<h4>Tamannaah Bhatia’s anarkali, Namrata Shirodkar's jacket look, Manish Malhotra in black: Who wore what at Hyderabad event</h4> Updated on: Aug
Life Style

Tamannaah Bhatia’s anarkali, Namrata Shirodkar's jacket look, Manish Malhotra in black: Who wore what at Hyderabad event Updated on: Aug 30, 2026, 13:22:55 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Tamannaah Bhatia, Manish Malhotra

North Korea's Defence Minister has been dismissed as part of a reshuffle of the country's military leadership, state media reported on Sunday (August 30, 2026)
World

North Korea's Defence Minister has been dismissed as part of a reshuffle of the country's military leadership, state media reported on Sunday (August 30, 2026). The "structural reorganization plans" were decided during a meeting on Saturday (August 29) led by Kim Jong Un

<h4>Woman shares reality of never-ending expenses after moving into a flat: ‘They just keep piling up’</h4><h4>A woman shared how
Latest News

Woman shares reality of never-ending expenses after moving into a flat: ‘They just keep piling up’A woman shared how unexpected household expenses kept piling up after she moved into a rented flat. Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 12:46:57 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google Share via

<h4>Tom Cruise, Abhishek Bachchan, Tara Sutaria, Tom Holland: 9 celebs who opened up about their learning disabilities</h4> Published on: Aug 30
Life Style

Tom Cruise, Abhishek Bachchan, Tara Sutaria, Tom Holland: 9 celebs who opened up about their learning disabilities Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 13:05:55 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Tom Cruise and Tara Sutaria, as well as celebs such as Tom Holland

<h4>‘I worked over the weekends’: Employee seeks advice after HR questions them for being 15 minutes late</h4><h4>An employee has turned
Latest News

‘I worked over the weekends’: Employee seeks advice after HR questions them for being 15 minutes lateAn employee has turned to Reddit for advice after being questioned by HR over 15-minute delays at work. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026, 13:29:43 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via

Even as AI firms expand model capabilities, frontier labs continue to navigate a legal reckoning sparked by the first wave of copyright lawsuits that
Technology

Even as AI firms expand model capabilities, frontier labs continue to navigate a legal reckoning sparked by the first wave of copyright lawsuits that threatened to derail the generative AI boom. The argument from artists has been that AI output that looks like a specific piece of art is because

On the morning of August 29, more than 5,000 people of Indian-origin trickled into New York’s Madison Square Garden to see one man take the stage: Mohan
Politics

On the morning of August 29, more than 5,000 people of Indian-origin trickled into New York’s Madison Square Garden to see one man take the stage: Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party

<h4>NEET PG exam rescheduled for nearly 300 candidates over power outage in Jaipur</h4><h4>The NEET PG examination for all candidates
Latest News

NEET PG exam rescheduled for nearly 300 candidates over power outage in JaipurThe NEET PG examination for all candidates allotted to the particular centre will now be conducted on September 5. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026, 14:06:58 IST ANI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The NEET-PG examination

Disclose tender process for Board exam answer sheet procurement under RTI Act

Posted By: Tarun Kumar Posted On: Jun 16, 2026Share Article
Disclose tender process for Board exam answer sheet procurement under RTI Act
The case arose from an RTI application seeking details of answer books used in Class 10 and 12 board examinations during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 sessions

Disclose tender process for Board exam answer sheet procurement under RTI Act: CIC to CBSE

The Central Information Commission has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education to disclose "point-wise categorical" information, permissible under the Right to Information Act, related to expenditure on exams and details of answer books, including the tendering and procurement process, for Class 10 and 12 board examinations.

After setting aside the CBSE's earlier denial of information under the RTI, the transparency panel asked it to furnish revised replies and said that the information exempt from disclosure may be redacted or masked under Section 10 of the RTI Act, while any denial under Section 8(1)(d) should be properly justified.

The case arose from an RTI application seeking details of answer books used in Class 10 and 12 board examinations during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 sessions, including paper quality, number of pages, size, purchase cost, total expenditure, GST payments and details of the tender process for procurement of answer sheets.

Also Read : Does the Data Act dilute the Right to Information Act? | Explained

In its response, the CBSE disclosed certain specifications of the answer books, stating that the paper used ranged from 60 GSM to 120 GSM, answer books contained 8, 20, 32, 40 or 48 pages and were available in sizes of 22 x 28 cm and 37.5 x 54.5 cm.

The board also said records regarding the weight of individual answer books were not maintained.

