How to File RTI Online — Step-by-Step Guide to Right to Information

What is RTI (Right to Information)?

The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to request information from any public authority (government body). Any information that the government holds and can access must be provided to the citizen within 30 days of receiving the request.

RTI is one of the most powerful tools for citizen empowerment and government accountability. You can use RTI to:

• Get details of government projects and spending
• Check the status of your pending applications
• Know the reason for rejection of any government service
• Access records, documents, and inspection reports
• Understand government policies and decision-making

The only exceptions are information related to national security, cabinet discussions, personal privacy, trade secrets, and a few other categories listed under Section 8 of the RTI Act.

Who Can File RTI?

• Any Indian citizen — no age, income, or qualification requirement
• Foreigners and companies cannot file RTI
• BPL (Below Poverty Line) applicants are exempt from fees
• No need to give a reason for seeking information

RTI Fees

How to File RTI Online (Central Government)

Step 1: Visit RTI Portal

Go to rtionline.gov.in.

Step 2: Click "Submit Request"

On the homepage, click "Submit Request" under Online RTI Request.

Step 3: Select Public Authority

Choose the Ministry/Department you want information from. For example:

• Ministry of Home Affairs — For passport, visa, police matters
• Ministry of Finance — For tax, banking, financial matters
• Ministry of Education — For education, scholarships
• Department of Posts — For postal services
• Railways — For railway matters

Step 4: Fill the Application

• Name — Your full name
• Gender
• Address — Complete address with PIN code
• State and Country
• Phone number and email
• Citizenship — Indian citizen
• BPL status — Yes/No (if Yes, upload BPL certificate)
• RTI request text — Your specific questions (max 3,000 characters)

Step 5: Write Your RTI Request

Frame clear, specific questions:

• ❌ "Tell me everything about road construction in my area"
• ✅ "Please provide the total budget sanctioned for road construction in Ward 15, XYZ Nagar, for FY 2024-25, with details of contractor name, work order date, and completion status"

Step 6: Pay the Fee

Pay ₹10 through:

• Internet banking
• Credit/debit card
• Rupay card

Step 7: Submit and Note Registration Number

After payment, you receive a Registration Number. Save this for tracking status and filing appeals.

How to File RTI for State Governments

Most state governments have their own RTI portals:

• Maharashtra: rtionline.maharashtra.gov.in
• Karnataka: karnataka.gov.in
• UP: rtionline.up.gov.in
• Tamil Nadu: Through e-Sevai centres
• Others: Check your state's official website

Offline RTI Application

If you prefer offline or your state doesn't have an online portal:

1. Write the application on plain paper
2. Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant office
3. Include: Your name, address, specific questions, date
4. Attach ₹10 court fee stamp, IPO, or DD
5. Send by registered post or submit in person
6. Keep the acknowledgement receipt

RTI Application Format (Template)

To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Department/Office Name]
[Address]

Subject: Application under RTI Act, 2005

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], a citizen of India, am seeking the following information under
the Right to Information Act, 2005:

1. [Specific Question 1]
2. [Specific Question 2]
3. [Specific Question 3]

I am paying the prescribed fee of ₹10 through [mode of payment].

[If BPL: I belong to Below Poverty Line category. BPL certificate is attached.]

Thanking you,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone/Email]
Date: [Date]

Timeline for RTI Response

First Appeal — If Response is Unsatisfactory

If you don't receive a response within 30 days or the response is incomplete/incorrect:

Online (Central Government)

1. Visit rtionline.gov.in
2. Click "Submit Appeal"
3. Enter your original RTI Registration Number
4. State the grounds of appeal
5. No fee for first appeal
6. Submit

Offline

1. Write to the First Appellate Authority (senior officer designated by the department)
2. Include your original RTI reference number, copy of response (if any), and grounds of appeal
3. No fee required
4. Must be filed within 30 days of receiving response (or 30 days after the response deadline)

Second Appeal — Central/State Information Commission

If the first appeal is also unsatisfactory:

1. File a second appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC)
2. Within 90 days of first appeal decision
3. File online at cic.gov.in (for central) or respective state IC portal
4. The Commission can order disclosure, impose penalties on officers
5. Penalty: PIO can be fined ₹250/day (up to ₹25,000) for unreasonable delay

Tips for Effective RTI Applications

1. Be specific — Ask precise questions with dates, amounts, file numbers
2. One department per application — Don't mix queries for different departments
3. Ask for documents — Request copies of specific files, orders, or records instead of vague information
4. Keep it concise — 3-5 focused questions work better than 20 vague ones
5. Don't ask "why" — RTI is for seeking information, not explanations (ask "what" and "how much" instead)

Common RTI Use Cases

• Check status of pending government applications (passport, PF, pension, land records)
• Government spending — Budget allocation and utilisation for specific projects
• Recruitment — Marks, cut-offs, and selection criteria in government exams; see our government job guides
• Property matters — Land records, mutation status, building approvals; see our property mutation guide
• Public works — Road construction, drainage, water supply project details
• Education — University affiliation, faculty qualifications, fee structures

Important Tips

1. Always use the online portal for central government RTI — faster processing and easier tracking
2. Save your registration number — You can't track or appeal without it
3. Don't be afraid — RTI is your constitutional right; no officer can penalise you for filing it
4. Use RTI for pending applications — One RTI about your stuck file often expedites the original request
5. File appeals promptly — Don't let deadlines pass if the response is inadequate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file RTI anonymously?

No, you must provide your name and address. However, you don't need to explain why you want the information.

Can I file RTI against private companies?

RTI applies only to public authorities — government departments, PSUs, and bodies substantially funded by government. Private companies are not covered unless they receive significant government funding.

What if the PIO refuses to accept my RTI application?

File a first appeal with the appellate authority. If that fails, approach the Central/State Information Commission. The PIO can be penalised for wrongful denial.

Can RTI be filed for state government matters on the central portal?

No, use the respective state's RTI portal or submit offline to the state department. The central rtionline.gov.in is only for central government bodies.

Is there a limit on how many RTI applications I can file?

There's no legal limit. You can file as many RTI applications as you need. However, each application should be genuine and specific — frivolous applications may be rejected.

What information is exempt from RTI?

Information affecting national security, cabinet papers, trade secrets, personal privacy, and information received in fiduciary relationship are exempt under Section 8. However, the PIO must justify the exemption.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. The RTI Act is a powerful citizen's right — use it responsibly. Procedures may vary by state. Check the official RTI portal for current details.