RTI for APSC – Assam Public Service Commission Exam Marks and Selection

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is the constitutional body responsible for recruitment to the civil services of Assam. Established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India, APSC conducts examinations for the most competitive and sought-after state government posts — from Deputy Commissioner to Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers — as well as a wide range of technical and specialist recruitments. For the lakhs of candidates who prepare for APSC examinations each cycle, questions about marks, answer sheet evaluation, cut-off scores, and reservation compliance are not merely academic — they can determine the direction of a career.

Yet APSC does not routinely publish individual marks breakdowns, evaluated answer scripts, or detailed merit list formulas. The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the statutory right to compel APSC to provide this information. This guide explains what APSC recruits for, what RTI can fetch, how to file, and how to escalate to the Assam Information Commission (AIC) if APSC does not cooperate.

APSC's Key Examinations

APSC is not a single-exam body. It conducts multiple recruitment cycles each year, and the examination structure differs significantly across them:

Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)

The CCE is APSC's flagship examination, recruiting for Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), and a range of Group A and Group B gazetted posts across state departments. The CCE typically has three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination — objective-type (multiple choice), used as a screening test; marks in the preliminary do not count in the final merit list
2. Main Examination — written, conventional-type papers covering General Studies, English Essay and Composition, and optional subject papers; these marks count directly toward the final merit list
3. Interview/Personality Test — conducted by APSC for candidates who qualify the Main Examination; contributes a specified number of marks to the final aggregate

Assistant Commissioner Examination

Recruitment to the post of Assistant Commissioner in the Assam Revenue Service is conducted separately or through the CCE. The examination pattern, written papers, and interview weightage may differ from the general CCE cycle.

Medical Officer Examination

APSC recruits Medical Officers for the Directorate of Health Services, Assam. This examination is for MBBS graduates and typically involves a written examination on clinical subjects and public health, followed by an interview.

Junior Grade of Assam Engineering Service (AES) / Assam Electrical Service

APSC conducts examinations for Assistant Engineer-level posts in the Public Works Department (PWD), Water Resources Department, and Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). These are technical examinations with engineering subject papers.

Other Recruitments

APSC also recruits for posts such as Assistant Director in various state departments, Lecturer in Government colleges (alongside the Assam College Service Commission / ASCSC in some cases), and other Group A and Group B gazetted posts notified through advertisements on the APSC website.

Each examination has its own advertisement number, paper structure, and selection formula. When filing RTI, always quote the specific Advertisement Number (Advt. No.) and the name of the examination to avoid ambiguity.

Assam-Specific Reservation Categories

Assam's reservation framework is more complex than in most other states, and RTI is an important tool for verifying that reservation norms have been correctly applied in APSC recruitments. The key categories are:

SC (Scheduled Castes) — communities notified as Scheduled Castes in Assam under the Presidential Order, as amended. The SC reservation percentage in Assam is prescribed by the state government.

ST (Scheduled Tribes) — Plains — includes communities such as Bodo, Mising (Miri), Lalung (Tiwa), Deori, Rabha, Sonowal Kachari, Thengal Kachari, and others. Plains ST communities differ from Hills ST communities and may have separate roster points.

ST (Scheduled Tribes) — Hills — includes communities from the hill districts of Assam (Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and West Karbi Anglong). The distinction between ST-Plains and ST-Hills is significant in Assam and directly affects reservation roster compliance.

OBC/MOBC (Most Other Backward Classes) — Assam uses the category "MOBC" to denote the Most Other Backward Classes, a state-specific OBC sub-categorisation. The MOBC list in Assam includes communities such as Koch-Rajbongshi, Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Tai-Ahom, and others. The MOBC reservation percentage and the communities included have been subject to litigation and revision. RTI can be used to verify that the correct MOBC list was applied in a given recruitment cycle and that the roster was maintained properly.

EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) — 10% horizontal reservation for candidates not covered by SC/ST/OBC/MOBC, whose family income falls below the threshold prescribed by the Government of Assam. EWS reservation implementation in state recruitments has been phased in after the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.

