KSLU Right to Information (RTI) Past Questions & Exam Topics
KSLU Right to Information (RTI) Past Questions & Exam Topics
To crack the KSLU exam for Right to Information (RTI), analysing past trends is crucial. Below is a unit-wise breakdown of theory and problem questions compiled from KSLU semester papers.
How to read the map:
- ⭐⭐⭐ : Asked 5+ times — Must Cover
- ⭐⭐ : Asked 3–4 times — High Priority
- ⭐ : Asked 1–2 times
[16M]/[10M]: Essay marks[6M]/[SN]: Short notes / brief topics[Prob]: Solved problem fact patterns
📅 Unit 1 — Freedom of Information — Origins, Democracy and the Constitution
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Historical development of freedom of information — Sweden, USA and UK | (never asked) — syllabus topic; teach it anyway |
| 1.2 | Right to information under international conventions | [16M] 2025(100), 2022(100), 2019(100), 2017(100); [8M/5M] 2016(100), 2013(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.3 | Right to information in India before the RTI Act, 2005 — the judicial ‘right to know’ | [16M] 2025(100), 2024(100), 2023(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2020(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2016(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.4 | Significance of RTI in a democracy — transparency, accountability and good governance | [16M] 2026(100), 2024(100), 2023(100), 2019(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100); [8M/5M] 2017(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.5 | Constitutional basis of RTI — Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21 | [16M] 2022(100), 2021(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2016(100), 2013(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2024(100), 2019(100), 2015(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.6 | Supreme Court on the right to information — the cases that created the right | [16M] 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100); [8M/5M] 2011(100); [Prob] ×3 2024(100), 2015(100), 2012(100); also examined inside 2 question(s) owned by another topic: RML_QPs_Mar2024:Q8c, qRightInformation_Jun2019100:Q8a ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.7 | Objects, reasons and salient features of the RTI Act, 2005 | [16M] 2018(100); [8M/5M] 2017(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.8 | The people’s movement — Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan and Jan Sunvai | [8M/5M] 2026(100), 2025(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.9 | Emerging trends — RTI and corruption, e-governance, media, whistle-blowers; bottlenecks in implementation | [16M] 2018(100); [8M/5M] 2025(100), 2023(100), 2022(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2014(100), 2012(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
📅 Unit 2 — The RTI Act, 2005 — Definitions, the Right, and the Obligations of Public Authorities
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | ‘Information’ (s. 2(f)) and ‘record’ (s. 2(i)) — what may and may not be asked for | [8M/5M] 2012(100), 2011(100); [Prob] ×2 2017(100), 2014(100); also inside 8 essays owned elsewhere (2.4/2.6/2.7): RML_QPs_Apr2022:Q1, bRightInformation_Jan2012100:Q2a1, jRightInformation_Dec2015100:Q2, kRightInformation_Dec2016100:Q2, nRightInformation_Dec2017100:Q1, pRightInformation_Dec2018100:Q3, sRightInformation_Dec2020100:Q2, vRightInformation_Nov2022100:Q2 ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.2 | ‘Right to information’ (s. 2(j)) and s. 3 — the right of every citizen | [16M] 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2025(100), 2023(100); [Prob] ×3 2022(100), 2019(100), 2014(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.3 | ‘Public authority’ (s. 2(h)) and ‘competent authority’ (s. 2(e)) | [16M] 2013(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2021(100); [Prob] ×6 2021(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.4 | Obligations of public authorities — s. 4 suo motu (voluntary) disclosure | [16M] 2026(100), 2025(100), 2024(100), 2023(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2014(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2013(100); [Prob] ×5 2022(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2015(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.5 | Public Information Officers — designation and duties (ss. 5, 6(3)) | [16M] 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2018(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐ |
| 2.6 | Procedure to obtain information — request (s. 6) and disposal (s. 7) | [16M] 2025(100), 2022(100), 2020(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2015(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100); [Prob] ×3 2022(100), 2019(100), 2013(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.7 | Exemptions from disclosure — s. 8(1)(a)–(j), the s. 8(2) public-interest override, ss. 8(3) and 9 | [16M] 2026(100), 2024(100), 2023(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2020(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100); [Prob] ×15 2026(100), 2025(100), 2024(100), 2023(100), 2021(100), 2020(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.8 | Personal information and privacy — s. 8(1)(j) in practice | [Prob] ×30 2026(100), 2025(100), 2024(100), 2023(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2020(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.9 | Third-party information — s. 11 | [8M/5M] 2024(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2015(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.10 | Severability — s. 10 | [8M/5M] 2026(100), 2022(100), 2020(100), 2016(100), 2013(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.11 | Organisations to which the Act does not apply — s. 24 | [8M/5M] 2021(100), 2012(100) ⭐ |
| 2.12 | The Appropriate Government’s duty to educate and propagate RTI — s. 26 | [16M] 2016(100); [8M/5M] 2013(100) ⭐ |
📅 Unit 3 — The Information Commissions — Appeals and Penalties
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Central Information Commission — constitution, composition and appointment (ss. 12–13) | [16M] 2024(100), 2023(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2019(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.2 | Term of office and service conditions of the Chief IC and Information Commissioners (s. 13) | [8M/5M] 2016(100) ⭐ |
| 3.3 | Removal of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners (ss. 14, 17) | [16M] 2025(100), 2021(100), 2015(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2015(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.4 | State Information Commission — constitution, powers and functions (ss. 15–16) | [16M] 2024(100), 2022(100), 2020(100), 2018(100), 2015(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2013(100), 2012(100); [Prob] ×1 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.5 | Powers and functions of the Information Commissions; complaints (s. 18) | [16M] 2012(100); [Prob] ×1 2012(100) ⭐ |
| 3.6 | Appeals — First Appellate Authority and Second Appeal (s. 19) | [16M] 2026(100), 2025(100), 2024(100), 2023(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100); [8M/5M] 2025(100), 2024(100), 2020(100), 2016(100), 2013(100); [Prob] ×2 2016(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.7 | Complaint (s. 18) distinguished from Appeal (s. 19) | [16M] 2014(100); [Prob] ×2 2018(100), 2013(100); also inside 2 questions owned elsewhere: dRightInformation_Dec2012100:Q3b1, tRightInformation_Apr2021100:Q9b, wRightInformation_Oct2023100:Q9b ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.8 | Penalties (s. 20) and the Commission’s power to award compensation | [16M] 2013(100); [Prob] ×4 2023(100), 2021(100), 2014(100), 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.9 | Administration of the Act — the RTI machinery and the Appropriate Government’s rule-making (ss. 27–28) | [16M] 2017(100), 2012(100) ⭐ |
📅 Unit 4 — Other Related Laws
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Official Secrets Act, 1923 — objects, salient features, and its status after the RTI Act (s. 22) | [16M] 2026(100), 2025(100), 2024(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2020(100), 2019(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2023(100), 2018(100), 2013(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.2 | Penalties under the Official Secrets Act — spying (s. 3) and wrongful communication (s. 5) | [8M/5M] 2020(100), 2016(100), 2014(100) ⭐⭐ |
| 4.3 | Public Records Act, 1993 — objects, salient features and the Central Government’s powers | [16M] 2026(100), 2025(100), 2024(100), 2022(100), 2021(100), 2019(100), 2017(100), 2016(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100); [8M/5M] 2016(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.4 | Records Officer — duties and responsibilities | [16M] 2021(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2014(100), 2013(100) ⭐⭐ |
