Telegram usage has been restricted in India amid the NEET UG 2026 exam leak controversy. The app is stuck on “Connecting…” while new downloads are unavailable on app stores. Authorities, including MeitY and NTA, are said to have acted over alleged misuse of channels for spreading fake paper leak claims and misinformation.

Telegram has officially been shut down in India. After moving Delhi High Court, the app that was responsible for leaking the NEET UG 2026 exam paper, has now been banned in India. The app has been delisted from Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India. Existing users cannot chat on the platform. If you try to chat with someone on Telegram right now, you will find yourself staring at the word "Connecting…" in an endless loop. You will be unable to send a message, share a document, or load a group chat.

Telegram ban in India: What is happening right now

At the time of writing, Telegram is not working in India. The app displays a persistent "Connecting…" status on startup and does not allow users to send texts, images, or documents. No tick marks appear after messages are composed. Chats do not refresh, media files will not download, and channels and groups fail to open, regardless of which network or device a user is on.

Until June 22, Telegram will not load in India regardless of which network or device you use. There is no workaround within standard usage. Clearing the app cache, reinstalling, or restarting the phone will make no difference. The disruption is not a bug or outage, it is the result of a government order.