Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met representatives of several social media firms to demand faster removal of misinformation and exam-related leaks, officials said.
The ministry alerted companies to a recent spike in unverified posts on encrypted and anonymous messaging platforms. These posts included claims of leaked question papers, answer keys and coordinated cheating tips spread through large broadcast channels.
NEET UG Re-examination: what platforms were told
Platforms, notably Telegram, were singled out for enabling quick, hard-to-trace dissemination via large broadcast channels and anonymous groups. The ministry asked firms to remove content that causes confusion or creates an unfair exam environment.
Officials said platforms must present clear action plans to counter false or harmful exam information. They were urged to put in place faster detection and removal mechanisms and to propose improved tools to help track sources when legal cooperation with law enforcement is appropriate.
NEET UG Re-examination: planned security upgrades
Mr. Pradhan referenced a need for "fool proof security" around the upcoming NEET UG Re-examination. The ministry set out multi-layered precautions aimed at securing the re-exam and protecting candidates' interests.
Measures include strict candidate verification, enhanced CCTV coverage at centres, biometric verification to confirm identities, secure logistics for question papers and tighter invigilation procedures. Officials described these steps as part of an effort to ensure a fair and secure exam for all candidates.
The ministry also asked platforms to cooperate with exam authorities and law enforcement to trace and remove channels or posts that circulate leaked material. Companies were requested to share timelines and action points for compliance with examination-related content removal.
Students will face stricter checks at centres, including biometric ID checks and increased surveillance. The ministry said these are operational measures to prevent malpractice and restore confidence in the examination process.
No specific dates or numerical estimates for the spike in leaked posts were disclosed by the ministry. Officials asked social platforms to submit detailed action plans and to step up rapid detection of exam-related violations, while coordinating with relevant authorities.
The meeting followed concerns within the education ministry about the speed and anonymity with which exam-related misinformation spreads via encrypted messaging. Officials framed the demand to social platforms as necessary to maintain exam integrity and protect student welfare.