Telegram Restores Access on Google Play Store After Temporary Ban in India

Telegram has resumed its availability on the Google Play Store after a brief suspension by the Indian government due to concerns over cheating during the NEET UG 2026 re-examination. The ban, which lasted from June 16 to June 22, was initiated following allegations from the National Testing Agency that the platform was being misused by organized cheating networks. While the app is back on Google Play, it remains unavailable on Apple's App Store. The Delhi High Court upheld the government's actions, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures. The NEET UG re-examination was conducted without any major incidents of fraud.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2026, 12:03 IST

Telegram's Return to Google Play Store

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New Delhi, June 23: The messaging service Telegram has made its comeback on the Google Play Store after a temporary ban imposed by the government due to concerns surrounding the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.

The government had enforced a temporary suspension of Telegram from June 16 to June 22, following a request from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NTA claimed that the platform was being exploited by organized cheating syndicates to deceive and defraud candidates participating in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, which took place on June 21.

Additionally, the government's decision to disable the message-editing feature on Telegram will remain effective until June 30.

Despite this, the app is still not available on Apple's App Store.

The NTA stated that these actions were taken to maintain public order in light of the organized misuse of the platform by cheating networks targeting NEET candidates.

The NEET UG re-examination was successfully conducted on June 21, with no significant reports of paper leaks or fraudulent activities reported thus far.

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court upheld the government's decision to temporarily suspend Telegram's services and disable its message-editing feature.

In response to a petition filed by Telegram FZ LLC, the court ruled that the government had adhered to the procedures outlined in Section 69A of the Information Technology Act while exercising emergency blocking powers, and that the restrictions met the proportionality test.

"Given the emergency nature of the Impugned Order, the reasons provided for the decision were adequate. As the Union government has strictly followed the procedural requirements under Section 69A of the IT Act, the challenge to the Impugned Order on the basis of non-communication of reasons cannot be upheld," stated the Delhi High Court.

The restrictions were implemented based on recommendations from the NTA and the Ministry of Home Affairs.