Understanding which category you belong to — and whether APSC correctly applied category-wise cut-offs and roster compliance — is a primary purpose of RTI in APSC contexts.

What RTI Can Get You from APSC

A well-drafted RTI application to APSC can yield:

Paper-wise marks — your marks in each paper of the Preliminary (for verification only, as it does not count in final merit) and each Mains paper, broken down as recorded in APSC evaluation. For objective papers, this includes raw score and any negative marks applied.

Evaluated answer script copies — the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench in CBSE & Anr. v. Aditya Bandopadhyay & Ors. (2011) held that evaluated answer scripts of examinees are "information" under the RTI Act, and that examinees are entitled to access them. APSC cannot lawfully refuse this on the basis that answer scripts are held in a "fiduciary" capacity or that disclosure would cause third-party harm — the Supreme Court specifically rejected both those arguments in the context of public examination boards.

Final answer keys — the answer key applied during OMR evaluation for objective-type papers, including the final answer key adopted by APSC after considering candidate objections. If the answer key was revised after initial publication, RTI can reveal which answers were changed and why.

Category-wise cut-off marks — the minimum qualifying marks for each stage (Preliminary, Mains) broken down by category (General/Unreserved, SC, ST-Plains, ST-Hills, OBC/MOBC, EWS, PWD). Comparing your score against the published cut-off is a basic check; APSC's RTI response makes this comparison possible with official figures.

Merit list details — your roll number's rank in the final merit list, total candidates in the list, and category-wise breakup. If you cleared all stages but were not selected, RTI can confirm whether all notified vacancies were filled and whether there is a carry-forward of vacancies.

Interview records — marks awarded to you at the Interview/Personality Test stage, the names and designations of the Interview Board members who assessed you, and the date of the interview. APSC cannot withhold your own interview marks under Section 8(1)(j) (personal information) since the interview forms part of a public selection process for a public post.

Reservation roster and compliance records — the category-wise selection list showing how vacancies were filled against each roster point, confirming whether SC/ST-Plains/ST-Hills/MOBC/EWS reservation norms were properly followed.

Recruitment rules and notification — the service rules or recruitment rules governing the post(s) being filled, the advertisement itself, and any addendum or corrigendum issued during the recruitment cycle.

Where to File RTI for APSC

APSC is an Assam state public authority under Article 315 of the Constitution. The appeal chain is entirely within Assam's state RTI framework:

CPIO, APSC (First response: 30 days — Section 7(1))
        ↓ (if no response or unsatisfactory response)
First Appellate Authority (FAA), APSC (Section 19(1))
        ↓ (if FAA response unsatisfactory)
Assam Information Commission (AIC) (Section 19(3))

Second appeals go to the Assam Information Commission (AIC) — not to the Central Information Commission (CIC) in New Delhi. APSC is a state body; the CIC has no jurisdiction over it. Filing at CIC would be in the wrong forum and dismissed.

The AIC was constituted under Section 15 of the RTI Act, 2005, which requires every state government to establish a State Information Commission. The AIC has the same powers as the CIC within Assam: it can direct disclosure, impose a personal penalty under Section 20 (₹250 per day up to ₹25,000) on the errant CPIO, and recommend disciplinary proceedings against him or her.

How to File RTI with APSC: Step by Step

Step 1 — Collect your examination details

Before drafting, gather:

• Your Roll Number as it appeared on the admit card
• The Advertisement Number (Advt. No.) of the specific recruitment
• The exact name of the examination (e.g., Combined Competitive Examination, 2023)
• The stages you appeared in (Preliminary / Main / Interview)
• The date(s) of the examination and, if applicable, the date of your interview

Step 2 — Draft specific, targeted questions

Vague requests ("provide all information about my result") invite incomplete or evasive responses. Draft each question as a separate numbered point. Use the sample RTI in this guide as your starting draft. Be specific: name the examination, the advertisement number, and the paper or stage for which you want marks or answer sheet copies.

