Ahead of the NEET UG 2025 exam scheduled for May 4, 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched a robust campaign to combat misinformation. The agency identified 106 Telegram channels and 16 Instagram accounts spreading false claims about question paper leaks and other exam-related scams. These accounts, which misled students with fake narratives, have been reported to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs for further investigation. The NTA has urged Telegram and Instagram to remove these accounts and share admin details for legal action, aiming to curb panic among the 23 lakh candidates registered for the exam.
Key Points:
- 106 Telegram and 16 Instagram accounts flagged for fake leak claims.
- Cases escalated to I4C for cybercrime investigation.
- NTA requests account takedowns and admin details from platforms.
- Over 1,500 public reports received via NTA’s portal since April 26, 2025.
NEET UG 2025 Exam Overview
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 is set to be held on May 4, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM in pen-and-paper mode across 522 cities in India and 14 cities abroad at over 5,000 centers. With more than 23 lakh candidates, this single-session exam is critical for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses. The exam features 180 mandatory questions (45 each from Physics and Chemistry, 90 from Biology) over 3 hours, reverting to the pre-COVID format without optional questions.
Key Points:
- Exam Date: May 4, 2025, 2 PM–5 PM, single shift.
- Format: 180 MCQs, pen-and-paper, no Section B.
- Candidates: Over 23 lakh across 5,000+ centers.
- Syllabus: NCERT-based Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Classes 11–12).
Suspicious Claims Reporting Portal
To tackle misinformation proactively, the NTA launched a Suspicious Claims Reporting Portal on April 26, 2025, at nta.ac.in. The user-friendly platform allows candidates and the public to report three types of violations: unauthorized websites or social media accounts claiming access to NEET papers, individuals alleging possession of exam content, and impersonators posing as NTA or government officials. Over 1,500 submissions have been received, primarily targeting Telegram-based fake leak claims. The initiative aligns with the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which imposes strict penalties for exam malpractices. Reporting is open until 5 PM on May 4, 2025.
Key Points:
- Portal Launch: April 26, 2025, at nta.ac.in.
- Reportable Violations: Fake websites, individuals, impersonators.
- Submissions: 1,500+ reports, mostly Telegram-related.
- Deadline: May 4, 2025, 5 PM.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
Candidates and parents can report suspicious claims via the NTA’s dedicated portal to ensure a fair exam process. The form allows users to describe the issue, specify the platform (e.g., Telegram, Instagram), and upload supporting evidence like screenshots. The NTA advises against engaging with unverified sources to avoid scams.
Steps to Report:
- Visit nta.ac.in and locate the “Suspicious Claims Reporting” link.
- Fill in details: what was observed, where (e.g., Telegram channel name), and when.
- Upload evidence (e.g., screenshots, links).
- Submit the form and note the confirmation for reference.
- Monitor nta.ac.in for updates on reported cases.
Key Points:
- Form Details: Describe issue, platform, and timing; attach evidence.
- Evidence: Screenshots, URLs, or chat logs strengthen reports.
- Avoid Scams: Do not interact with suspicious accounts.
- Contact: For issues, call 011-40759000 or email neetug2025@nta.ac.in.
Context of Past NEET Controversies
The NTA’s actions follow the NEET UG 2024 paper leak controversy, where a Telegram-based leak in Patna, Bihar, led to an FIR and the arrest of 36 individuals, including four MBBS students from AIIMS Patna. The scandal, which involved charges of ₹30–50 lakh for leaked papers, prompted a CBI investigation and a Supreme Court-ordered retest for 1,563 candidates. The NTA clarified that 2024’s high number of perfect scorers (67) was due to a NCERT textbook error and syllabus reduction, not widespread malpractice. These events have heightened the agency’s vigilance for 2025.
Key Points:
- 2024 Leak: Telegram-facilitated in Patna; 36 arrested, CBI probe ongoing.
- Retest: 813 of 1,563 candidates retook the exam on June 23, 2024.
- Perfect Scores: 67 toppers due to NCERT error and 25% syllabus cut.
- Supreme Court: Ruled no mass malpractice, upheld transparency measures.
Why Telegram and Instagram Are Targeted
Telegram and Instagram are popular platforms for exam-related scams due to their anonymity features and wide reach. Telegram’s encrypted groups and lack of a local compliance officer in India make it a hub for illegal activities, including paper leaks and fake claims, as seen in NEET 2024, UGC NET, and MPPSC scandals. Instagram’s visual appeal attracts scammers posting fake leak ads. The NTA’s request for admin details aims to trace and prosecute offenders under the Public Examinations Act.
Key Points:
- Telegram Issues: Anonymity, no India-based compliance officer.
- Instagram Scams: Visual posts mislead students with fake ads.
- Legal Action: Admin details sought for prosecution.
- Past Incidents: Telegram linked to NEET, UGC NET, and board exam leaks.
Tips for NEET UG 2025 Candidates
To avoid falling prey to misinformation, candidates should:
- Rely on official NTA websites (neet.nta.nic.in, nta.ac.in) for updates.
- Download admit cards (released April 30, 2025) from neet.nta.nic.in using application number, password, and security pin.
- Report suspicious Telegram/Instagram accounts via nta.ac.in before May 4, 5 PM.
- Avoid sharing personal details with unverified sources claiming exam content.
- Contact NTA at 011-40759000 or neetug2025@nta.ac.in for queries.
Key Points:
- Official Sources: neet.nta.nic.in, nta.ac.in for authentic updates.
- Admit Card: Available since April 30, 2025; verify details.
- Report Promptly: Use the portal to flag fake accounts.
- Stay Safe: Do not engage with or pay suspicious accounts.
