TV
In a sharp response to growing misinformation campaigns ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET UG 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has flagged more than 120 social media accounts allegedly circulating false information about question paper leaks. The move is based on data collected through its recently launched Suspicious Claims Reporting Portal.
Sources within the agency confirmed to ANI that "acting on inputs received through its newly launched Suspicious Claims Reporting Portal, the testing agency has identified 106 Telegram channels and 16 Instagram accounts pushing fake narratives related to the exam."
Exam Scale and Timelines
This crackdown comes days before the NEET-UG 2025 examination, which is scheduled for May 4 and will be conducted at over 5,000 centres in more than 550 cities across India.
"These channels falsely claimed access to the NEET (UG) 2025 question paper and were misleading students. All such cases have been escalated to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs," sources said, as per ANI.
Social Platforms Asked to Cooperate
The NTA has formally requested both Telegram and Instagram to promptly remove the flagged accounts to prevent undue panic among students. Furthermore, it has asked the platforms to provide identity details of the administrators of these accounts to enable potential legal proceedings.
Spike in Public Submissions
The portal, launched on April 26, has received more than 1,500 reports in less than a week, with the majority linked to Telegram-based fake leak claims. According to the NTA, these fraudulent groups often exploit the anxiety of students to gain traction or monetary benefit.
Public Advisory and Legal Warning
Authorities are urging the public to report instances of unauthorised platforms claiming to possess the paper, individuals asserting access to examination content, and impersonators acting as NTA or government officials.
"The NTA has requested Telegram and Instagram to immediately take down these channels to prevent the spread of falsehoods and unnecessary panic among aspirants," sources added, as quoted by ANI.
Officials have reiterated that such violations attract severe consequences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, which includes provisions for imprisonment and financial penalties.
Appeal for Caution and Reporting
The NTA has advised aspirants to steer clear of unofficial sources and verify any exam-related information through its website. Reports of suspicious activity can be submitted at https://nta.ac.in until 5 PM on the day of the examination.
