Introduction
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, allows students to access their university exam answer sheets and seek clarity on marking discrepancies. If you suspect unfair evaluation, incorrect marks, or missing answers, you have the legal right to request a copy of your answer sheet and evaluation details through RTI.
This guide explains how to file RTI online for university exam paper access, including the steps, required documents, fees, and appeal process.
When Should You File RTI for University Exams Paper Access?
Unfair marking or incorrect total marks
Missing answers or unchecked responses
Re-evaluation results not provided
Delayed or incorrect result declaration
University refuses to share answer sheets
Exam rules and criteria for evaluation
Universities Covered Under RTI
RTI can be filed for exam paper access in:
Central Universities (DU, JNU, AMU, BHU, IGNOU, Jamia Millia Islamia, etc.)
State Universities (Mumbai University, Calcutta University, Madras University, etc.)
Technical & Engineering Institutes (IITs, NITs, IIITs, IIMs, AIIMS, etc.)
Law & Medical Universities (NLUs, AIIMS, PGI, etc.)
Private Universities (Limited RTI Applicability) – If they receive government funding, RTI can be filed through UGC, AICTE, or the State Education Department.
How to File RTI Online for University Exam Paper Access?
Step 1: Identify the University’s RTI Authority
- For Central Universities → File RTI via RTI Online Portal.
- For State Universities → File RTI via the State Government RTI Portal or directly to the University Registrar’s Office.
- For Private Universities → File RTI to UGC, AICTE, or the State Education Department if the university is affiliated with them.
Step 2: Visit the RTI Online Portal
- For Central Govt. Universities → https://rtionline.gov.in/
- For State Universities → Visit the respective State RTI Portal or university website.
Step 3: Draft Your RTI Application
Sample RTI Application for Exam Paper Access:
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The Public Information Officer (PIO),
[University Name],
[University Address]
Subject: Request for University Exam Answer Sheet & Evaluation Details Under RTI Act, 2005
Respected Sir/Madam,
I appeared for the **[Course Name] Semester/Annual Exam [Exam Year]**, held in **[Month]**, and my Roll Number is **[Your Roll No.]**. I request the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:
1. **Certified copy of my answer sheet for [Subject Name & Paper Code].**
2. **Breakdown of marks awarded for each question and total calculations.**
3. **Evaluation criteria used for this exam.**
4. **Details of the examiner who evaluated my paper (if permissible).**
5. **Clarification regarding re-evaluation process (if requested previously).**
I have paid the prescribed RTI fee of **₹10** via **[Online Payment/Postal Order/DD]**. Kindly provide the requested information at the earliest.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]
[Your Postal Address]
Step 4: Pay the RTI Fee
Online Payment (Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Indian Postal Order (IPO)
Demand Draft (DD)
Additional Fees:
- ₹2 per page for photocopies of answer sheets.
- Actual cost for postal delivery if requesting a physical copy.
Step 5: Submit & Track Your RTI Request
🔹 Submit RTI Online via https://rtionline.gov.in/ or via registered post to the university’s RTI office.
🔹 Track RTI Status: Visit RTI Online Status and enter your RTI reference number.
🔹 Response Time: Authorities must respond within 30 days.
What If the University Refuses to Provide Answer Sheets?
🚨 If your RTI request is ignored or rejected, you can:
1️⃣ File a First Appeal
- To the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the University within 30 days of no response.
2️⃣ File a Second Appeal
- If no response is received, escalate the matter to the State/Central Information Commission (SIC/CIC).
3️⃣ Seek Legal Action
- If answer sheets are denied despite Supreme Court rulings.
📜 Supreme Court Ruling on Exam Answer Sheets
- CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011): Answer sheets fall under RTI, and students have the right to access them.
Common RTI Queries for University Exam Discrepancies
| RTI Query | Where to File RTI? |
|---|---|
| Get a copy of answer sheet | University Registrar / PIO |
| Discrepancy in marks | University Exam Controller |
| Breakdown of marks | University Exam Department |
| Re-evaluation process details | University RTI Officer |
| Delayed results | University Administration |
| Pending degree or mark sheet | Examination Department |
How RTI Helps in Exam Score Discrepancies?
Ensures Transparency in Marking Process
Detects Errors in Answer Sheet Evaluation
Prevents Unfair Deduction of Marks
Helps Challenge Wrong Re-Evaluation Results
How RTIwala Can Help?
Facing issues in obtaining your university answer sheet or exam scores? RTIwala provides:
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RTI Filing Assistance for Exam Evaluation Issues
Tracking & Follow-Up on RTI Applications
Appeals Against RTI Denial by Universities
RTIwala Service Promotion
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