Central Information Commission Practice Questions
20 free Central Information Commission practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) was established by the Central Government in 2005 under the provisions of which Act?
- A The Information Technology Act, 2000
- B The Right to Information Act, 2005
- C The Official Secrets Act, 1923
- D The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
Correct answer: The Right to Information Act, 2005
The CIC is a high-powered independent body established under Section 12 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It was created to act as the final appellate authority for information sought under the Act from central public authorities.
Which of the following describes the nature of the Central Information Commission?
- A Constitutional Body
- B Statutory Body
- C Executive Body
- D Judicial Body
Correct answer: Statutory Body
Since the CIC was established through an Act of Parliament (the RTI Act, 2005), it is a statutory body. It is not mentioned in the Constitution of India.
The Central Information Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more than how many Information Commissioners?
- A Six
- B Eight
- C Ten
- D Twelve
Correct answer: Ten
The RTI Act specifies that the Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner and such number of Central Information Commissioners, not exceeding ten, as may be deemed necessary.
Who appoints the Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners?
- A The Prime Minister
- B The Chief Justice of India
- C The President of India
- D The Union Home Minister
Correct answer: The President of India
The members of the Commission are appointed by the President of India. This appointment is made based on the recommendation of a high-level selection committee.
Who is the Chairperson of the committee that recommends the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner?
- A The President of India
- B Prime Minister of India
- C The Speaker of Lok Sabha
- D The Chief Justice of India
Correct answer: Prime Minister of India
The selection committee is chaired by the Prime Minister. The other members include the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
According to the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019, the tenure of the Chief Information Commissioner is:
- A Fixed for a term of 5 years
- B Fixed for a term of 6 years
- C Prescribed by the Government
- D Until the age of 62 years
Correct answer: Prescribed by the Government
The 2019 amendment removed the fixed 5-year tenure. Now the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government (currently 3 years) or until they attain 65 years of age.
A Chief Information Commissioner is NOT eligible for:
- A Reappointment to the same post
- B A pension
- C Being removed from office
- D Holding powers of a civil court
Correct answer: Reappointment to the same post
The RTI Act explicitly states that the Chief Information Commissioner shall not be eligible for reappointment. This provision is intended to ensure the independence and impartiality of the office.
On what grounds can the President remove the Chief Information Commissioner after a Supreme Court inquiry?
- A Insolvency
- B Infirmity of mind or body
- C Proved misbehaviour or incapacity
- D Engaging in paid employment outside duties
Correct answer: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity
While the President can remove the Commissioner directly for insolvency or infirmity, removal on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity requires a reference to and inquiry by the Supreme Court.
Who determines the salaries, allowances, and other service conditions of the Information Commissioners after the 2019 Amendment?
- A The Parliament
- B The President
- C The Central Government
- D The Election Commission of India
Correct answer: The Central Government
The 2019 amendment empowered the Central Government to prescribe the salaries and service conditions of the Commissioners. Previously, their salaries were equated to those of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
The Central Information Commission falls under the administrative jurisdiction of which Ministry?
- A Ministry of Home Affairs
- B Ministry of Law and Justice
- C Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
- D Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Correct answer: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
The CIC is administratively linked to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. However, it functions with significant operational autonomy.
While inquiring into a complaint, what powers does the Central Information Commission possess?
- A Powers of a Criminal Court
- B Powers of a Civil Court
- C Powers of the Parliament
- D No judicial powers
Correct answer: Powers of a Civil Court
Under the RTI Act, the Commission has the powers of a civil court in matters like summoning persons, requiring discovery of documents, and receiving evidence on affidavit. This allows it to conduct thorough inquiries into complaints.
Can the Central Information Commission examine any record under the control of a public authority during an inquiry?
- A No, such records are protected under the Official Secrets Act.
- B Yes, and no such record can be withheld from it on any grounds.
- C Only if the Prime Minister grants prior written permission.
- D Only if the records are less than ten years old at that time.
Correct answer: Yes, and no such record can be withheld from it on any grounds.
Section 18(4) of the RTI Act mandates that the Commission may examine any record to which the Act applies and which is under the control of the public authority, and no such record may be withheld from it on any grounds.
Which of the following can the CIC do if it finds that a request for information was rejected without reasonable cause?
- A Impose a penalty of up to Rs. 25,000
- B Sentence the officer to imprisonment
- C Dismiss the Public Information Officer from service
- D Abolish the public authority
Correct answer: Impose a penalty of up to Rs. 25,000
The Commission can impose a penalty of Rs. 250 per day up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000 on a Public Information Officer (PIO) for failing to provide information without reasonable cause. It can also recommend disciplinary action.
The CIC submits its annual report to which of the following?
- A The President of India
- B The Parliament
- C The Central Government
- D The Chief Justice of India
Correct answer: The Central Government
The Commission submits an annual report to the Central Government. The government then causes a copy of the report to be laid before each House of Parliament.
Which of the following is NOT a qualification required for appointment as an Information Commissioner?
- A Eminence in public life and social service
- B Knowledge in law, science, or technology
- C Being a Member of Parliament or a State Legislature
- D Experience in public administration and governance
Correct answer: Being a Member of Parliament or a State Legislature
The RTI Act prohibits Members of Parliament or Members of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory from being appointed as Information Commissioners to maintain the non-political nature of the office.
The decision of the Central Information Commission in an appeal is:
- A Only advisory in nature
- B Binding on both parties
- C Subject to Home Ministry review
- D Non-binding unless ratified
Correct answer: Binding on both parties
According to Section 19(7) of the RTI Act, the decision of the Commission on an appeal is binding. However, its decisions can be challenged in a High Court or the Supreme Court through a writ petition.
Under which section of the RTI Act can the CIC recommend that a public authority take steps to comply with the Act?
- A Section 4
- B Section 8
- C Section 19
- D Section 25
Correct answer: Section 19
Section 19(8) grants the Commission the power to require the public authority to take any such steps as may be necessary to secure compliance with the provisions of the Act, including providing access to information in a particular form.
If an Information Commissioner is appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner, his total aggregate term cannot exceed:
- A 3 years
- B 5 years
- C 6 years
- D 8 years
Correct answer: 5 years
The aggregate period of office as an Information Commissioner and the Chief Information Commissioner cannot exceed five years in total, as per the original and amended frameworks.
The 'Duty to Assist' during an inquiry by the CIC falls upon:
- A The complainant who filed it
- B The Public Information Officer
- C The head of the department
- D The Cabinet Secretary's office
Correct answer: The Public Information Officer
The Public Information Officer (PIO) is the primary individual responsible for assisting the Commission and providing information during the appellate or inquiry process.
Which of the following matters can be brought before the CIC as a complaint?
- A Refusal of access to information
- B Unreasonable fees charged for information
- C Incomplete or misleading information provided
- D All of the above
Correct answer: All of the above
The CIC has a wide mandate to receive and inquire into complaints from any person who has been unable to submit an RTI, has been refused information, has received misleading info, or has concerns about fees.