CIC Questions UPSC and DoPT Over Discontinuing Paper-Wise Marks Publication for Civil Service Exams

Cause Title: Aniket Kumar Gupta VERSUS CPIO, UPSC & Anr.

Background

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has criticized the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) over their decision to discontinue publishing paper-wise marks of successful Civil Services Examination (CSE) candidates.

The dispute centers around the non-disclosure of detailed marks secured by recommended candidates in each General Studies paper, optional subject papers, Essay, and Personality Test from CSE 2014 to CSE 2023.

Court's Observation

While hearing a second appeal filed by UPSC aspirant Aniket Kumar Gupta under the Right to Information Act, 2005, a bench of Information Commissioner Anandi Ramalingam directed the DoPT to file comprehensive written submissions along with supporting records explaining why publication of bifurcated marks was stopped and why the Commission should not recommend reinstating the earlier practice.

The CIC noted inconsistencies in the submissions of UPSC and DoPT, with DoPT claiming that subject-wise marks are maintained solely by UPSC, while UPSC stated that such information is shared with DoPT.

Decision

The CIC directed DoPT to file detailed written submissions along with supporting documents, including any policy decisions or circulars behind the discontinuation of the practice, and explain why the Commission should not recommend reinstating the publication of paper-wise marks.

Key Points

• The CIC criticized UPSC and DoPT for their contradictory stances regarding disclosure of paper-wise marks of successful CSE candidates.
• The appellant argued that the lack of official data allows coaching institutes to make misleading claims about “high-scoring” optional subjects and toppers' performances.
• UPSC defended the non-disclosure by claiming that detailed subject-wise marks constitute “personal information.”
• DoPT argued that disclosure could lead to misuse by coaching institutes and create misleading perceptions among aspirants.

Significance

The CIC's decision highlights the importance of transparency in the Civil Services Examination process and the need for the UPSC and DoPT to provide clear and consistent information to candidates.

The case also underscores the challenges faced by aspirants, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in accessing accurate information about the examination process.