Step 3 — File online via rtionline.gov.in

APSC is a state body but Assam is listed on the central RTI portal (rtionline.gov.in) as the filing mechanism. You can also file through the Assam government's own portal if one is available. At the time of publication, rtionline.gov.in is the primary online channel for APSC RTI applications:

1. Visit rtionline.gov.in and register with your mobile number and email
2. Select Assam as the state and then Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) as the public authority
3. Fill in or upload your RTI application text
4. Pay the ₹10 fee online (BPL cardholders select fee exemption and attach a self-attested BPL card copy)
5. Save the registration number — this is your tracking reference, and the 30-day response period under Section 7(1) runs from the date APSC receives the application

Step 4 — Alternatively, file by post

Send your typed and signed RTI application by speed post or registered post to:

The CPIO, Secretary, Assam Public Service Commission, Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, Guwahati – 781022, Assam

Enclose an Indian Postal Order (IPO) of ₹10 drawn in favour of the Secretary, Assam Public Service Commission. Retain your speed post tracking slip — it establishes the date of dispatch and is essential evidence if APSC fails to respond.

Step 5 — Track and escalate if needed

APSC must respond within 30 days of receipt (Section 7(1)). If it does not, or if the response is incomplete or unsatisfactory:

• First Appeal (Section 19(1)): File with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) at APSC — an officer senior in rank to the CPIO, typically the Joint Secretary or Secretary — within 30 days of the date of the CPIO's decision or expiry of the 30-day response period, whichever is applicable. No fee is payable.
• Second Appeal (Section 19(3)): If the FAA also fails to give a satisfactory response, file with the Assam Information Commission (AIC) within 90 days of the FAA's decision or the date by which it should have been made. No fee.

Detailed Information You Can Request

Your Own Marks and Cut-Offs

Ask for marks paper-by-paper, not just a total. For objective exams, ask for: (a) total questions attempted, (b) correct answers credited, (c) negative marks applied, (d) net marks. For descriptive Mains papers, ask for marks in each question or section. Also ask for the category-wise, stage-wise cut-offs — this allows you to independently check whether you crossed the threshold or not.

Evaluated Answer Script

This is frequently the most revealing request. Specify: the Hall Ticket/Roll Number, the Advertisement Number, the stage of examination, and the exact paper(s) for which you want the copy. For OMR-based papers, also ask for the evaluated OMR sheet image and the answer key applied. For Mains descriptive papers, request the complete evaluated booklet with the examiner's markings. APSC cannot refuse this under Section 8(1)(e) (fiduciary relationship) — the Supreme Court in Aditya Bandopadhyay specifically held that examination boards cannot invoke this exemption for answer scripts.

Reservation Roster and MOBC Compliance

Assam's MOBC category has been subject to significant legal challenges and government orders over the years. If you belong to the MOBC category or believe MOBC reservation was incorrectly applied, RTI can provide: (a) the category-wise selection list for the relevant post, (b) the reservation roster maintained by APSC showing the cycle of SC/ST/MOBC/OBC/EWS/General rotation, and (c) the government order or circular defining the MOBC list applied for the relevant recruitment. You can use this information to assess whether your category was correctly assigned and whether the roster was properly maintained.

Interview Process Details

If APSC conducted an Interview/Personality Test, RTI can provide: (a) the marks awarded to you at interview, (b) the names and designations of the members of the Interview Board who assessed you on the relevant date, (c) the total marks allotted for the interview stage, and (d) the total number of candidates called for interview versus those finally selected. If there is a significant and unexplained drop between your Mains rank and your final aggregate rank, the interview marks — and the board composition — deserve scrutiny.

Policy and Recruitment Rules

RTI can also produce copies of: (a) the service rules or recruitment rules for the post being filled (these govern eligibility, selection criteria, probation, and pay), (b) the advertisement and any corrigendum issued, (c) the result notification and merit list, and (d) any internal circular or order fixing the interview marks weightage for the relevant recruitment cycle.

