India Blocks Telegram Amid Medical Exam Leak, Retest Scheduled

(CNA, New Delhi, June 16 - International News Report) Last month, India's national medical school entrance exam was marred by a massive paper leak scandal, forcing candidates to retake the exam on June 21. Reports indicate that the leaked questions were circulated via Telegram. Indian authorities have today blocked the Telegram platform until the retest concludes to prevent cheating.

According to AFP, India's 'National Eligibility cum Entrance Test' (NEET) for medical colleges is the country's most competitive exam, attracting over 2 million aspiring medical students annually.

The exam was held on May 3 this year, with more than 2.27 million candidates registered. However, a large-scale incident of exam paper leakage and cheating occurred, with investigations revealing that leaked mock test papers closely matched the actual exam questions.

Authorities declared the exam invalid on May 12 and rescheduled the retest for June 21. Reports suggest that the exam content was previously shared through the instant messaging app Telegram.

India's Ministry of Education stated today that the Telegram platform was used to 'defraud' students taking the medical entrance exam, and authorities have blocked the Telegram app until June 22.

India, the world's most populous country, continues to face widespread social discontent as millions struggle to find stable, well-paying jobs despite rapid economic growth.

Students often spend years preparing for exams in hopes of launching professional careers, but limited opportunities and fierce competition have intensified their stress. Indian media have reported teenage suicides following the exam scandal.

In India, intense academic pressure has fueled a massive tutoring industry, with tens of thousands of coaching centers nationwide. However, fierce competition means success often comes at a heavy personal and financial cost, creating opportunities for criminal networks to profit from selling leaked exam papers.

Footage reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI) showed Indian Air Force helicopters on standby today, ready to transport exam papers to prevent leaks. (Translation: Chen Cheng-chien) 1150616