Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today (May 20) chaired a high-level review meeting with Central Security and Intelligence Agencies to seek
support for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination, scheduled for June 21, Pradhan stressed the need for heightened vigilance and foolproof security arrangements to ensure a safe, secure and fair conduct of the examination. Senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the Director General of National Testing Agency (NTA) also participated in the meeting, where preparations were reviewed in detail to identify vulnerabilities in advance and ensure timely preventive and corrective measures. In a parallel meeting with representatives of major social media platforms – Meta, Google & Telegram – serious concerns were raised over the growing spread of misinformation related to competitive examinations, particularly through Telegram channels and anonymous online groups. Officials noted that several such channels become highly active in the run-up to major examinations, circulating fake paper leak claims, clickbait content and unverified information that trigger panic, anxiety and confusion among students and parents. It was highlighted that many such links redirect users to automated bots and fake groups designed to amplify misinformation. According to inputs shared by intelligence agencies, multiple suspicious channels are being operated through a limited set of phone numbers, indicating coordinated and organised activity. Taking strong note of the issue, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan directed a focused crackdown on such networks, including proactive identification, blocking and takedown of channels spreading fake information, propaganda and panic before examinations. The Minister emphasised that social media platforms must work in close coordination with the Ministry of Education, NTA and law enforcement agencies to curb misinformation swiftly and protect the integrity of the examination system. He reiterated that safeguarding students from misleading narratives and maintaining public confidence in the examination process remains a top priority for the Government. This is the second high-level meeting chaired by education ministry ahead of Re-NEET on June 21. In the meeting held on May 19 (Tuesday), Pradhan directed authorities to hold coordination meetings with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police across States to ensure robust monitoring and effective implementation of examination arrangements. Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, NTA DG Abhishek Singh, CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and NVS Commissioner Rajesh Lakhani were also present in the meeting.
