Dear Friends,
I am receiving a large number of messages and emails from students reporting that certified copies under RTI have not been received even after 30 days from the date of filing the RTI application. Many are also worried about the possibility of decrease of marks due to suo-motu verification by ICAI.
In this article, I attempt to address the most common queries raised by students. Before commenting or raising doubts, I request you to kindly read the article in full.
At the outset, I must acknowledge Paras Jain — a name every student accessing certified copies under RTI should remember. Due to his tireless efforts and the Supreme Court judgment in ICSI vs Paras Jain, students today enjoy this benefit, which not only saves hard-earned money but also brings much-needed transparency to the examination system. I remain indebted for his guidance and timely support.
1. RTI Act mandates 30 days, but certified copies not received even after 30 days?#
Yes. As per Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005, information must be supplied within 30 days from the date of receipt of the RTI application. This period includes Sundays and public holidays.
However, this time an unusually large number of students applied for certified copies. As on date:
- More than 35,000 RTI applications were filed with ICAI
- Approximately 1,45,000+ answer sheets (average 4 papers per student)
- All answer sheets require suo-motu verification, scanning, and uploading
Because of this volume, a slight delay may occur.
As per a telephonic conversation with the CPIO of ICAI, students are advised to:
- Wait for 3–5 additional days after completion of 30 days
- If still not received, file a First Appeal on the RTI portal
- Meanwhile, send a reminder email to the concerned CPIO mentioning the RTI application number
CPIO Contact Details (Certified Copies)#
Shri Alok Malhotra
Deputy Secretary (Final & PQCC)
ICAI Bhawan, A-29, Sector-62, Noida – 201309
📞 0120-3894808
✉️ alok.malhotra@icai.in
Shri S. Babu Raghavan
Accounts Officer (IPCC / Foundation / CPT)
ICAI Bhawan, C-1, Sector-1, Noida
📞 0120-3054840
✉️ babu.raghvan@icai.in
2. How to check the status of your RTI application?#
You may check the status on the RTI Online Portal. However, it is not necessary to check regularly, as:
- You will receive SMS and email alerts when copies are hosted
- You will also receive intimation when the RTI application is disposed of
3. Where are certified copies hosted?#
Scanned copies of answer sheets are hosted either on:
- ICAI Examination Portal, or
- http://cc.icaiexam.icai.org/account/login.aspx
Login credentials will be sent to your registered email ID.
4. Download your certified copies at the earliest#
Certified copies are generally available for 15 days from the date of hosting.
After that, the link expires.
➡️ Download your copies immediately once hosted.
5. Is suo-motu verification of marks carried out under RTI?#
Yes.
ICAI carries out suo-motu verification under Regulation 39(4) of the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988. This is also explicitly mentioned in the email sent by ICAI while hosting the copies.
6. Should I separately apply for verification by paying ₹100 per paper?#
No.
If you apply for certified copies under RTI:
- Separate verification is not required
- No additional fee of ₹100 per paper is payable
- Verification is done free of cost in the interest of students
7. I scored exactly 40 / 60 / 200 / 400 marks — will my marks be reduced?#
No.
As per the High-Level Independent Committee Report dated 14 February 2020, Page 49, Para 7.1:
ICAI does not reduce marks already awarded during the process of verification.
If marks are increased, you will receive:
- Email intimation
- Revised mark sheet by Speed Post
📄 Report link:
https://www.icai.org/post.html?post_id=16314
8. Discrepancy found in certified copies — what should I do?#
You may report discrepancies only if covered under Regulation 39(4), such as:
- Totalling errors
- Carry-forward errors
- Unvalued questions or sub-parts
❌ Re-evaluation or re-examination is not permitted under any circumstances.
If discrepancy exists:
- Submit a written letter clearly identifying the issue
- Send by Speed Post or Registered Post
- Within 30 days from receipt of certified copies
📄 Proforma:
https://resource.cdn.icai.org/32134exam22221.pdf
9. RTI after ICAI portal window closed — is it possible?#
Yes.
Even if you missed:
- ₹500 per paper (certified copies), or
- ₹100 per paper (verification) window on ICAI portal
You can still apply under RTI, subject to availability of records.
As per ICAI’s record retention policy, answer sheets are retained for 120 days from the date of result declaration.
Helpful article:
https://taxguru.in/chartered-accountant/get-ca-exam-answer-sheet-copies-rs-2-per-page-rti.html
10. Further Queries#
Refer to the detailed FAQ here:
https://taxguru.in/chartered-accountant/faq-certified-copies-answer-sheets-rti.html
Regards,
B. Vinay Reddy