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India Temporarily Blocks Telegram App Over Medical Exam Fraud

The Telegram logo is displayed on a smartphone screen as a man uses the messaging app in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on June 17, 2026. India temporarily blocks the Telegram messaging app, citing its use in attempts to defraud candidates for a national medical entrance test. The test faced allegations of leaked papers last month, leading to the cancellation of millions of results. The Ministry of Education's National Testing Agency states the ban is in response to the organized use of the platform by cheating rackets targeting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2026. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov describes the ban as a ''mistake,'' suggesting it would affect millions of users without effectively addressing those responsible for the leaks. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13842232
Date Taken	17 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Crime, Law and Justice
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

One Person Part Of Telegram logo smartphone Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir India block messaging app defraud candidates national medical entrance test leaked papers results cancelled ban unprecedented cheating rackets National Eligibility cum Entrance Test re-examination Ministry of Education National Testing Agency Pavel Durov CEO mistake users Firdous Nazir