New Delhi: An RTI application has raised questions over whether coaching institutes can publish mock interview videos of candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination without their consent.

The query was filed before the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Right to Information Act, 2005, seeking clarification on whether institutes can upload mock interviews online even if a candidate later objects to their publication.

In its response, the department said the queries were in the nature of seeking advice or clarification and did not fall within the definition of “information” under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act.

The decision was later upheld by the Central Information Commission, which dismissed the appeal, noting that an appropriate reply had been provided.

The applicant argued that publishing early mock interviews could portray candidates negatively if they performed poorly at that stage but improved later.

The issue has gained attention as coaching centres often publicise aspirants' interviews and names after the results of the civil services examination are announced.