How to Get Certified Copies of Answer Sheets via RTI — A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Ever walked out of an exam thinking you had nailed it, only to be shocked by the results? If you've ever felt something was off, you're not alone — and you're not powerless either. Thanks to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, you can legally request for the certified copies of your evaluated answer sheets. It's your right. And no, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you request for your answer sheets.

Step 1: Visit the RTI Online Portal - Visit the official government portal for RTI applications - https://rtionline.gov.in.

Step 2: Submit a New RTI Request - Click on the “Submit Request” to start a new application.

Step 3: Accept the Terms and Conditions - Read the terms and conditions and accept to proceed.

Step 4: Choose the Exam Body - In the “Public Authority” field, type and select "Institute of Chartered Accountants of India" and select it from the dropdown list.

Step 5: Submit Your Details - Fill in your name, address, phone number, email id, and educational qualification, this information helps verify your identity.

Step 6: Write Your RTI Request - In the "Text for RTI Request Application" section, include the following information:

Subject: Request for Certified Copies of Answer Sheets under RTI Act, 2005

Body:
Dear Sir/Madam,

I appeared for the [Name of Examination] with the following details:

• Name: [Your Full Name]

• Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]

• Contact Number: [Your Phone Number]

• Email Address: [Your Email]

• Address: [Your Full Postal Address]

• Student Registration Number: [Your Reg. No.]

• Examination: [e.g., CA Final]

• Month and Year of Exam: [e.g., May 2025]

• Roll Number: [Your Roll Number]

I request for the certified copies of my evaluated answer sheets for the following papers:

I’ve attached a self-attested copy of my admit card for verification. Kindly process my request as per the RTI guidelines.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Reg. No.]

Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents - Attach a self-attested copy of your admit card or hall ticket to verify your identity.

Step 8: Pay the ₹10 Application Fee - Yes, that’s it — just ₹10. You can pay the fees online via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.

What Happens Next?

Here’s what to expect:

• Response Time: The institute has 30 days to respond to your request.

• Format of Copies: Most institutes like ICAI provide soft copies (PDFs) for free via email or download.

• Track Your Application: Use your RTI registration number on the portal to check the status of your application.

• Didn’t Get a Response? You can file a First Appeal or contact the institute's CPIO (Central Public Information Officer) for follow-up.

You worked hard on that exam and you deserve clarity. Filing an RTI doesn’t mean you are challenging the system. It just means you are using your right to transparency.

And once you’ve done it once, you will wonder why you were ever intimidated in the first place.