Right to Information Wiki

ACR / APAR grading — RTI for own copy + representation

File RTI to **Reviewing / Accepting Authority**. Ask for my ACR/APAR copy, representation disposal, grading-distribution for cohort.

ACR / APAR grading — RTI for own copy + representation

⚠️ DPDP Rules, 2025 (14 Nov 2025) amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act — public-interest override now under Section 8(2). Read the note →

· 2026/04/19 05:02

Direct answer. File RTI to Reviewing / Accepting Authority. Ask for my ACR/APAR copy, representation disposal, grading-distribution for cohort.

  • DoPT ACR Rules 2011 — communication of grading mandatory.
  • Dev Dutt v. UoI (SC 2008) — adverse remarks communication.

5 questions to ask

  1. My ACR/APAR for last 5 years.
  2. Representation disposal.
  3. Cohort grading distribution (anonymised).
  4. Reviewing-authority remarks.
  5. Evaluator pattern.

Template

To: The Public Information Officer, Reviewing / Accepting Authority
Subject: Application under §6 RTI Act 2005 — ACR/APAR copy

My ACR/APAR for FY [..]-[..] — please furnish (1) copy, (2) representation disposal, (3) cohort distribution, (4) reviewing remarks, (5) evaluator pattern.

Fee: Rs.10 by IPO/cash.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to invoke Dev Dutt v. UoI.
  • Skipping representation if “good” — even good grading can be revised; RTI lets you track.

Case law anchors

  • Dev Dutt v. UoI (2008) 8 SCC 725 — “good” grading is adverse; must be communicated.
  • Sukhdev Singh v. UoI (Del HC 2013) — representation framework.

Pro tips

  • Pair with DoPT Master Circular.
  • Unionise for cohort pattern.

FAQ

  • Q: No ACR communicated — valid promotion denial? No per Dev Dutt — challengeable.
  • Q: Mid-year change of reporting officer? RTI for handover entry.

Sources

  1. DoPT ACR Rules 2011. Dev Dutt v. UoI (2008).

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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