NationalSunday, 14 June 2026·The Hindu - National
CIC orders CBSE to disclose answer-sheet tender details under RTI Act, 2005
The CIC set aside CBSE’s denial and asked for point-wise disclosure on answer-book procurement, tendering and expenditure for Class 10 and 12 exams.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In March 2025, the Central Information Commission set aside CBSE’s reply and directed disclosure of point-wise information on answer books, tendering and procurement for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations under the RTI Act, 2005.
Key specifics
- The RTI request covered the 2023-24 and 2024-25 sessions of Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations.
- CBSE disclosed answer-book paper quality ranging from 60 GSM to 120 GSM.
- Answer books were said to contain 8, 20, 32, 40 or 48 pages and sizes of 22 x 28 cm and 37.5 x 54.5 cm.
- The CIC cited Section 10 and Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, 2005 while asking for permissible disclosure.
- Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi held that the CPIO had not justified denial of tender-process details.
Exam lens
Question type: Polity and governance, RTI Act, public procurement transparency. TNPSC one-liner: know the RTI Act, 2005, Section 10 redaction, and why the CIC insisted on point-wise disclosure for CBSE procurement.