OPSC Directed to Disclose Interview Marks to Unsuccessful Candidates

Bhubaneswar: The State Information Commission has directed the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to disclose interview marks to candidates who are not selected in government jobs.

The decision comes after a two-decade-old case filed by Minati Rani Mohapatra of Bhadrak district, who was denied access to her interview marks for the post of Assistant Teacher (History) in 2002. While OPSC had shared her career marks, it refused to provide interview scores, citing a resolution passed in December 2002.

At the time, OPSC maintained that interviews only assessed personality and communication skills and marks were neither recorded nor standardised. Candidates were simply told whether they were “suitable” or “not suitable,” with no scores or merit lists made public.Chief Information Commissioner Manoj Parida rejected this stand, ruling that withholding interview marks violates the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. “Every candidate, particularly those who fail, has a right to know why they could not succeed. The OPSC cannot keep candidates in the dark,” he said. He also underlined that Section 22 of the RTI Act overrides any other laws or resolutions restricting disclosure of such information.

The Commission has advised OPSC to revise its recruitment procedures to ensure greater transparency and fairness. Going forward, the Commission said candidates must be provided complete details of marks obtained, including in interviews.