However, information relating to the purchase cost of answer books, the number purchased and total expenditure incurred on procurement was denied under Section 8(1)(e) of the RTI Act.

On queries regarding the tender process, names of participating firms, rates quoted and vendor selection, the CBSE said the matter was related to "confidential" and "sensitive" activities of board examinations and claimed exemption under sections 8(1)(d), 8(1)(e) and 8(1)(g) of the Act.

Also read | When students audit the system

The board also stated that expenditure data for examination fees was maintained on a financial year basis instead of academic sessions and declined to provide specific expenditure details. It also informed the applicant that expenditure on practical examinations was booked under a broader expenditure head and could not be segregated separately.

The appellant challenged the response before the CIC, arguing that larger public interest and transparency warranted disclosure of information relating to procurement and expenditure.

Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi observed that the core issue in the appeal was the denial of information related to the "tender process for purchase of answer sheet and other related stationary materials" despite the appellant's contention that larger public interest justified disclosure.

ALSO WATCH Tech troubles in CBSE

The Commission found that the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) had denied information under multiple exemption clauses "without giving any proper justification in this regard".

It also noted that the CPIO neither appeared during the hearing nor filed any written statement to justify the denial of information.

"Accordingly, the impugned reply of the CPIO dated 18.03.2025 in the absence of any justification for denial of the information sought, is hereby set aside," the CIC said.

Referring to transparency in public procurement, the Commission observed that "time and again" the Supreme Court and the CIC had emphasised that such exemptions must be construed strictly to ensure accountability in public procurement and contracts by public authorities.

"Now, considering the averments of the Appellant during hearing regarding irregularity on such tenders, the Commission, deems it fit, to direct, CPIO to revisit the contents of the RTI application in question and provide a revised point-wise categorical replies along with relevant permissible information that can be provided as per the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005," the CIC said.

The CIC further said the CPIO ought to have disclosed permissible information while redacting only those portions exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act.

"Information which are exempted from disclosure be redacted/masked under Section 10 of the RTI Act, 2005. In case the information sought is covered under Section 8 (1)(d) of the RTI Act, 2005, the CPIO may justify such denial by giving justification under Section 19 (5) of the RTI Act, 2005," the order said.

Section 8 (1) (d) deals information such as commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information.

Published - June 14, 2026 09:18 pm IST

education

Comment on Post

Leave a comment

If you have a News Orbit 360 user account, your address will be used to display your profile picture.


A fever during the monsoon can be easy to brush off. But with mosquito-borne infections still circulating, when is it safer to stop waiting and get tested?
Life Style
Gujarat Reports 45% Drop In Malaria

A fever during the monsoon can be easy to brush off. But with mosquito-borne infections still circulating, when is it safer to stop waiting and get tested? Gujarat has reported a significant decline in mosquito-borne diseases this year, with malaria cases falling 45%, dengue by 39

8 hours ago

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Minister B Nagendra's resignation. This resignation followed allegations in an Rs 89 crore corporation scam
Politics
Karnataka Governor accepts Nagendra's resignation as minister

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Minister B Nagendra's resignation. This resignation followed allegations in an Rs 89 crore corporation scam. Nagendra stated he resigned voluntarily to protect the party and government. The opposition BJP-JD(S) had intensified criticism and protests

8 hours ago

<h4>In latest show of ‘car diplomacy’, PM Modi seen sharing a ride with Uzbekistan President</h4><h4>PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev
World
PM Modi shares ride with Uzbekistan President in latest show of ‘car diplomacy’

In latest show of ‘car diplomacy’, PM Modi seen sharing a ride with Uzbekistan PresidentPM Modi and President Mirziyoyev were seen traveling together by car from the airport to the presidential palace, where they then held a dinner meeting. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026

8 hours ago

Addressing concerns about compressed biogas (CBG) becoming increasingly expensive with the revised offtake price, the Union Petroleum Ministry assured the
Business
No material price impact on CBG with revised offtake framework

Addressing concerns about compressed biogas (CBG) becoming increasingly expensive with the revised offtake price, the Union Petroleum Ministry assured the pricing cushioned with government-funded support and stacking with a substantially wider gas pool would avert any material price impact

8 hours ago

<h4>JU political graffiti whitewashed after CM Adhikari’s remarks on campus politics</h4><h4>CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya
Latest News
JU political graffiti whitewashed after CM Adhikari’s remarks on campus politics

JU political graffiti whitewashed after CM Adhikari’s remarks on campus politicsCPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, a former Kolkata mayor, criticised the move saying campuses encourage free thinking Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 14:01:11 IST By HT Correspondent

