CIC holds CCC exam question papers and answer keys cannot be shared under RTI as they exist only in encrypted format

April 15, 2026 : The Central Information Commission (CIC) has upheld the decision of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) to deny access to a candidate’s question paper and answer key from the Course on Computer Concepts (CCC) examination under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The case arose from an RTI application filed by Ganesh Nath on November 9, 2024, seeking a copy of his question paper and the corresponding answer key for a CCC examination. The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of NIELIT responded on November 21, 2024, stating that such information could not be provided because it is stored in an encrypted format within the examination software and is not available in a readable or printable form.

Unhappy with the response, the applicant filed a first appeal, alleging that the information provided was incomplete and misleading. However, the First Appellate Authority disposed of the appeal in January 2025, affirming the CPIO’s position.

The matter eventually reached the CIC. During the hearing held on April 15, 2026, NIELIT officials reiterated that CCC examination data, including question papers, candidate responses, and answer keys, are securely stored in encrypted form and cannot be accessed in conventional formats after the exam concludes. They explained that the question paper is visible only during the examination session and is automatically closed and archived once the test ends, making post-exam retrieval in a readable format technically unavailable.

The Commission also took note of the respondent’s reliance on established RTI principles, including Department of Personnel and Training guidelines, which clarify that only information that exists and is accessible in material form can be provided under the Act. Public authorities are not required to create, interpret, or reconstruct information that does not exist in an accessible format.

After examining the records and submissions, Information Commissioner P. R. Ramesh concluded that the CPIO had adequately addressed the queries. The Commission observed that the requested information was not available in an accessible form within official records and therefore could not be disclosed under the RTI Act.

Accordingly, the CIC dismissed the appeal, holding that no further intervention was warranted. The decision was issued on April 15, 2026, and a copy was directed to be provided to both parties free of cost.

Case Title : Ganesh Nath vs CPIO: National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology-(NIELIT) (Min. of MeitY), New Delhi