective measures aimed at avoiding disruptions and maintaining public confidence in the examination process.

In a separate interaction with representatives from major technology and social media companies, including Meta, Google, and Telegram, officials raised concerns over the increasing spread of fake claims related to competitive examinations. Authorities noted that several anonymous channels and online groups became highly active in the days leading up to major examinations, circulating false paper leak claims, misleading messages, and sensational content designed to create panic among candidates and parents.

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Officials said that misinformation campaigns linked to examinations often redirect users through suspicious links connected to automated bots and fake discussion groups. These activities, according to the government, contribute to unnecessary anxiety among students and can undermine trust in the examination system. Authorities also warned that false claims shared widely on social media platforms can quickly escalate, making it difficult to control rumors once they gain traction online.

Inputs provided by intelligence agencies reportedly revealed that multiple suspicious Telegram channels were being operated using a limited set of phone numbers, suggesting coordinated and organized activity. Taking serious note of these findings, Pradhan instructed officials to intensify monitoring efforts and work closely with digital platforms to identify and remove accounts involved in spreading false information. The minister also called for swift action to block channels attempting to mislead students or disrupt the examination environment.

The NEET UG examination remains one of India’s largest and most competitive entrance tests for undergraduate medical admissions, attracting millions of candidates annually. In recent years, concerns over paper leak allegations, online scams, and misinformation campaigns have prompted authorities to tighten security and strengthen digital surveillance around examinations. The latest review meetings reflect the government’s broader effort to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness in the conduct of national-level competitive exams.

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