Telegram returned to Google Play Store— There is a big news for crores of mobile users of the country. After the one-week temporary ban imposed by the Central Government was lifted, the popular messaging platform Telegram is now back available for download on Google Play Store. Keeping in mind the re-exam of NEET-UG 2026, the Central Government had imposed a precautionary ban on Telegram services from June 16 to June 22. However, Apple users using iPhone will have to wait a little longer for this app, because it is not yet visible on Apple’s App Store.

NEET UG controversy: Telegram returns to Google Play Store after a week’s temporary ban, Apple users still waiting

Action was taken to crack down on paper leak and fraud gangs

This whole matter started when the National Testing Agency (NTA) demanded strict action against Telegram from the Central Government and the Ministry of Information Technology regarding the irregularities taking place in the NEET-UG examinations. The agency’s internal investigation had revealed that some organized counterfeit mafia and fraud gangs were using secret channels and groups of this platform. this gang NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam They were misleading the students appearing in the exam in the name of giving fake question papers and were committing fraud by collecting huge amount from them. To protect the future of students and the confidentiality of examinations, the government has Telegram temporarily blocked on June 16 Order to do so was issued.

Official statement and security review

“Compromising the integrity of the examination cannot be tolerated at any cost. This temporary ban was imposed on the recommendation of security agencies, after suspicious activities were found on some channels on Telegram and misleading inputs from students. It is being reinstated on the Play Store after review.”
— Senior official of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Situation and way forward for Apple users

After the return of the app on Google Play Store, Android users are able to update and download it easily. But due to technical and policy review processes, it may take a few hours to a day or two for the app to go live on the Apple App Store. NTA and Cyber ​​Cell teams are still keeping a close eye on such groups on Telegram which share illegal content in the name of competitive examinations. The government has made it clear that if misuse of this platform is found again, more stringent action can be taken under the IT Act.