RTI File Online: How to File RTI Application in India

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). The government body must reply within 30 days. RTI is one of the most powerful tools for transparency and accountability in India.

Key facts about RTI:

• Fee: Just ₹10 for filing an RTI application
• Response time: 30 days (48 hours in matters involving life and liberty)
• Applicable to: All Central and State Government bodies, PSUs, and bodies funded by government
• Who can file: Any Indian citizen (companies, organizations, and foreigners cannot file)

How to File RTI Online (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Visit the RTI Online Portal

1. Go to rtionline.gov.in
2. Click on "Submit Request"

Note: The RTI Online portal covers Central Government ministries and departments only. For State Government bodies, you need to use the respective state RTI portal or file offline.

Step 2 — Fill the RTI Application Form

1. Select the Ministry/Department you want information from
2. Select the Public Authority (specific office/department)
3. Fill your details:
   • Name
   • Gender
   • Address
   • State, district, pincode
   • Email ID (mandatory for online filing)
   • Mobile number
   • Citizenship: Indian
4. Select BPL category if applicable (fee is waived for BPL applicants — attach BPL card copy)

Step 3 — Write Your RTI Query

• Write your question(s) clearly and specifically in the "Text of Application" field
• Maximum 3,000 characters allowed
• You can upload a supporting document (PDF, up to 1 MB)

Tips for writing a good RTI query:

• Be specific — ask for exact information, documents, or records
• Mention the time period you're asking about
• Number your questions (Question 1, Question 2, etc.)
• Don't ask for opinions or explanations — ask for facts, data, and documents
• Example: "Please provide copies of all expenditure records for road construction project on NH-44 between km 120-150 during April 2024 to March 2025."

Step 4 — Pay the Fee

• Fee: ₹10 (pay via Internet Banking, credit/debit card, or UPI)
• BPL applicants: Fee is waived (upload BPL card)
• After payment, you'll receive a Registration Number — save this for tracking

Step 5 — Track Your Application

1. Go to rtionline.gov.in
2. Click "View Status"
3. Enter your Registration Number
4. Check the status of your application and any response from the PIO

How to File RTI Offline

1. Write your RTI application on plain paper (no special format required)
2. Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department
3. Include your name, address, and contact details
4. Write your specific questions
5. Attach a ₹10 Indian Postal Order (IPO) or demand draft (payable to the Accounts Officer of the department), or pay ₹10 in cash at the counter
6. Send by registered post or submit in person
7. Keep the postal receipt or acknowledgment

Who is the PIO (Public Information Officer)?

Every government department designates a PIO who is responsible for receiving and responding to RTI requests. You don't need to know the PIO's name — address your application to "The Public Information Officer, [Department Name]" and it will be routed correctly.

If you send the RTI to the wrong department, they are legally required to transfer it to the correct department within 5 days.

Response Timeline

What If You Don't Get a Response? — Appeal Process

First Appeal

If you don't receive a reply within 30 days, or the reply is incomplete/unsatisfactory:

1. File a First Appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department
2. Deadline: Within 30 days of receiving the reply (or 30 days after the response was due)
3. No fee for first appeal
4. The FAA must decide within 30 days (extendable to 45 days)
5. On rtionline.gov.in, click "Submit First Appeal" and enter your registration number

Second Appeal — Central Information Commission (CIC)

If the first appeal is also unsatisfactory:

1. File a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) at cic.gov.in
2. Deadline: Within 90 days of FAA's decision
3. No fee for second appeal
4. CIC can impose a penalty of ₹250 per day (up to ₹25,000) on the PIO for unjustified delay or refusal
5. CIC's decision is binding

For State Government RTIs, the second appeal goes to the respective State Information Commission (SIC).

Exemptions — What Cannot Be Asked Under RTI?

The RTI Act lists exemptions under Section 8 where information can be denied:

1. National security — Information that affects sovereignty, security, or strategic interests
2. Court-prohibited — Information forbidden by any court or tribunal
3. Parliamentary privilege — Information that would breach privilege of Parliament or State Legislature
4. Trade secrets — Commercial confidence, trade secrets, intellectual property
5. Fiduciary relationship — Information available in fiduciary capacity
6. Foreign government — Information received from foreign governments in confidence
7. Safety of person — Information that would endanger life or safety
8. Investigation records — Information that would impede investigation or prosecution
9. Cabinet papers — Cabinet deliberations (but decisions and reasons must be disclosed after the decision is made)
10. Personal privacy — Personal information with no public interest justification

Important: Even exempt information can be disclosed if the public interest outweighs the harm of disclosure. Also, information related to corruption and human rights violations cannot be denied.

Cost of Information

Important Tips

1. Be specific — Vague questions get vague answers. Ask for specific documents, data, or records with clear time periods
2. File to the right department — While wrong-department RTIs get transferred, it adds 5+ days delay. Identify the correct ministry/department first
3. Keep copies — Save your registration number, payment receipt, and a copy of your application
4. Don't hesitate to appeal — Many PIOs delay or give incomplete answers. First appeal is free and usually more effective
5. RTI is powerful — RTI has been used to expose corruption, get pending government work done, and hold officials accountable. Use it responsibly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file RTI for state government departments online?

The rtionline.gov.in portal is only for Central Government departments. For state government bodies, check if your state has an online RTI portal (several states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi have them). Otherwise, file offline via postal order.

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

No. There is no limit. You can file as many RTI applications as you want. Each application requires a ₹10 fee.

Can I file RTI anonymously?

No. You must provide your name and address. However, the PIO cannot ask why you want the information or reject your application because they disagree with the purpose.

What if the PIO refuses to accept my RTI?

If a PIO refuses to accept your RTI, you can file a complaint with the Central/State Information Commission. Refusal to accept an RTI application is a violation of the Act and can result in penalties.

Can I file RTI about private companies?

RTI applies only to public authorities — government departments, PSUs, and government-funded bodies. Private companies are not covered. However, if a private body receives substantial government funding, it may be covered.

How long does RTI information remain valid?

There is no validity period. The information provided is a snapshot of records at the time of your request. You can file a new RTI for updated information at any time.

Can BPL families file RTI for free?

Yes. Applicants below the poverty line (BPL) are exempt from all fees — application fee, photocopy charges, etc. They must attach a copy of their BPL card or certificate.

This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with any government body. For filing RTI applications, visit rtionline.gov.in.