Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting along with officials from the Ministry of Education, central intelligence and security agencies, as well as representatives of the National Testing Agency (NTA). During the meeting, he directed the authorities to launch a strict crackdown on fake channels on the messaging application Telegram, as well as other online misinformation networks ahead of the upcoming NEET UG 2026 re-examination. 

According to officials, the meeting was aimed at assessing security arrangements and preparedness for the crucial pan-India medical entrance examination, which was enveloped in controversy following a paper leak earlier this month. 

Minister emphasises need for heightened vigilance

The discussions headed by the Minister were centred on ramping up examination security, identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring the re-test is conducted in a smooth, safe, transparent and fair way. Officials reviewed preventive strategies and emergency response mechanisms aimed at avoiding any disruption or controversy during the examination process. 

Minister Pradhan called for heightened vigilance and robust coordination among agencies to maintain the integrity of the examination system. 

Govt flags misinformation campaigns

In a separate interaction with representatives from major technology and social media companies, such as Meta, Google and Telegram, officials raised concerns regarding the growing propagation of misinformation linked to competitive examinations. Authorities underscored that several anonymous Telegram channels and online groups often become highly active before major exams, circulating fake paper leak claims, fabricated alerts and misleading content designed to trigger panic among students and parents. 

Furthermore, they pointed out that many suspicious links redirect users to automated bots and fake discussion groups that further amplify misinformation online. 

According to intelligence inputs discussed during the meeting, multiple dubious channels were allegedly being operated through a limited number of phone numbers, suggesting a coordinated and organised misinformation network. 

Minister Pradhan demands strict action

Minister Pradhan took cognisance of the issue and directed authorities to proactively identify, block and remove channels involved in spreading fake information and propaganda related to the exam. He also issued orders to social media companies to coordinate with the Ministry of Education, the NTA and law enforcement agencies to ensure rapid response against misleading content. 

The Union government reiterated that shielding students from misinformation and ensuring public confidence in competitive examinations remain among their top priorities.