UPSC told to disclose ’06 candidates’ marks

NEW DELHI: In a directive that could make civil service examinations more transparent, the Central Information Commission (CIC) on Monday asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to disclose within two weeks the marks secured by candidates in the ‘06 preliminary examination. This landmark decision came on a right to information petition filed by over 2,000 unsuccessful candidates who alleged foul play in the rating system for aspirants.

The traditional practice of not disclosing marks secured in the preliminary examinations, these students argued, was posing a major obstacle in scrutinising the authenticity and accuracy of their preliminary examination marks and thus the cut-off mark, which is the basis for qualifying for the next round of this intensely competitive examination.

Delivering its ruling, a full bench of the CIC asked the UPSC to reveal the cut-off marks in optional papers of the shortlisted candidates who made it to the mains examination.

The commission also directed the UPSC to disclose its scaling system saying that it involves large public interest and provides a level-playing field to all aspirants.

“All our orders are aimed at making the system more transparent and this order has also been passed with that objective in mind,” said Wajahat Habibullah, Chief Information Commissioner.