The Central Information Commission (CIC) has ordered CBSE to charge only the standard RTI photocopying fees for answer sheets and prohibited the board from blocking re-evaluation for students who use the RTI route.
- CBSE must charge only RTI-prescribed photocopying fees for answer sheets, not exorbitant board fees.
- Students cannot be barred from re-evaluation or verification just because they accessed papers via RTI.
- The CIC cited Section 22 of the RTI Act, asserting it overrides inconsistent institutional rules.
In a landmark ruling that brings significant relief to thousands of students, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has pulled up the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) over its restrictive and expensive policies regarding access to board exam answer sheets. The commission has explicitly directed the board to levy only the photocopying fees prescribed under the RTI Rules, 2012, rather than the steep charges typically demanded by the board's internal processes.
The controversy surfaced after a Class 10 student filed an RTI application to obtain his answer scripts. The student highlighted a stark financial disparity: while the RTI route is affordable, the board's regular process for five subjects could cost up to Rs 10,000, including fees for photocopies, re-verification, and per-question re-evaluation charges. This financial burden often makes transparency inaccessible to students from marginalized backgrounds.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this ruling dismantles a systemic barrier where CBSE used administrative circulars to create a 'pay-to-play' model for academic transparency. By separating the right to information from the right to remedy, the board was essentially penalizing students who chose the legal path of the RTI Act. This decision reinforces the principle that statutory rights cannot be overridden by institutional guidelines.
The CIC took strong exception to a CBSE circular dated May 19, 2025, which stated that candidates obtaining copies via RTI could not subsequently apply for verification or re-evaluation. The Commission observed that such a restriction is contrary to the spirit of transparency and unfairly strips students of their academic remedies.
The supremacy of the RTI Act over institutional bylaws ensures that transparency is a right, not a luxury available only to those who can afford expensive board fees.
To support its decision, the CIC referred to Section 22 of the RTI Act, which grants the legislation overriding effect over any other inconsistent laws or rules. Furthermore, the commission cited the Supreme Court's 2019 judgment in ICSI vs Paras Jain, which established that institutional remedies and RTI frameworks are not mutually exclusive.
| Feature | CBSE Internal Process | RTI Route (as per CIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (up to Rs 10,000) | Nominal Photocopying Fee |
| Re-evaluation Right | Available (Paid) | Now Protected/Available |
| Legal Basis | Board Circulars | RTI Act, 2005 / Section 22 |
The commission has now ordered CBSE to amend its May 19 circular to ensure that students are not forced to choose between knowing their marks and challenging them. This move is expected to set a precedent for other educational boards across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I still apply for re-evaluation if I got my paper through RTI?
Yes, the CIC has ruled that accessing your paper via RTI does not disqualify you from seeking re-evaluation under board rules.
Q2: How much will CBSE charge for answer sheets now?
CBSE is directed to charge only the standard photocopying fees as prescribed by the RTI Rules, 2012.
