Ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, the Central Government on Wednesday enlisted the cooperation of major social media platforms, such as Meta, Google, and Telegram, to curb rumours, false claims of paper leaks, and posts designed to incite panic. Following the recent controversy surrounding paper leaks, the government has intensified its efforts to restore public confidence in the country’s largest medical entrance examination.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting with representatives from social media companies. Separately, he reviewed security preparedness with central intelligence and law enforcement agencies, issuing directives to take “targeted action” against organised misinformation networks that become active online before examinations.
Fake Posts via Telegram channels
According to officials from the Ministry of Education, concerns were raised regarding the growing proliferation of fake posts via Telegram channels, anonymous groups, and automated bots, entities that tend to become highly active in the run-up to major examinations. Officials noted that many such channels disseminate fabricated claims of paper leaks, clickbait messages, and unverified information, with the specific intent of sowing panic and confusion among students and parents.
Citing information received from intelligence agencies during the meeting, a senior ministry official stated, “Several suspicious channels were being operated through a limited number of phone numbers, indicating that this was a well-planned and organised activity.”
Dharmendra Pradhan Directed These Companies to Work in Tandem with the Ministry
Officials reported that social media platforms have assured the government of their full cooperation in identifying, blocking, and removing misleading content related to the examinations. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan directed these companies to work in tandem with the Ministry, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and law enforcement agencies to ensure the immediate removal of channels that disseminate “misinformation, propaganda, and panic.”
Officials further noted that intelligence and security agencies have also been instructed to intensify digital surveillance ahead of the examinations and to monitor emerging online trends. Particular attention is being focused on encrypted messaging platforms and rapidly growing groups that claim to offer candidates early access to examination material or “inside information.”
These meetings were held in the run-up to the re-examination for NEET-UG. This re-examination was announced following the cancellation of the exam originally held on May 3. The decision to cancel the exam was taken amidst allegations that portions of the question paper had been leaked before the commencement of the examination.
This controversy has once again heightened concerns regarding the security of the examination process, as NEET has previously been embroiled in numerous controversies, including allegations of paper leaks, disputes over the awarding of grace marks, and networks involving organized malpractice.
Also Read: NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam: NTA Guidelines on Fee Refunds, Change of Exam City, Timelines and FAQs
