Using RTI to Uncover School Assessment and Curriculum Practices in Delhi: A Legal Perspective

Introduction

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 has become a critical tool for lawyers, education activists, and concerned parents across India to ensure accountability and transparency in the education sector.

Amid growing concerns over the outsourcing of assessments, curriculum deviations, and the unregulated implementation of evaluation formats by private schools, RTI offers a legal pathway to demand clarity from public authorities.

This article explores how a structured RTI application can be used to seek detailed information from the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of NCT of Delhi, regarding practices followed by private unaided schools—specifically focusing on Private School, Delhi , and academic practices for primary classes (Classes 3 to 5).

Why It Matters

Private schools across Delhi are increasingly engaging third-party agencies for designing assessments, adopting non-NCERT curricula, and using tools such as OMR sheets even in lower primary classes. However, whether such practices are officially sanctioned by the DoE or the Ministry of Education remains unclear in many cases.

This ambiguity raises several legal questions:

• Are these practices in line with government-approved educational policies?

• What are the guidelines or limitations imposed by regulatory authorities?

• Has there been any official approval for such deviations?

• How are schools held accountable for violations?

These are not merely academic questions—they go to the heart of student rights, educational quality, and regulatory enforcement.

Filing an RTI: Sample Application Breakdown

An RTI application has been drafted with the objective of obtaining the following key information:

1. Third-Party Assessment Guidelines

• Copies of guidelines issued by the DoE/Ministry of Education permitting or restricting the use of private or third-party agencies to prepare and conduct assessments in Classes III to V.

2. Curriculum Deviations from NCERT

• Copies of circulars or official communication allowing any deviation from the NCERT-prescribed curriculum in primary classes.

3. Approved Subject List

• An official list of subjects approved for Classes 3 to 5.

• Clarification on whether EVS can be replaced with Science and Social Studies.

4. Assessment Formats and OMR Usage

• Guidelines on age-appropriate assessment formats for primary students.

• Whether the use of OMR sheets for evaluation in Classes 3 to 5 has been authorized.

5. School-Specific Approvals (Mount St. Mary’s)

• Whether Private School School, Delhi Cantt has received approval for:

  • Using third-party assessments

  • Replacing EVS with Science/Social Studies

  • Using OMR sheets in assessments

• Copies of related approval letters or correspondence.

6. Policy on Promotion/Retention

• DoE’s guidelines regarding the promotion and retention of students in Classes III to V.

7. Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanism

• SOPs or mechanisms used by the Directorate of Education to monitor compliance with curriculum and assessment norms in private unaided schools.

• Procedures for grievance redressal in case of violations.

8. Action Taken Reports

• Any action taken by the DoE against Mount St. Mary’s School for violating academic or assessment guidelines.

9. Parental Undertaking Guidelines

• Rules around schools obtaining written undertakings from parents regarding student promotion or acceptance of academic performance outcomes.

10. New Examination Formats

• Circulars or orders related to the implementation of new examination formats in primary education.

Legal Standing under RTI Act, 2005

The applicant rightly states that the information sought:

• Does not fall under Section 8 or 9 exemptions of the RTI Act.

• Directly pertains to public functions and policies under the Directorate of Education.

• Should be made available in electronic form, preferably via email, to avoid delays.

The application further includes a willingness to pay any prescribed fees, in accordance with RTI Rules.

Implications for RTI Lawyers & Legal Activists

For lawyers specializing in education law, public interest litigation, or child rights, this RTI case serves as a model for strategic information collection. It demonstrates how a detailed but concise RTI can:

• Support future legal proceedings

• Trigger policy clarification from regulatory bodies

• Empower parents and communities with documented evidence

• Expose gaps in implementation and oversight

Additionally, such RTI filings can be the first step toward judicial intervention if the responses expose unauthorized or unregulated practices.

Draft Templets Request for Information:

Respected Sir/Ma’am,

I, [Applicant’s Name], am filing this application under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005, seeking the following information:

1. Kindly provide guidelines issued by the Directorate of Education or Ministry of Education for schools engaging third-party agencies or private institutions to prepare and conduct assessments for primary school students (Classes 3 to 5).

2. Kindly provide circulars or notifications allowing or restricting deviation from the NCERT curriculum for primary classes.

3. Kindly provide the list of approved subjects and prescribed curriculum (e.g., NCERT) for Classes 3 to 5. Specifically, is it permissible to replace Environmental Studies (EVS) with Science and Social Studies?

4. Kindly provide the DOE’s guidelines on age-appropriate assessment formats. Is the use of OMR sheets permitted for assessments in Classes 3 to 5?

5. Has Private School, Delhi Cantt sought or received DOE approval for:

   • (a) Using a third-party for assessments

   • (b) Replacing EVS with Science and Social Studies

   • (c) Using OMR sheets in primary assessments
     If yes, kindly provide copies of all such approval letters or communications.

6. Kindly provide the DOE’s policy on promotion and retention of students in Classes 3 to 5.

7. Kindly provide the monitoring mechanisms or SOPs set by DOE to ensure compliance by private schools with the prescribed curriculum and assessment regulations.

8. Kindly provide any action taken report against Private Delhi School for non-compliance or violations of academic guidelines.

9. Kindly provide guidelines regarding schools requiring parents to sign undertakings related to student promotion or academic performance.

10. Kindly provide the latest DOE or Ministry of Education guidelines regarding the implementation of new examination formats in primary schools.

Declaration under RTI Act

I hereby declare that the information requested does not fall under the exemptions listed in Sections 8 or 9 of the RTI Act, 2005, and to the best of my knowledge, the information pertains to your department.

I request that the information be provided preferably in electronic form (via email: rtilawyers@gmail.com) to ensure speed and efficiency. If not possible, please provide the information in hard copy format. I am willing to pay any applicable charges as per the RTI rules.

Kindly acknowledge the receipt of this application and inform me if any additional information or clarification is required.

Yours sincerely,
[Full Name]
Date: [Insert Date]
Place: [Insert Place]

Educational Purpose: Why This Matters for RTI Lawyers

For lawyers dealing with RTI and education cases, such applications serve key objectives:

• Ensure schools follow curriculum laws

• Detect unauthorized assessment methods or subjects

• Hold private unaided schools accountable to public standards

• Establish the basis for litigation or policy advocacy

• Safeguard student rights and academic integrity

Tips for RTI Lawyers

• Always verify if the school in question is recognized by the DOE, as that determines DOE’s jurisdiction.

• Refer to Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act for proactively disclosed education guidelines.

• Attach a postal order (IPO) or proof of online payment if required.

• Maintain a case diary to track DOE’s response within the 30-day window.

Conclusion

This RTI application is not just about one school. It reflects a broader systemic issue—the creeping privatization and commercialization of assessments in early education, often without public oversight.

Through strategic RTI use, legal professionals can ensure that transparency prevails, especially in sectors like education where public interest is paramount.

At RTILawyers.com, we encourage lawyers, parents, and education watchdogs to use the RTI Act to hold institutions accountable, safeguard student rights, and advocate for quality, regulated, and equitable education.

Need Help Filing an RTI?

If you need assistance in drafting or filing RTIs related to education policy, curriculum violations, or private school accountability, feel free to contact our team at:

Email: info@rtilawyers.com
Website: www.rtilawyers.com
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RTI Lawyers — Making the Law Work for Education, Accountability, and Justice.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal assistance, consult a qualified RTI or education law professional.