Table of Contents
Recruitment cut-off changed mid-process — RTI for order
Direct answer. File RTI asking for cut-off variation order, reasons, meeting minutes of recruitment committee, category-wise impact analysis.
Legal framework
- Constitution Articles 14/16 — equality and fair procedure.
- Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. UoI (SC 2014) — process transparency.
5 questions to ask
- Cut-off variation order (if any).
- Meeting minutes authorising change.
- Category-wise impact.
- Reason for variation.
- Appeal framework.
Template
To: The Public Information Officer, Recruiting Authority Subject: Application under §6 RTI Act 2005 — Cut-off variation order Cut-off for [post] was changed from [..] to [..]. Please furnish: (1) variation order, (2) minutes, (3) category impact, (4) reason, (5) appeal framework. Fee: Rs.10 by IPO/cash.
Common mistakes
- Not asking for minutes — the real paper trail.
- Skipping category-wise impact.
Case law anchors
- CIC/UPSC/A/2018/000234 — cut-off variation records disclosable.
Pro tips
- Pair with CAT challenge on arbitrariness ground.
- Coalition of affected candidates stronger.
FAQ
- Q: Retrospective cut-off change — legal? Tribunal jurisprudence strict; RTI for rationale + authority.
- Q: Interview cut-off separate? Yes, often — RTI for each stage.
Related reading
Sources
- Constitution Articles 14, 16. UPSC Regulations.
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.