Telegram has been removed from the Google Play Store in India after the central government temporarily restricted access to the messaging platform ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination.
As a result, new Android users in India are currently unable to download the app through Google’s official marketplace. However, Telegram remains available on Apple’s App Store.
The action follows concerns over alleged examination-related fraud, misinformation and cheating networks operating through the platform. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), acting on recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), imposed a temporary restriction on Telegram until June 22.
According to the government, the measure is intended to prevent the spread of false information and fraudulent schemes linked to the NEET (UG) re-examination, which is scheduled for June 21.
The NTA said the restriction was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and will remain in effect during the examination period and its immediate aftermath.
Officials alleged that several Telegram channels and groups had been used to spread misleading claims about question paper leaks and attract students with fake promises of early access to exam papers.
In addition to the temporary access restriction, Telegram has been directed to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30.
Authorities said the feature had been misused to create fabricated evidence of paper leaks by allowing users to edit older messages and replace attached files while retaining the original timestamps.
The NTA has repeatedly stated that no NEET examination paper was leaked.
The agency said broader restrictions were introduced only after targeted measures, including the removal of specific channels, groups and bots, failed to effectively curb the spread of fraudulent activity.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), along with state police forces and other central agencies, has been involved in identifying and taking action against Telegram-based fraud networks.
Law enforcement agencies across several states are continuing investigations into examination-related scams allegedly conducted through social media and messaging platforms.
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