Telegram Reprieve: India Lifts Ban, App Stores Return Expected Today

Telegram services are expected to be restored across India after the expiry of a temporary nationwide restriction imposed ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. According to sources familiar with the matter, the government does not intend to extend the ban beyond its original deadline of June 22, and users should begin seeing normal access to the messaging platform resume shortly. The app is also expected to reappear on major app stores during the day.

The temporary restriction was introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as a precautionary measure to prevent the misuse of the platform during the conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) re-examination. Authorities had expressed concerns that organised cheating networks could use messaging applications to circulate examination-related material and facilitate unfair practices during the high-stakes medical entrance examination.

While the broader ban is being lifted, certain restrictions are expected to remain in place for a limited period. Sources indicated that Telegram’s message-editing feature has been disabled until June 30. The measure is aimed at preventing potential misuse of edited messages that could complicate investigations or aid the circulation of misleading information linked to examination activities.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Reviews Centre’s Telegram Ban Ahead Of NEET-UG Retest

The decision follows complaints from users who reported that Telegram services had not been fully restored even after the initial restriction period ended. Officials familiar with the matter said the restoration process may take some time across different networks and platforms, but normal functionality is expected to return gradually as service providers complete the required technical changes.

Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) had defended the temporary restrictions, stating that the measures were taken in the interest of public order and examination integrity. In a statement issued before the re-examination, the agency said authorities had identified attempts by organised cheating rackets to use digital platforms to target candidates appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test conducted on June 21.

The restoration of Telegram services marks the end of a short but significant intervention by authorities during one of the country’s most closely watched examinations. The episode has once again highlighted the challenges regulators face in balancing digital communication freedoms with efforts to maintain the integrity and security of large-scale competitive examinations involving millions of students across India.

Also Read: Caller Demands Rs 30,000 For Alleged NEET Paper, Police Launch Investigation