CBSE Answer Sheet Photocopy: CIC Directs Board to Charge Fees Strictly as per RTI Rules

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to charge students only the prescribed fee under the Right to Information (RTI) Rules when they seek photocopies of their evaluated answer sheets. The direction came after a student challenged the higher charges imposed by CBSE for obtaining answer-sheet copies through its regular process.

The CIC has also raised concerns over a CBSE provision that restricts students who obtain answer sheets through RTI from subsequently seeking verification or revaluation. The commission observed that an internal CBSE circular cannot override the provisions and objectives of the RTI Act.

CBSE Answer Sheet Photocopy Fees: RTI Rules vs Regular Process

The issue arose because CBSE's regular process for obtaining answer-sheet copies involved considerably higher charges. According to the case details, a student had been required to pay Rs 2,500 for copies of answer sheets for five subjects, along with separate charges for re-verification and re-evaluation.

The student instead sought copies under the RTI Act, arguing that the applicable RTI fee should be charged. The CBSE CPIO subsequently informed the student that the requested answer sheets had been provided after payment of the prescribed RTI fee.

The CIC's latest direction reinforces the distinction between CBSE's regular examination-related services and requests made specifically under the RTI Act.

Students should therefore distinguish between applying for answer-sheet copies through CBSE's regular examination procedure and requesting the same information under the RTI Act.

CIC Questions CBSE Restriction on Revaluation

Apart from the CBSE answer sheet photocopy fee, the CIC also examined a restriction contained in CBSE's May 19, 2025 circular. The circular indicated that candidates who obtained their answer sheets through RTI could not subsequently seek verification or revaluation through the applicable CBSE process.

The commission observed that preventing a candidate from seeking revaluation merely because the answer sheet was obtained through RTI would be inconsistent with the purpose of transparency legislation. The CIC recommended that CBSE amend the circular to bring it in line with the RTI framework.

Why the CIC Order Matters for CBSE Students

The CIC decision on CBSE answer sheets may provide relief to students who want to inspect or obtain copies of their evaluated answer scripts without paying the higher charges applicable under CBSE's regular process.

Access to evaluated answer sheets allows students to understand how their answers were assessed and to identify possible issues relating to evaluation. The RTI framework provides a separate mechanism for seeking information held by public authorities, subject to the applicable provisions and fees.

The CIC's decision also reiterates the broader principle that administrative or internal rules should remain consistent with statutory RTI provisions.

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