Google has removed the messaging app Telegram from its Play Store in India, with Apple expected to follow, in compliance with a government order aimed at preventing paper leaks during the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination on June 21. The government has also directed Telegram to temporarily disable its message-editing feature until June 30.
Amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET and CUET UG 2026 exams, the National Testing Agency (NTA) faced tough questions from a parliamentary standing committee regarding safeguards against paper leaks and hacking vulnerabilities.
A 17-year-old NEET aspirant in Lucknow allegedly died by suicide, reportedly due to depression following the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination and the pressure of the upcoming re-exam. Her family stated she was hopeful after the initial exam but became distressed after its cancellation.
The government is considering using the Indian Air Force to transport NEET-UG papers to ensure a secure retest on June 21, following allegations of malpractices in the original exam.
The NTA has also confirmed that the upcoming re-examination, scheduled for June 21, 2026, will be conducted entirely free of cost for all previously registered candidates, funded fully through the agency's internal reserves.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.
Here are all the details you need to know about the NEET-UG re-exam.
The CBI Director has updated a parliamentary panel on the NEET-UG paper leak investigation, while education ministry officials outlined measures for a fair retest.
Based on the official NTA statement and government directives issued on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, here is a guide for students and parents about what they can do now.
The NEET-UG re-exam was generally tougher than the previous one, with Physics identified as the most challenging and time-consuming section by both students and experts. While Biology was considered easier, Chemistry was moderate. Experts noted conceptual and lengthy questions in Physics and Chemistry, potentially leading to a lower cut-off.
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's condition deteriorated further on Wednesday, with doctors reporting that he has lost more than seven kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast 11 days ago.
The CBI has arrested a Pune-based lecturer for allegedly leaking the physics paper of NEET UG 2026 to a select group of aspirants. The lecturer, employed with a Pune school, is termed as another 'source' for the paper leak. The CBI investigation continues with searches and analysis of seized documents.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam, which was conducted on May 3, following allegations of irregularities. A CBI inquiry has been ordered, and a re-examination will be scheduled.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Indian government's temporary restriction on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, calling it a 'new trick' that punishes students instead of tackling the root cause of paper leaks. He highlighted the suicides of two students, Umesh and Riya, linking their deaths to the 'broken, corrupt system' and the government's alleged failure to protect students from exam mismanagement.
The CBI is investigating the alleged involvement of a public servant associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) in the NEET-UG paper leak case. Several arrests have been made, including lecturers and individuals accused of distributing leaked questions for monetary gain.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which was cancelled due to alleged irregularities, will be re-conducted on June 21.
The CBI has arrested a biology lecturer, part of the NTA's paper-setting committee, in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. The arrest follows the questioning of key suspects and allegations of leaked questions being dictated to students for a fee.
'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'
The Delhi High Court has questioned the Centre's decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, asking how the rights of 150 million users can be curtailed due to concerns over a few miscreants. The court reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.
The CBI has arrested a doctor and a physics teacher in connection with the NEET UG paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 13. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
The cancellation of the NEET-UG medical entrance examination has left aspirants emotionally drained, struggling with disrupted routines, loss of confidence, and a growing distrust in the examination system, forcing them back into an intense preparation cycle.
The CBI has taken custody of five individuals arrested in connection with the NEET-UG exam leak and apprehended two more suspects. The agency is investigating the potential involvement of insiders within the National Testing Agency (NTA). Protests continue across the country, demanding accountability and reforms in the examination process.
The CBI informed a Delhi court that Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, an accused in the NEET paper leak case, circulated question papers to students for money. The agency opposed her bail plea, stating students paid for leaked physics, chemistry, and biology papers. Waghmare's counsel argued against the allegations, citing no recovery of cash or incriminating evidence from her. The court reserved its order on her bail plea for June 9, amidst the ongoing investigation into the cancelled NEET exam.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21, with plans to transition to a computer-based test from next year. This decision follows allegations of irregularities in the original exam, prompting strict action and a commitment to ensuring fairness for students.
A Pune-based college has announced disciplinary action against a biology lecturer arrested by the CBI for her alleged involvement in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The lecturer, part of the NTA's paper-setting committee, is accused of leaking questions to students for a fee.
The Supreme Court has emphasised the need for accountability regarding the NEET paper leak issue, acknowledging the trauma experienced by students and their families. The court is hearing pleas related to the matter and has asked the Centre to file an affidavit.
The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on petitions challenging the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-test, stating that all related matters will be heard by Justice P S Narasimha's bench in July. Students are seeking reconsideration of the re-test date due to mental trauma, inadequate preparation time, and concerns over examination integrity following the cancellation of the original May 3 exam.
The CBI claims to have cracked the NEET paper leak case with the arrest of a Pune-based professor, identified as the source of the leak. The professor allegedly exploited his position to leak the paper to students in exchange for money.
The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi high court that the Telegram messaging app was being exploited for illegal activities ranging from cybercrime and financial frauds to terrorism and circulation of leaked examination papers.
A director of a Pune coaching centre claims that Tejas Shah, a physics teacher arrested in connection with the NEET UG paper leak, contacted Manisha Havaldar, a senior faculty member and accused, for clarification on physics topics in his individual capacity.
The CBI has requested police custody of four individuals arrested in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, alleging the exam was compromised by circulating question papers online.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has accused Reliance Group, which has a partial Meta stake, of lobbying for a ban on Telegram in India and sabotaging its access for users outside India through BGP hijacking. A senior telecom industry source dismissed these claims as 'fake news,' stating Durov confused Reliance Communications with Reliance Industries Ltd. The allegations come as the Indian government has ordered Google and Apple to delist Telegram temporarily and disable its message-editing feature in India due to concerns over paper leaks in the NEET-UG examination.
Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'
Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'
A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of five accused individuals in the NEET paper leak case until June 15, following a plea from the CBI. The case involves allegations of a leaked NEET exam paper, leading to the re-examination scheduled for June 21.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Modi government following the cancellation of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination, citing paper leaks and corruption.
A botany lecturer from Pune's Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce has been suspended following her arrest by the CBI in connection with the NEET-2026 paper leak case.
The police detained two persons, including a female beautician, from parts of Maharashtra on Wednesday for their alleged connection to the NEET paper leak case, officials said.
Civic authorities in Beed, Maharashtra, have ordered the demolition of an under-construction building allegedly linked to P V Kulkarni, the kingpin of the NEET paper leak case, due to violations of local construction regulations.
'The software vendor had a black mark against him and yet they went ahead with him. Why was this company shortlisted? Who is responsible for signing off this software?'
