What is the ruling on someone to whom a sum of money was paid as a bribe, without his knowledge or consent, in order for him to pass an exam, and what is the expiation for that?

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the briber, the bribed, and the intermediary. It is not permissible to pay a bribe to obtain a right that can be obtained without it. However, it is permissible if it becomes the only way to obtain a right. In this case, if the relative paid the bribe without the questioner's knowledge or consent, it does not make the questioner sinful. The sin is borne by the relative, and the questioner is not obligated to compensate them for what they paid.