New Delhi: The Union government on Thursday justified in the Delhi High Court the action to temporarily restrict access to the Telegram app ahead of June 21 NEET-UG re-examination, arguing that the messaging app offers bot infrastructure that could be used to disseminate information in bulk.
On May 12, the National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, held on May 3 for medical admissions amid allegations of paper leak. The matter is currently under investigation by the CBI.
A vacation bench of Justice Tejas Karia is hearing the Telegram app's plea against the decision to restrict its access prior to the NEET-UG retest.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, stated that a single Telegram account can create up to 40 bots.
"Bots are machines; they can further multiply. As per the report, Telegram can offer bot infrastructure which can disseminate information in bulk. This feature is unique as it permits creation of sophisticated networks with minimal human oversight," the law officer said.
Justifying the decision, he said the government does not have this problem with other intermediaries.
"This platform operates through the cloud. Even if they block it and someone does mischief, law enforcement agencies cannot reach the actual user," he said.
He also mentioned that the report indicated that Telegram is frequently used for terrorist activities and that law enforcement agencies face challenges due to this architectural design in various jurisdictions.
The hearing is ongoing.
The high court on Wednesday had asked the Centre to file its reply on Telegram's plea against its order temporarily restricting access to the messaging app ahead of the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.
Pradhan reviews preparedness for NEET-UG re-exam
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday with senior officials from the Ministry of Education, state governments, the NTA and higher education institutions to assess preparedness for the NEET-UG re-examination.
Addressing the meeting, Pradhan emphasised the importance of maintaining the "highest standards of integrity, transparency and efficiency" in the examination process and directed all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and fully prepared for the free and fair conduct of the re-examination.
The minister said officers designated by the ministry would reach all states to coordinate activities related to the re-examination process and report to the command centre headed by the NTA Director General.
Pradhan also asked designated nodal officers of state governments to ensure that students were provided all necessary facilities to enable them to appear for the re-examination in a stress-free environment.
School Education and Literacy Secretary Sanjay Kumar, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi and NTA Director General Abhishek Singh, among others, attended the meeting.
NTA urges students to remain calm and focussed
The NTA Director General said the NTA is working with all concerned stakeholders, including the district-level coordination committees headed by the District Magistrates, state police departments and intelligence agencies, to ensure the re-examination is conducted smoothly.
Meanwhile, the NTA has also urged NEET-UG candidates to remain calm and focus on their preparation, asserting that extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a safe, secure and fair examination.
In a message on X, the agency said the re-examination will be conducted on Sunday as scheduled and asked candidates not to be swayed by rumours of postponement or by the "noise on social media".
"Rely only on official communication from the NTA," it said.
"We want to reassure you that extensive arrangements are in place for a safe, secure and fair examination, in close coordination with relevant ministries, state governments and security agencies. The integrity of this process is our highest priority, and robust, multi-layered safeguards have been put in place," it said.
📌 A message to our studentsThe NEET UG 2026 examination is just three days away. To every candidate: you have worked hard, you have prepared, and now is the time to trust your effort. Stay calm, rest well, and focus on doing your best. That is all that is asked of you.The…
The agency also warned against malpractice, saying, "Any attempt at malpractice will be dealt with firmly – because protecting honest, hardworking students is exactly what this is about."
The NTA also highlighted the availability of mental health support for students facing examination-related stress.
"If the pressure feels heavy, please know you are not alone. The MANAS mental-health helpline (14416) is available, and support is there for anyone who needs it. Reaching out is a sign of strength," the message said.
The agency said, "The NEET UG 2026 examination is just three days away. Stay calm, rest well, and focus on doing your best. That is all that is asked of you."