CIC Pulls Up CBSE Over Answer Sheets & Costs RTI Filed by Student

The Central Information Commission (CIC) on September 7, 2026, directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to charge photocopying fees for answer scripts strictly according to RTI Rules, 2012. The CIC also recommended that the board amend its circular restricting revaluation after students obtain answer sheets through the Right to Information (RTI) route.

This significant ruling stems from a Class 10 student’s RTI application seeking photocopies of answer sheets, highlighting concerns over evaluation and the high costs associated with CBSE’s regular post-result procedures. The decision underscores the overriding effect of the RTI Act over internal institutional guidelines, potentially easing the financial burden and enhancing transparency for students.

CBSE RTI Answer Sheets: Fee Structure and Restrictions

The Central Information Commission’s directive mandates that CBSE provide copies of answer scripts sought under the RTI Act by charging photocopying fees strictly in accordance with the RTI Rules, 2012. As per CBSE’s official website, photocopying charges for documents are Rs 2 per page, plus postal charges. The RTI application fee is Rs 10, with exemptions available for BPL applicants.

A key point of contention addressed by the CIC is the CBSE circular dated May 19, 2025. This circular permits students to obtain copies of answer books under the RTI Act but explicitly states that candidates who follow this route cannot next seek verification or revaluation. The CIC has objected to this rule, recommending its amendment under Section 25(5) to align with the provisions and spirit of the RTI Act.

Student’s Grievance and High Costs

The CIC’s intervention was prompted by a Class 10 student who filed an RTI application seeking photocopies of his answer sheets. The student had previously faced substantial costs through CBSE’s regular post-result procedures. To obtain photocopies of answer sheets for five subjects, the student was required to pay Rs 2,500. An additional Rs 2,500 was needed for re-verification, while re-evaluation carried a separate charge of Rs 100 per question, potentially leading to a total cost of nearly Rs 10,000 for all remedies.

The CBSE’s Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), in a response dated July 2, 2025, informed the candidate that the requested answer books had been sent by email after the prescribed fee was paid. However, the student later filed a first appeal, raising questions about blank pages in the answer books, the moderation policy, and the overall evaluation process.

CBSE Post-Result Procedure Costs (Student’s Application)

Legal Precedent and CIC’s Stance

The CIC’s ruling is firmly rooted in legal precedents. Section 22 of the RTI Act explicitly states that the transparency law has an overriding effect over provisions contained in other laws, rules, or instruments where there is any inconsistency. In addition, the Supreme Court’s judgment on April 11, 2019, in the ICSI vs Paras Jain case, held that remedies available under an institution’s internal guidelines and those available under the RTI framework are not mutually exclusive.

Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi emphasized the need for greater transparency and efficiency, stating, “It is the dire need of today’s scenario that CBSE should introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the timelines for submission/providing the marks or answer sheet on the request of students.” The CIC has previously asked CBSE to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation for denying RTI seeking copies of answer sheets in a separate case, highlighting its consistent stand on the matter.

Recommendations and Future Outlook

Beyond the immediate directives, the Central Information Commission has recommended that CBSE introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing timelines for providing marks or answer sheets on student requests. This recommendation, published on June 30, 2026, aims to make easier the process and ensure timely access to information for students.

The CIC’s directive to amend the May 19, 2025, circular is crucial. If implemented, it would allow students who obtain their answer sheets through RTI to still pursue verification or revaluation, providing a more complete and accessible grievance redressal mechanism. This move is expected to significantly benefit students by reducing financial burdens and increasing accountability in the evaluation process.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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