How to File an RTI Application Online, Step by Step
The Right to Information Act lets any citizen ask a public authority for information for a Rs 10 fee. Here is how to file on rtionline.gov.in, the deadlines and how to appeal.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to request information held by public authorities. It came fully into force on 12 October 2005 and remains one of the most practical tools for holding offices accountable, whether you want to know the status of a pension file or how a local road budget was spent.
Where to file
For central government ministries, departments and many central public authorities, you can apply online at rtionline.gov.in, run by the Department of Personnel and Training. Many states run their own RTI portals; for state offices without a portal, you can send a written application by post to the Public Information Officer (PIO).
Step by step on the portal
- Open rtionline.gov.in and choose Submit Request. You can register for an account so that you can track your requests later.
- Select the ministry or department you want to ask.
- Fill in your name, address and contact details.
- Type your questions clearly. Ask for specific records, such as copies of file notings or a list of payments, rather than opinions.
- Pay the application fee of Rs 10 online. Applicants below the poverty line are exempt from the fee but must upload proof.
- Submit and note the registration number for tracking.
You do not have to give a reason for seeking information.
Deadlines to remember
| Situation | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Normal reply from the PIO | 30 days |
| Information concerning life or liberty | 48 hours |
| First appeal after no reply or an unsatisfactory reply | Within 30 days |
| Second appeal to the Information Commission | Within 90 days |
Appeals
If you get no reply, an incomplete answer or a refusal you disagree with, file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority of the same department; the portal has a Submit First Appeal option. If that also fails, you can approach the Central Information Commission for central bodies, or the State Information Commission for state bodies.
Tips for a useful application
- Keep each application to one subject.
- Use short, numbered questions.
- Ask for certified copies where you may need documents as evidence.
- Some information, such as matters affecting national security or personal information with no public interest, can be withheld under Section 8 of the Act.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the RTI fee?
The application fee for central public authorities is Rs 10. Citizens below the poverty line are exempt on producing proof.
What if I get no reply in 30 days?
You can file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority within 30 days of the deadline passing.
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