| 4.5 | Archival Advisory Board | [16M] 2022(100), 2020(100); [8M/5M] 2025(100), 2021(100), 2019(100), 2017(100), 2015(100), 2013(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.6 | Public Records Rules, 1997 — classified records, defunct bodies and access for research | [8M/5M] 2022(100), 2018(100), 2012(100); [Prob] ×2 2013(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.7 | Freedom of Information Act, 2002 — salient features and why the RTI Act replaced it | [16M] 2024(100), 2023(100), 2021(100), 2018(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2026(100), 2019(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.8 | Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 — appointment and constitution of a Commission (s. 3) | [16M] 2024(100), 2021(100), 2020(100), 2017(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2011(100); [Prob] ×2 2022(100), 2015(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.9 | Powers of the Inquiry Commission — civil-court powers, additional powers, and the s. 10A penalty (ss. 4, 5, 5A, 5B, 8A, 10A) | [16M] 2026(100), 2025(100), 2022(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2016(100), 2013(100), 2012(100); [8M/5M] 2012(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.10 | Commission of Inquiry (Central) Rules, 1972 | (never asked) — syllabus topic; teach it anyway |
📅 Unit 5 — Judicial Response and Best Practices
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Judicial response — Supreme Court and High Court decisions on the RTI Act; the judiciary as a public authority | [8M/5M] 2024(100), 2019(100), 2018(100), 2017(100), 2014(100); [Prob] ×3 2020(100), 2016(100), 2015(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.2 | RTI and the right to privacy — harmonious construction | [8M/5M] 2014(100); [Prob] ×1 2016(100) ⭐ |
| 5.3 | ‘Best practices’ — meaning, and those adopted by Governments, Commissions and public authorities | [16M] 2021(100), 2014(100), 2013(100), 2012(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.4 | Citizen’s Charter as a best practice | [16M] 2025(100), 2013(100); [8M/5M] 2012(100) ⭐⭐ |
| 5.5 | State innovations — the Jaankari system, Bihar | [8M/5M] 2013(100) ⭐ |
| 5.6 | Leading decisions of the Information Commissions — questions spanning several departments | [16M] 2024(100), 2018(100), 2015(100), 2014(100), 2012(100), 2011(100) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.7 | CIC / SIC decisions — Police department | [Prob] ×4 2025(100), 2024(100), 2019(100), 2013(100); also inside composite departmental essays owned by 5.6: aRightInformation_Jun2011100:Q5a1, gRightInformation_Jun2014100:Q5a2, hRightInformation_Dec2014100:Q7, iRightInformation_Jun2015100:Q7, oRightInformation_Jun2018100:Q5, xRightInformation_Aug2024100:Q6 ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.8 | CIC / SIC decisions — Revenue department | [16M] 2013(100); [8M/5M] 2012(100); [Prob] ×1 2012(100); also inside composite essays owned by 5.6 ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.9 | CIC / SIC decisions — PWD, Irrigation, Secretariat and CPWD | (not asked on its own) — examined only inside the composite departmental essays at 5.6: 2015(100), 2014(100) → gRightInformation_Jun2014100:Q5a2, hRightInformation_Dec2014100:Q7, iRightInformation_Jun2015100:Q7 ⭐⭐ |
| 5.10 | CIC decisions — BSNL and Posts & Telegraphs | [16M] 2012(100); [Prob] ×1 2011(100); also inside composite essays owned by 5.6: dRightInformation_Dec2012100:Q5a2, xRightInformation_Aug2024100:Q6 ⭐⭐ |
| 5.11 | CIC decisions — Scheduled Banks | [16M] 2012(100); also inside essays/problems owned elsewhere: aRightInformation_Jun2011100:Q5a1, oRightInformation_Jun2018100:Q5, oRightInformation_Jun2018100:Q9c, sRightInformation_Dec2020100:Q9c, uRightInformation_Nov2021100:Q11b ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.12 | CIC decisions — Income Tax and Central Excise departments | (not asked on its own) — examined only inside composite essays at 5.6: 2024(100), 2021(100), 2018(100), 2012(100), 2011(100) → aRightInformation_Jun2011100:Q5a1, dRightInformation_Dec2012100:Q5a2, oRightInformation_Jun2018100:Q5, uRightInformation_Nov2021100:Q11c, xRightInformation_Aug2024100:Q6 ⭐⭐ |
| 5.13 | CIC / SIC decisions — Local authorities and development authorities | [16M] 2012(100); [Prob] ×3 2025(100), 2017(100); also inside a problem owned by 2.4: RML_QPs_Jun2016:Q9c ⭐⭐ |
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