8 hours ago

Manoj Jarange Patil began his hunger strike seeking OBC caste certificates for Marathas. He demands the disbanding of the Caste Verification Committee and
Politics
Jarange begins 11th fast

Manoj Jarange Patil began his hunger strike seeking OBC caste certificates for Marathas. He demands the disbanding of the Caste Verification Committee and threatens to protest in Mumbai. Jarange Patil wants Marathas to receive Kunbi caste certificates based on historical records

14 hours ago

Bank Holiday Next Week: While digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and ATM services will continue to remain available
Latest News
Bank Holiday Next Week (August 31-September 6)

Bank Holiday Next Week: While digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and ATM services will continue to remain available, physical bank branches of SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and other lenders will remain closed on the applicable dates and in the applicable cities

14 hours ago

<h4>Delhi man kills schizophrenic son, lured him to shipping container on pretext of doctor visit</h4><h4>Police said the accused first
Latest News
Man kills schizophrenic son

Delhi man kills schizophrenic son, lured him to shipping container on pretext of doctor visitPolice said the accused first smashed the victim’s head with a stone and then strangled him. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026, 06:43:07 IST By Karn Pratap Singh Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A

14 hours ago

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded the registration of a first information report against those who carried out a “purification” ritual at
World
Rahul Gandhi demands FIR under SC/ST Act over ‘purification’ after Mallikarjun Kharge rally

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded the registration of a first information report against those who carried out a “purification” ritual at a ground in Uttarakhand, where Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had held a rally earlier this month

14 hours ago

<h4>HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan not seeking reappointment, to retire in October: Report</h4><h4>The bank's board will fast-track the
Business
HDFC Bank CEO not seeking reappointment

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan not seeking reappointment, to retire in October: ReportThe bank's board will fast-track the selection and appointment of Jagdishan's successor as MD and CEO, and complete the process “well within time”. Updated on: Aug 29, 2026

14 hours ago

<h4>‘Good work is appreciated with more work’: Man warns employees about workplace ‘trap’</h4><h4>A man warned that being too
Latest News
Good work is appreciated with more work

‘Good work is appreciated with more work’: Man warns employees about workplace ‘trap’A man warned that being too efficient at work could become a trap and urged employees to set clear boundaries. Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 06:36:52 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google Share via

14 hours ago

<h4>MicahJo Barnett parents: Who are Michelle Barnett and Felix Lora? Inside William Jewell RB's family after tragic death</h4><h4>William
Latest News
MicahJo Barnett parents

MicahJo Barnett parents: Who are Michelle Barnett and Felix Lora? Inside William Jewell RB's family after tragic deathWilliam Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died after suffering a medical emergency during the Cardinals’ season opener against Fort Lewis. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026

14 hours ago

<b>Filip Hrgovic ripped up the script and shattered Moses Itauma's world-title dream as the Briton appeared to punch himself out in an extraordinary
Sports
Itauma punches himself out against Hrgovic in world-title fight

Filip Hrgovic ripped up the script and shattered Moses Itauma's world-title dream as the Briton appeared to punch himself out in an extraordinary heavyweight contest in London. Itauma, 21, controlled most of the fight and scored a second-round knockdown but faded as his relentless output caught up

14 hours ago

<h4>Pharma industry stares down biggest patent cliff in decades</h4><h4>More than $500 billion in projected annual drug sales face patent
Business
Pharma industry stares down biggest patent cliff in decades

Pharma industry stares down biggest patent cliff in decadesMore than $500 billion in projected annual drug sales face patent expirations in the coming years. Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 20:31:02 IST WSJ Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link More than $500 billion in projected annual drug sales

14 hours ago

<b>Manchester City</b><b> have opened talks with </b><b>Liverpool</b><b> about signing attacker Cody Gakpo
Sports
Man City open talks with Liverpool over Gakpo

Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool about signing attacker Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands forward's future is set to become one of the key storylines heading into the final three days of the transfer window. The 27-year-old has attracted concrete interest from City and Tottenham Hotspur

14 hours ago

<h4>China censors Tibet flood reports, viral video pulled down, foreign media restricted</h4><h4>Reports from official Chinese outlets
Latest News
China censors Tibet flood reports

China censors Tibet flood reports, viral video pulled down, foreign media restrictedReports from official Chinese outlets reportedly focused on rescue operations, with limited information about the scale of the damage caused by the floods. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026

14 hours ago

New Delhi, [India] August 29 (ANI): The UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has granted Starlink Satellite
Technology
UAE regulator grants Starlink 10-year licence to provide satellite internet services