Common APSC RTI Scenarios

Scenario 1: You cleared Preliminary but failed Mains selection and want to understand why. File RTI asking for your Mains paper-wise marks, the Mains cut-off for your category, the total number of candidates called for interview, and the interview/selection ratio. Compare your marks against the cut-off. If you crossed the Mains cut-off, ask whether you were called for interview — and if you were, ask for your interview marks and the basis on which you were not selected.

Scenario 2: You suspect your OMR sheet was incorrectly evaluated. File RTI requesting a certified copy of your scanned OMR response sheet and the final answer key applied. Compare each answer. If you find a discrepancy, this forms the factual basis for a representation to APSC and, if necessary, a writ petition before the Gauhati High Court.

Scenario 3: You believe MOBC reservation norms were violated. File RTI requesting the reservation roster for the relevant post(s) and the category-wise selection list. Also ask for the government order defining which communities were treated as MOBC for this recruitment cycle. Cross-reference against the official government notification on MOBC communities. Violations of reservation roster norms are actionable before the Gauhati High Court under Article 226.

Scenario 4: You were in the merit list but not called for appointment. File RTI asking whether all notified vacancies were filled, whether a waiting list was maintained, and your position in any waiting list. If vacancies were carried forward to a subsequent recruitment cycle without offering appointment to merit-listed candidates, this may raise a legal grievance.

Section 20 Penalty: Holding APSC's CPIO Accountable

If the CPIO of APSC refuses to provide information without reasonable cause, gives knowingly incorrect information, obstructs access, or does not respond within the statutory period, the Assam Information Commission (AIC) is empowered under Section 20 of the RTI Act to impose a personal monetary penalty on the errant CPIO of ₹250 per day for each day of default, up to a maximum of ₹25,000. The AIC can also recommend disciplinary action under Section 20(2). When filing your Second Appeal with the AIC, explicitly request that the Commission consider imposing the Section 20 penalty if the CPIO's non-response or evasion was without reasonable cause.

Practical Tips for APSC RTI Applications

• Always quote the Advertisement Number — APSC conducts multiple recruitments; without the Advt. No., your application may be misrouted or returned for clarification.
• File within a reasonable time after results — Answer scripts are records that APSC must preserve for a defined period. Filing RTI within 6–12 months of the result notification is prudent.
• Keep copies of all correspondence — Your RTI application, the postal tracking receipt or online acknowledgement, APSC's response (if any), and your First Appeal. These form the complete record for the AIC if escalation becomes necessary.
• Be specific about which stage — APSC's Preliminary and Mains are conducted months apart; specify the stage, the date of the examination, and the papers involved to prevent confusion.
• If APSC transfers your application — APSC may, under Section 6(3), transfer your RTI to a different department if it believes the information is held by that department. Track the transfer and follow up with the receiving department.
• For answer script copies, allow for additional fees — APSC may charge per-page photocopying fees (₹2 per page under the RTI Rules) for copying large answer booklets. Be prepared to deposit this cost within the time limit APSC specifies in its notice.

First Appeal and Second Appeal: Your Remedies

If APSC's CPIO does not respond within 30 days, or if the response is incomplete, evasive, or incorrect, your statutory remedies are:

First Appeal under Section 19(1) — File with the FAA at APSC (typically the Joint Secretary or Secretary) within 30 days of the date of the CPIO's decision, or within 30 days of the expiry of the 30-day response period, whichever is applicable. State clearly: your RTI application date and reference number, what information was sought, what the CPIO provided (or failed to provide), and the specific relief you want the FAA to direct. No fee.

Second Appeal under Section 19(3) — If the FAA also fails to respond within 30 days (extendable to 45 days), or gives an inadequate response, file a Second Appeal with the Assam Information Commission (AIC) within 90 days. The AIC can direct disclosure, award compensation under Section 19(8)(b) for loss suffered due to APSC's non-response, and impose the Section 20 personal penalty on the CPIO.

The AIC's decisions are binding on APSC. Non-compliance with an AIC order can be challenged before the Gauhati High Court under Article 226.