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The Central Information Commission (CIC) has advised the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to reinstate the practice of publishing the detailed, paper-wise marks of candidates recommended in the Civil Services Main examination.
The recommendation came after the CIC found that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) could not produce any official record explaining the discontinuation of the practice from 2018 onwards.
CIC Seeks Paper-Wise Marks Disclosure
The matter originated from a Right to Information (RTI) application seeking comparative data on the marks obtained by selected candidates in individual General Studies papers, optional subject papers and the Personality Test for a 10-year period up to 2023.
The applicant also sought information on the performance of different optional subjects. According to the application, UPSC had publicly disclosed paper-wise marks of recommended candidates until 2017, while only aggregate marks have been made available since 2018.
The applicant argued that the lack of paper-wise data makes it difficult for aspirants to understand performance trends across different papers and optional subjects.
The CIC noted that the DoPT was given a final opportunity to produce records supporting the discontinuation of the practice. However, it failed to provide any file noting, office memorandum, policy decision or other official document establishing that such a decision had been taken.
UPSC, DoPT Clarify Position
During the proceedings, UPSC informed the commission that after the declaration of the final result, the detailed break-up of marks is forwarded to the DoPT and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
The DoPT, meanwhile, stated that the detailed marks are generated and maintained by UPSC.
The CIC observed that disclosure of detailed marks would promote transparency and fairness in the selection process. It also pointed out that candidates appearing for the Civil Services Main examination are required to secure at least 10 per cent marks in each of the seven competitive written papers.
CIC Directs Disclosure Of 2018-2023 Marks
The CIC issued an advisory under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, recommending that the earlier practice of publishing detailed marks be reinstated.
It also directed the DoPT to provide the RTI applicant with the detailed marks secured by recommended candidates in each General Studies paper, optional subject paper and the Personality Test for the Civil Services examinations held from 2018 to 2023.
The commission further observed that making optional-subject marks available could help aspirants make more informed choices instead of relying on potentially unreliable sources for information about performance across different subjects.
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