NEET 2026 Re-Exam: NTA DG Abhishek Singh Explains Telegram Ban, Warns Against Fake Paper Leak Scams

Ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) shared a video message on X in which Director General Abhishek Singh addressed students, parents, and other stakeholders. In the video, Singh explained the government's decision to temporarily block Telegram access and warned candidates about fake paper leak scams allegedly targeting NEET aspirants.

Beginning his address, Singh appealed directly to candidates and their families, saying, "To all applicants for the NEET examination, all students, all candidates, all parents, all stakeholders associated with the examination, give me a few minutes to share something very, very important with you all."

Referring to the action taken against Telegram, the NTA chief said the move was prompted by concerns over the platform's alleged misuse for spreading misinformation, fabricated paper leak claims, and financial scams aimed at NEET 2026 candidates in the run-up to the re-examination.

'Nobody Should Be Able to Take Away the Rights of a Hardworking Student'

Singh recalled that the May 3 NEET examination had been cancelled due to malpractice allegations, leading to a re-exam and a CBI inquiry.

"The primary reason for canceling the exam and ordering a re-exam and a CBI inquiry was to ensure that nobody, nobody violates the sanctity, the integrity of the NTA examination, the NEET examinations."

He added that authorities were determined to protect genuine candidates.

"Nobody should be able to take away the rights of a hardworking student preparing for medical examinations."

Acknowledging the burden of appearing for the examination again, he said the NTA understands the difficulties faced by students and is committed to conducting the re-test in a secure manner.

NTA Says Telegram Channels Selling NEET Papers Are Fake

According to Singh, social media platforms have been flooded with claims that Telegram channels possess NEET UG 2026 re-exam question papers.

"We have verified each and every such claim and what we have found that they're all fake."

He alleged that these groups use artificial intelligence and other digital tools to create fabricated question papers and then sell them to students.

"Some demand UPI payments, some demand cryptocurrency, some also even go ahead and promise refunds if the paper does not match."

However, he categorically denied that any such channel has access to the actual examination paper.

"None of them have access to the actual question papers, which are completely safe, completely secure."

'Nobody Can Have Access Before June 21, 2 PM'

The NTA chief stressed that extensive security arrangements have been put in place to protect the examination process.

"We have used Indian Air Force. We have used all possible efforts that would have been needed for ensuring their safety and security."

He further said that multiple government agencies have been mobilized to safeguard the papers.

"The entire machinery of the state, whether it's the state governments, whether it's the paramilitary, whether it's the government of India, has been mobilized to ensure the question papers are protected."

Issuing a clear warning to candidates, Singh stated:

"In no ways anybody can have access to the question papers before 21st of June, 2 p.m."

He added:

"Anyone claiming to sell you any paper is lying, is trying to scam you, is trying to fool you, is trying to exploit your vulnerability."

Ahmedabad Police Recently Busted Similar Group

The DG said many students have already been targeted by such scams, where fraudsters disappear after receiving money.

"The moment you get, in your moment of vulnerability, you transfer any money to them, they vanish."

He pointed to recent police action as evidence.

"Yesterday only Ahmedabad police busted such a group. They arrested people who were trying to do this."

NTA Explains How Telegram Chats Were Allegedly Manipulated

A major part of Singh's address focused on what he described as a method used by Telegram channels to create false proof of paper leaks.

According to him, some channels circulate screenshots and videos showing question papers allegedly posted before an examination.

The NTA investigated one such claim related to the May 3 NEET examination.

"Every question paper in NEET examination has a unique identifier. So we are able to track each question paper where it was used."

The agency traced a paper shown in a viral Telegram video to a specific candidate in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.

"This question paper was given to that student in the afternoon of 3rd of May under magistrate supervision, police escort, CCTV."

After verifying attendance records and OMR sheets, NTA concluded that the Telegram evidence had been fabricated.

Telegram Editing Feature Cited by NTA

Singh claimed that administrators could allegedly edit previously posted messages and replace old files with new content while retaining the original timestamp.

"Telegram has a vulnerability in which it allows the admins of a Telegram channel to edit a chat in the past date."

Explaining the process, he said:

"When they do that the time stamp remains the same."

According to the DG, scammers can obtain a question paper after the examination, replace an earlier file, and then falsely claim they possessed the paper beforehand.

"People would be fooled in looking at that video and thinking that this video, this question paper was shared earlier."

He also claimed that similar techniques had been observed in connection with other entrance examinations.

Why Telegram Was Blocked

Singh said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's action has two objectives.

"It blocks access to Telegram channel up to 22nd of June."

Additionally, authorities have asked Telegram to restrict the editing of older messages until June 30 to prevent misleading claims after the re-exam.

"To ensure that nobody can spread a rumor after the exam on 21st June that they had access to the question paper."

Message to Students Before NEET Re-Exam

With only a few days remaining before the examination, Singh urged candidates to focus on preparation rather than rumors.

"Spend your time in revising your concepts. Stay calm. Don't get carried away by any such rumor."

He also mentioned that a reporting facility has been launched on the MyGov platform where students can flag suspicious posts or information related to paper leaks.

Concluding his address, Singh reminded candidates that success depends on preparation rather than shortcuts.

"Your preparation is what will get you through this examination. Not a telegram channel, not a fake question paper, not anything."

He also appealed to parents to remain vigilant.

"Please protect your child from financial fraud and from the panic these rackets are designed to create."

Reaffirming NTA's commitment to conducting a fair examination, he concluded with a message of confidence:

"Trust the process. Trust the work."