New Delhi, [India] August 29 (ANI): The UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has granted Starlink Satellite Communications LLC a 10-year General Space Services Licence to establish, operate and manage a public satellite communications network and provide

14 hours ago

<h4>The Early Spring review: Jing Boran and Sun Qian turn a risky and complicated office romance into addictive television</h4><h4>The Early
Entertainment
The Early Spring Review

The Early Spring review: Jing Boran and Sun Qian turn a risky and complicated office romance into addictive televisionThe Early Spring review: This C-drama aired on August 26 and within ten episodes, it has taken the internet by storm with its mature workplace storytelling. Updated on: Aug 30

14 hours ago

<h4>Subhash Ghai recalls ‘hatha paai’ with Salman Khan before Yuvvraaj, says he abused him: ‘Salim Khan said
Entertainment
Subhash Ghai recalls ‘hatha paai’ with Salman Khan before Yuvvraaj

Subhash Ghai recalls ‘hatha paai’ with Salman Khan before Yuvvraaj, says he abused him: ‘Salim Khan said apologise’Before working on Yuvvraaj, Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai had a confrontation that escalated to a physical altercation, prompting Salim Khan to mediate. Updated on: Aug 30

14 hours ago

<h4>Just Like That: 50 years on, why Mukesh’s voice still still resonates today</h4><h4>Fifty years after his death
Latest News
50 years on, why Mukesh’s voice still still resonates today

Just Like That: 50 years on, why Mukesh’s voice still still resonates todayFifty years after his death, legendary singer Mukesh’s soulful voice, timeless songs and emotional depth continue to resonate with generations of listeners. Published on: Aug 30, 2026

14 hours ago

The Delhi-NCR CNG price rises by Rs 3.89 per kg from August 29. Check new CNG rates in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and Gurugram
Latest News
Delhi-NCR CNG price hiked by Rs 3

The Delhi-NCR CNG price rises by Rs 3.89 per kg from August 29. Check new CNG rates in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and Gurugram. CNG prices in Delhi-NCR have increased by Rs 3.89 per kg from 6 am on Saturday, August 29, putting higher fuel costs on car owners and commercial drivers

14 hours ago

<h4>Woman opens up about the ‘6 to 10 shift’ after office hours: ‘When will I take out time for myself?’</h4><h4>A woman shared how
Latest News
Woman opens up about the ‘6 to 10 shift’ after office hours

Woman opens up about the ‘6 to 10 shift’ after office hours: ‘When will I take out time for myself?’A woman shared how responsibilities after work had left her with little time to focus on her own growth. Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 07:21:41 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google

14 hours ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday asked newspaper Anandabazar Patrika to apologise for using the phrase “saffron hooliganism” in its
World
Apologise within 24 hours

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday asked newspaper Anandabazar Patrika to apologise for using the phrase “saffron hooliganism” in its headline to describe the August 20 clash between student groups at Jadavpur University. “I will ask a news outlet in West Bengal to do

14 hours ago

Across the globe in Australia, a toddler with speech delays delighted her family with her first word -
Life Style
Dolly Parton's dad couldn't read - it inspired her to send books to millions of children

Across the globe in Australia, a toddler with speech delays delighted her family with her first word - "orange" - after she and her twin sister received a free book in the post about colours. It came from Imagination Library, the literacy programme begun by late global superstar Dolly Parton

14 hours ago

The US government plans a 35% passive stake in Alejandro Betancourt's energy company. It also seeks preferential rights to purchase 20% of production at cost
World
US to take 35% stake in Venezuelan mogul Betancourt's oil venture

The US government plans a 35% passive stake in Alejandro Betancourt's energy company. It also seeks preferential rights to purchase 20% of production at cost. This investment is structured through penny warrants for equity without significant capital outlay

14 hours ago

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has appealed to BJP MPs from the state. He urged them to demand the reversal of the recently passed mining bill
Politics
Patnaik urges Odisha BJP MPs to oppose Mines Bill

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has appealed to BJP MPs from the state. He urged them to demand the reversal of the recently passed mining bill. Patnaik stated the legislation would cause significant financial losses for Odisha. He also mentioned the bill takes away control over the state's mineral

14 hours ago

Here is important news for State Bank of India (SBI) account holders. If you have an account with the State Bank, you should be aware of this update
Latest News
Important news for SBI account holders

Here is important news for State Bank of India (SBI) account holders. If you have an account with the State Bank, you should be aware of this update, as it will impact your finances starting October 1st. SBI has made significant changes to its transaction charge policies—specifically regarding

14 hours ago