The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to provide detailed information regarding the tender process, procurement framework, and expenditure structure related to the purchase of answer books used in Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, in a significant order reinforcing transparency norms under the Right to Information Act in public examination administration.
CIC Sets Aside Refusal
In its ruling, the Commission set aside the Central Board of Secondary Education’s earlier decision denying disclosure of key financial, contractual, and procedural details, and instructed the board to issue revised point-wise responses to the applicant while ensuring that only legally exempt information is redacted in accordance with the RTI Act, 2005.
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The case originated from an RTI application seeking comprehensive details about examination answer sheets used during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 academic sessions, including procurement methodology and supplier selection norms. The applicant had specifically requested information on paper quality, number of pages, dimensions, procurement costs, total expenditure, GST components, and the complete tendering and vendor selection process adopted by the board for national examinations.
Financial Details Withheld Earlier
In its initial response, CBSE shared limited technical specifications of answer books, including paper grades and page formats, but declined to disclose financial details such as procurement cost, quantity purchased, and overall expenditure. It also withheld information regarding participating firms, quoted rates, and selection criteria, citing exemptions under Sections 8(1)(d), 8(1)(e), and 8(1)(g) of the RTI Act, terming the information commercially sensitive and confidential in nature.
However, Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi observed that the exemptions were invoked without adequate justification and that the Central Public Information Officer failed to substantiate the denial during proceedings. The Commission emphasized that while Section 8 of the RTI Act permits withholding certain categories of information, such exemptions must be applied narrowly and supported by clear reasoning.
Redactions Allowed Under RTI
The Commission further noted that non-exempt information must be disclosed, and sensitive portions may be redacted under Section 10 rather than being withheld in entirety.
The CIC underscored that transparency in public procurement is essential for accountability, particularly in institutions responsible for conducting large-scale national examinations involving millions of students. It directed CBSE to revisit the RTI request and provide revised categorical disclosures while ensuring compliance with statutory safeguards.
The order also reaffirmed that public authorities must maintain a balance between commercial confidentiality and the public’s right to information, especially in matters involving government-funded educational infrastructure.
Procurement Transparency Reinforced
The ruling is expected to strengthen scrutiny of procurement practices within examination bodies and reinforce compliance standards under the RTI framework. It also highlights the growing judicial emphasis on transparency in educational governance, expenditure management, and accountability in public examination systems across India.
The order is expected to influence future RTI interpretations in educational procurement and examination administration nationwide.
