Dharmendra Pradhan Chairs Meet on NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak, Calls for Crackdown on Misinformation

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meet after the NEET UG 2026 paper leak on Wednesday. Several social media channels, particularly that on Telegram, came under scanner for circulating fake paper leak claims and spreading misinformation related to competitive examinations. He called for a targeted crackdown on networks spreading fake information ahead of examinations, directing authorities to proactively identify, block and remove channels circulating misinformation, propaganda and panic-inducing content. Officials said several such channels become particularly active ahead of major examinations, spreading fake paper leak claims, clickbait and unverified information that fuel panic and confusion among students and parents, ANI reported. Many of these links, they noted, redirect users to automated bots and bogus groups aimed at amplifying misinformation. Pradhan stressed that social media platforms should closely coordinate with the ministry of education, the National Testing Agency and law enforcement agencies to swiftly tackle misinformation and preserve the credibility of the examination system. Pradhan also reiterated that protecting students from misleading narratives and maintaining public trust in the examination process remain key priorities for the government. Senior officials from the ministry of education and the director general of the National Testing Agency attended the meeting, where preparations for upcoming examinations were reviewed to identify vulnerabilities and ensure timely preventive and corrective measures. A parallel meeting was also held with representatives from Meta, Google and Telegram, during which concerns were raised over the growing spread of misinformation related to competitive examinations through Telegram channels and anonymous online groups. NEET UG 2026 re-examination has been scheduled for June 21, 2026, after the earlier exam was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities.