Telegram Ban in India? From UGC-NET to NEET-UG, A Look at Paper Leaks Associated With The App

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have become integral to our daily lives with crores of users relying on them for communication. Their widespread use is fuelled by the fact that they are free and easily accessible to all. However, discussions about a potential ban on Telegram have gained momentum, with growing calls for stricter regulations on the platform. The messaging app has repeatedly been implicated in cases of examination paper leaks.

Telegram’s reputation for security, offering features that ensure privacy and confidentiality, has made it a preferred platform for sharing sensitive information. Unfortunately, this has also made it a hotbed for illegal activities, including paper leaks. Over the past few months, several exams, including UGC-NET, MPPSC, UP Police Constable Recruitment, and NEET-UG, have been marred by paper leak scandals, with Telegram often at the centre of these controversies.

The app has also been implicated as a primary source for leaking and spreading false information during the Class 10 and 12 board exams.

Telegram’s security features allow users to maintain anonymity, keeping their identity – such as name, number, and photo – confidential based on their settings. This makes it easy for individuals to commit crimes, such as leaking exam papers, without getting caught. In many cases, tracking down the perpetrators becomes nearly impossible.

Here’s a look at the paper leaks associated with Telegram:

1. UGC-NET 2024 Paper Leak: The UGC NET 2024 examination was conducted on June 18, 2024, with 9 lakh candidates appearing across 317 examination centres. However, on June 19, 2024, news emerged that the UGC NET paper had been leaked on Telegram. As a result, the examination was cancelled. An investigation confirmed that the leak did indeed occur via Telegram, leading to widespread concerns and the subsequent cancellation of the test.
2. NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak: The NEET UG exam was held on May 5, 2024, at various centers across the country. Reports later revealed that the NEET UG paper leak was linked to several districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Investigations suggested that the leak might have been facilitated through Telegram, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the examination.
3. MPPSC Paper Leak: MPPSC Paper Leak – In June 2024, news emerged about a paper leak in the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) examination. The leaked paper, which was circulated on Telegram, was reported to be 100 percent accurate. Additionally, there were claims that the paper was being sold for Rs 2,500 on the same platform. This issue garnered significant media attention within the state.
4. UP Police Exam Paper Leak: The UP Police Constable Recruitment Examination, which is currently underway, was originally scheduled for February 2024. However, it was cancelled due to a paper leak. Presently too, there are rumours of paper leak surrounding the ongoing exam. However, the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPBPB) dismissed these reports as mere rumours.
5. Board Exam Paper Leak: Reports surfaced regarding paper leaks during CBSE, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar board exams. While News18 has not confirmed the accuracy of these claims, there has been considerable discussion on social media about the suspected role of Telegram in these leaks.