RTI Application Online – How to File RTI in India

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers every Indian citizen to seek information from public authorities. You can file an RTI application online through the government portal or offline via post. This guide covers both methods, fees, appeal process, and tips for writing effective RTI applications.

What is RTI?

The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives Indian citizens the right to:

• Request information from any public authority (central, state, or local)
• Inspect documents, records, and files
• Get certified copies of documents
• Obtain information in electronic form (CDs, floppies, printouts)

Key Facts

• Applicable to: All government bodies, PSUs, and organizations substantially funded by the government
• Response time: 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty matters)
• Fee: ₹10 for central government; varies for state governments
• BPL applicants: Exempted from fees (attach BPL certificate)

Who Can File an RTI?

• Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application
• Companies, societies, trusts cannot file (but an individual associated with them can)
• Foreigners cannot file RTI under this Act
• No reason needed — you don't have to explain why you need the information

Step-by-Step: File RTI Online (Central Government)

1. Visit rtionline.gov.in
2. Click on "Submit Request"
3. Read the guidelines and click "I have read the guidelines"
4. Fill in the form:
   • Public Authority: Select the ministry/department from the dropdown
   • Personal Details: Name, address, email, mobile, state
   • Citizenship: Confirm Indian citizenship
   • BPL status: Select if applicable (attach BPL card)
   • RTI Request Text: Write your question (max 3000 characters)
   • Supporting Document: Upload if needed (PDF, max 1 MB)
5. Pay the fee of ₹10 online (Internet Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI)
6. Click "Submit"
7. Note down the Registration Number for tracking
8. You will receive a confirmation email

Step-by-Step: File RTI Offline (By Post)

1. Write your RTI application on plain paper
2. Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant department
3. Include:
   • Your name, address, and contact details
   • The specific information you are seeking
   • "Filed under the Right to Information Act, 2005"
4. Attach the fee (₹10 via postal order, DD, or court fee stamp)
5. Send by registered post or speed post (keep the receipt)
6. BPL applicants: Attach a copy of BPL certificate instead of fee

RTI Application Format

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

Subject: Application under RTI Act, 2005

Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], resident of [Your Address], request the following
information under the Right to Information Act, 2005:

1. [Your specific question]
2. [Another question if any]

I am depositing the prescribed fee of ₹10 via [postal order/DD/court fee stamp].

Kindly provide the information within the stipulated time of 30 days.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

RTI Fees

How to Track Your RTI Application

1. Visit rtionline.gov.in
2. Click "View Status"
3. Enter your Registration Number and email/mobile
4. View the current status and any replies

RTI Appeal Process

If you are unsatisfied with the response or don't receive a reply within 30 days:

First Appeal

• File within 30 days of receiving the response (or 30 days after the deadline)
• Address to the First Appellate Authority (senior officer in the same department)
• No additional fee for first appeal

Second Appeal

• File within 90 days of the first appeal decision
• Address to the Central Information Commission (CIC) at cic.gov.in or the respective State Information Commission
• Can be filed online at rtionline.gov.in

Exemptions — When RTI Can Be Denied

Information can be denied under Section 8 if it relates to:

• National security or sovereignty
• Information received from foreign governments
• Trade secrets or intellectual property
• Cabinet papers and discussions
• Personal information with no public interest
• Information that could endanger someone's life

However, if the public interest outweighs the harm, even exempted information may be disclosed.

Important Tips

1. Be specific — ask clear, pointed questions; vague requests get vague answers
2. One department per RTI — file separate applications for different departments
3. Keep questions numbered — makes it easier for the PIO to respond
4. Save your registration number — you'll need it for tracking and appeals
5. Use RTI online portal for central government; state-specific portals for state matters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I file RTI online for state government departments? The rtionline.gov.in portal is primarily for central government bodies. Many states have their own RTI portals (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi). Check your state government website.

Q2. What if I don't get a reply within 30 days? You can file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority. The deemed refusal entitles you to appeal immediately.

Q3. Can I file RTI anonymously? No. You must provide your name and address. However, the PIO cannot ask why you need the information.

Q4. How many questions can I ask in one RTI? There is no fixed limit, but keep it focused on one subject. Some states limit word count (e.g., 150 or 500 words).

Q5. Can I file RTI against private companies? Generally no, unless the private entity is substantially funded by the government or performs public functions.

Q6. Is RTI applicable to the judiciary? Yes. The Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts come under RTI, though judicial decisions and deliberations may be exempt.

Q7. Can I get information about another person through RTI? Personal information of third parties is generally exempt under Section 8(1)(j), unless a larger public interest is served.

Related Guides

• Court Case Status Check — Track your case online
• Consumer Court Guide — File consumer complaints
• Cyber Crime Complaint — Report cyber crimes online

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with any government body. Information is compiled from official sources and may change. Always verify with the official RTI portal or the relevant public authority for the latest details.