Telegram removed from Google Play Store after Govt restrictions, still available on Apple App Store
New Delhi, June 16
Telegram has been removed from the Google Play Store in India following the Centre's decision to temporarily restrict access to the messaging platform ahead of the NEET 2026 re-examination.
As a result, new users are currently unable to download the app through Google's official Android marketplace.
The move follows government action aimed at curbing alleged examination-related fraud, misinformation and cheating networks operating through the platform.
However, it is still available on Apple App Store. The development comes days after 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.
The government said the measure was necessary to prevent the spread of examination-related fraud, misinformation campaigns and cheating networks ahead of the NEET (UG) re-examination scheduled for June 21.
According to the NTA, the restriction was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and covers the examination period as well as its immediate aftermath.
The agency had stated that several Telegram channels and groups were allegedly being used to circulate misleading claims regarding examination paper leaks and to lure students with fraudulent offers promising access to question papers.
In addition to the temporary access restriction, Telegram was directed to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30.
Authorities argued that the feature had previously been misused to create fabricated evidence of paper leaks by allowing users to edit old messages and replace attached files while retaining original timestamps.
The NTA had maintained that despite widespread claims circulating online, no NEET examination paper had been leaked.
It said the restrictions were imposed only after targeted actions, including the removal of specific channels, groups and bots, were found insufficient to tackle the scale of the problem.
The agency also credited the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with state police forces and other central agencies, for identifying and acting against Telegram-based fraud networks.
Law enforcement agencies across multiple states have launched investigations into examination-related scams allegedly conducted through social media and messaging platforms.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an expat living in Bangalore, I find this confusing. Telegram has legitimate uses—many tech communities use it for open-source projects. Blocking the entire app seems heavy-handed. Why not just target the specific scam channels? Feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
I'm a NEET aspirant myself, and I'm relieved. 😌 The pressure is already immense, and these fake paper leak promises only add to the anxiety. But the government must be more proactive—why wait for exams to take action? Also, disabling message editing is a smart move; many fraudsters used that loophole.
Selective blocking is unfair—Google Play users are punished, but Apple users get a free pass? Typical two-tier system in India. And Section 69A powers are being used more frequently now; we need oversight to prevent misuse. The NTA should fix its own exam process instead of blaming apps.
Good job, govt! 🎉 These Telegram channels have been openly selling fake question papers and ruining careers. But I wish they'd also block WhatsApp groups doing the same. And what about the deepfake videos circulating? One app ban won't solve the systemic issue of exam fraud in India.
As a parent of a NEET aspirant, I appreciate the urgency. But the inconsistency between Android and Apple stores is baffling. Either ban it everywhere or not at all. Also, we need better digital literacy—kids should know not to fall for these scams. The blame isn't just on apps; it's on awareness too.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.