DNA Exclusive: RTI to get answer keys of AIIMS' past exams

Students can obtain, through RTI applications, question papers and answer keys of AIIMS' entrance exams already conducted, the Delhi HC ruled last month.

The order came on January 23 after the premier medical institute challenged a Central Information Commission (CIC) directive that students be provided with question papers and relevant answer keys for the 2013 entrance exam.

Justice Vibhu Bhakru said that the "width of the course available on which questions can be framed for the MBBS entrance examination is very large" and can be easily made available to students.

The information watchdog had allowed Sakshi Mathur, a 2013 aspirant, to access the papers and answer keys that she sought through an RTI plea.

Appearing for AIIMS, counsel Aldanish Rein contended that disclosing questions is not in larger public interest and would adversely affect students. It was also contended that disclosure of questions would encourage students to simply memorise answers.

AIIMS referred to an earlier judgment by a division bench that said that question papers and answer keys will not be disclosed for super-specialty entrance exams.

However, the court held that this principle has no application as the number of questions that can be put to examinees is not restricted in MBBS-AIIMS entrance exams, contrary to entrance exams for super-specialty courses.

AIIMS also submitted that students had given a declaration in application forms that they would not take question papers along with them after exams.

However, the court said, "There is no material on record, which would substantiate any of the contentions advanced on behalf of AIIMS."