The Indian government's decision to block messaging platform Telegram under Section 69A of the IT Act ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination has triggered a massive surge in VPN app downloads across the country. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN have reported up to 300 per cent increases in downloads since the ban was announced, as users seek ways to access the blocked platform.
The Telegram Ban
The government directed internet service providers to block Telegram from June 17 until June 22, citing concerns that the platform was being used to leak NEET-UG 2026 examination papers. The move came after the National Testing Agency (NTA) reported that large Telegram groups were allegedly sharing exam content in violation of examination integrity.
Telegram, which has over 200 million users in India, is particularly popular among students for study groups, exam preparation resources, and educational content sharing. The ban has disrupted millions of students who rely on the platform for collaborative learning.
VPN Adoption Spike
| VPN Service | Download Increase | India Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | +320% | 28% |
| NordVPN | +290% | 25% |
| ProtonVPN | +250% | 18% |
| Surfshark | +210% | 12% |
| Others | +180% | 17% |
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The surge in VPN usage raises complex legal questions. While using a VPN is not illegal in India, circumventing a government-mandated block could potentially violate the IT Act. The government has previously warned that it may require VPN providers to maintain logs of user activity — a proposal that led several major providers to exit the Indian market in 2024.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between digital rights and national security in India. Student groups have protested the ban, arguing that it unfairly punishes millions of legitimate users for the actions of a few. The matter is expected to be reviewed after the NEET re-examination concludes on June 22.
