The Central Information Commission (CIC) has criticised the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) over its procedures for accessing exam answer sheets. The Commission has mandated that the board charge students only the nominal photocopying fee stipulated under the Right to Information (RTI) Rules, 2012. This order aims to uphold transparency and accessibility within the educational system.

The issues were brought to light following an RTI application submitted by a Class 10 student who sought copies of his answer sheets. The student highlighted concerns regarding the cost associated with the board’s standard re-evaluation process, which he found to be prohibitively expensive. As outlined in the application, the fees for obtaining photocopies of answer sheets for five subjects reached a total of Rs 2,500, while re-evaluation fees could escalate to around Rs 10,000, creating a significant financial burden for students.

The CIC’s decision includes recommendations for amendments to a CBSE circular that prohibits students who obtain their answer sheets through the RTI Act from requesting further verification or re-evaluation of their answers. This limitation was deemed incompatible with the principles of the RTI Act, which encourages transparency in government and educational institutions.

Details of the RTI Application and Response

While the First Appellate Authority acknowledged the appeal, it remarked that the concerns raised were not directly related to the original RTI inquiries, which convoluted the issue requiring distinct submissions for proper resolution. This response prompted further scrutiny from the CIC as the real intent ascertained was to gain insight into the marking process.

During the hearings, the CBSE’s CPIO reiterated that the student had been provided with the answer sheets strictly following the photocopy fees outlined in the RTI Act. Nonetheless, the CIC maintained that barring students from seeking re-evaluation if they had accessed their answer sheets through RTI compromised their rights under the education and transparency frameworks.

CIC’s Directives to CBSE for Compliance

The CIC underscored that the provisions outlined in the RTI Act take precedence over any conflicting institutional regulations. It referenced Section 22 of the RTI legislation, which affirms that the Act supersedes other laws in cases of inconsistency. Furthermore, the CIC cited a Supreme Court judgement from April 11, 2019, establishing that rights under institutional guidelines and those available under the RTI framework should coexist rather than conflict.

Consequently, the Commission has instructed the CBSE to adopt the RTI photocopying fee structure without further encumbrance and to revise the circular issued on May 19, 2025. This directive aims to facilitate smoother access to exam scripts and ensure students are adequately informed of their rights concerning evaluation processes.

This decision holds substantial significance for students preparing to make informed choices regarding potential verification or re-evaluation of their exam results. By positioning the RTI Act as a foundational tool for transparency, the CIC aims to enhance student rights while ensuring accountability within the educational framework provided by CBSE.

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