Introduction
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers students to access their exam answer sheets from universities, schools, colleges, and government recruitment exams. If you suspect unfair marking, missing answers, or errors in evaluation, filing an RTI for answer sheet access can help you verify your performance.
This guide explains how to file an RTI online for exam answer sheets, the legal provisions under the RTI Act, required fees, and how RTIwala can assist in getting your answer sheet quickly.
Can You Get an Answer Sheet Under RTI?
Yes! In the landmark case CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011), the Supreme Court ruled that answer sheets are “information” under RTI, and students have the right to access them.
Exceptions:
- If the exam is conducted by a private institution, RTI may not apply directly.
- Some universities claim exemptions under Section 8(1)(e) of RTI Act (fiduciary relationship), but courts have ruled in favor of students.
Which Exams Allow Answer Sheet Access Under RTI?
You can file RTI for answer sheets of:
School & Board Exams
- CBSE, ICSE, State Boards (UP Board, Maharashtra Board, etc.)
University Exams
- DU, JNU, IITs, NITs, IIMs, IGNOU, and other public universities
Government Recruitment Exams
- UPSC (IAS, IPS, IFS, NDA, CDS)
- SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS)
- IBPS (Bank PO, Clerk, SO)
- State PSC exams
- Railway (RRB NTPC, Group D)
- UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE
Other Competitive Exams
- NEET, JEE (Mains & Advanced), CLAT, CAT, AIIMS, etc.
How to File RTI Online for Exam Answer Sheet Access?
Step 1: Identify the Exam Conducting Authority
- File RTI with the public authority responsible for the exam.
- Example: For CBSE Board Exams, file RTI to CBSE Board; for UPSC exams, file RTI to UPSC.
Step 2: Visit the Official RTI Portal
- For Central Government Exams: https://rtionline.gov.in/
- For State Boards/Universities: Visit the respective state RTI portal or university website.
Step 3: Draft Your RTI Application
Your RTI request should include:
Applicant’s Details: Full Name, Address, Contact Number, and Email.
Exam Details: Name of the Exam, Roll Number, Exam Date.
Information Sought: Request for a scanned copy of the answer sheet.
Application Fee Payment: ₹10 (via UPI, Net Banking, or Demand Draft).
Sample RTI Application Format:
lessCopyEditTo,
The Public Information Officer,
[Exam Authority Name],
[Exam Authority Address]
Subject: Request for Answer Sheet under RTI Act, 2005
Respected Sir/Madam,
I appeared for the [Exam Name] held on [Date] with Roll No. [Your Roll Number]. As per the Supreme Court judgment in CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011), I request a **certified copy of my answer sheet** under the RTI Act.
I have paid the prescribed **RTI fee of ₹10** via [Online Payment/DD]. Please provide the requested answer sheet at my email/postal address.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]
[Your Address]
Step 4: Pay the RTI Fee
- ₹10 RTI Fee (Standard Fee) can be paid via:
- Online Payment (UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card)
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Additional Charges
- ₹2 per page for photocopying the answer sheet.
- Postal charges (if the hard copy is requested).
Step 5: Submit & Track RTI Application
- After submission, note the RTI Registration Number to track the application.
- Check RTI status online at RTI Online Status.
What If Your RTI Request Is Denied?
🚨 If your RTI request is ignored or rejected, you can:
- File a First Appeal
- Within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the exam authority.
- File a Second Appeal
- To the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) if no response is received.
Common Challenges & Solutions in RTI for Answer Sheets
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| RTI request rejected under “fiduciary relationship” | Cite the Supreme Court ruling (CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay, 2011) |
| No response from PIO within 30 days | File a First Appeal to the FAA |
| High fees demanded for answer sheets | Request fee breakdown and file a complaint |
| Delayed answer sheet access | File a complaint with the CIC/SIC |
How RTI Can Help in Exam Discrepancies?
Verify unfair marking: Check whether all answers were evaluated properly.
Detect missing answers: Find out if an answer was left unmarked.
Challenge exam results: File for re-evaluation based on answer sheet access.
Request answer keys: Compare your answers with the official answer key.
How RTIwala Can Help?
Having trouble filing an RTI for answer sheet access? RTIwala provides:
Custom RTI Drafting for Exam Answer Sheets
RTI Filing Assistance for Government Exams
Follow-up & Appeals for Denied RTI
Legal Consultation for Exam-Related RTI Issues
RTIwala Service Promotion
Make your RTI filing process easier with RTIwala expert services:
- Expert Consultation: Get legal advice on exam-related RTI queries.
- Online RTI: File RTI for answer sheet access.
- Anonymous RTI: Maintain privacy while requesting answer sheets.
- Custom Drafting: Professionally drafted RTI applications.
