by Want to know the status of your pending application, how public money was spent on your local road, or why your file is stuck in a government office? The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the power to ask. And filing RTI online is now easy: you can submit your application from your phone, pay just ₹10, and get a reply within 30 days. No lawyer, no long queues, and no need to give reasons for asking.
This guide explains how to file RTI online on the central government portal step by step, how to write an effective RTI application, fees, time limits, how to track status, how to file first and second appeals, and how to file RTI for Kerala state departments.
What Is the Right to Information (RTI)?
The RTI Act, 2005 allows any citizen of India to request information from a “public authority” – government ministries, departments, PSUs, municipalities, panchayats, public universities, government hospitals, police, and bodies substantially financed by the government. Public authorities must reply within a fixed time, and officials who deny information without valid reason can be penalised.
Information includes records, documents, emails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples and data held in electronic form.
Who Can File RTI Online?
- Any citizen of India (including NRIs who are Indian citizens)
- No need to give a reason for seeking information
- Only individuals can file; companies or associations cannot file in their own name (a person can file on their behalf)
RTI Online Fees
| Item | Fee (central government) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | ₹10 |
| Photocopies (A4/A3) | ₹2 per page |
| Inspection of records | First hour free; ₹5 for every additional hour |
| Information in CD/DVD | As notified (nominal charge) |
| BPL applicants | No fee (attach BPL certificate) |
State governments have their own fee rules, usually similar (₹10 application fee).
How to File RTI Online on rtionline.gov.in: Step-by-Step
The RTI Online portal of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is used to file RTI applications to central ministries, departments and many central public authorities.
Step 1: Open the Portal and Register
Visit rtionline.gov.in and click Submit Request. You can register to save your history or continue as a guest. Registered users can track all applications easily.
Step 2: Read the Guidelines
Read the instructions, tick the box confirming you have read them, and click Submit.
Step 3: Select the Ministry/Department
Choose the ministry or department and the public authority from the dropdown list. If your authority is not listed, it may not be on the portal, and you may need to file by post or through its own portal.
Step 4: Fill Personal Details
Enter your name, gender, address, PIN code, country, state, educational status, mobile number and email ID. Mobile and email are important for updates.
Step 5: Write Your RTI Request
Type your questions in the text box (up to 3,000 characters) or upload a PDF if longer. Specify whether you are BPL; if yes, upload the BPL certificate.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay ₹10 online using net banking, debit/credit card or UPI through the SBI payment gateway.
Step 7: Save the Registration Number
After payment, a unique registration number is generated and sent to your email and mobile. Use it to track the application.
How to Write an Effective RTI Application
- Ask for information, not explanations: Instead of “Why is my file delayed?”, ask “Please provide the daily progress report of my application number XXXX, including names of officers who handled it and dates.”
- Be specific: Mention file numbers, dates, locations and the period for which information is sought.
- Number your questions: List each question separately for clarity.
- Keep it short: Avoid long stories; stick to the information needed.
- Ask for certified copies: If you need documents for legal use, request certified copies.
- Request inspection: You can ask to inspect files in person.
Sample RTI Questions
- Please provide the current status of my application number ____ dated ____ submitted to ____.
- Please provide the names and designations of the officers with whom the application remained pending, along with dates.
- Please provide a copy of the rules or circulars that specify the time limit for processing such applications.
- Please provide certified copies of file notings related to my application.
Time Limit for RTI Reply
| Situation | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Normal request | 30 days from receipt |
| Life or liberty of a person involved | 48 hours |
| Application transferred to another authority | 30 days from receipt by the correct authority (transfer must be within 5 days) |
| Through Assistant PIO | Additional 5 days |
| Third-party information | 40 days |
If no reply is received in time, it is treated as a “deemed refusal”, and you can file a first appeal.
How to Track RTI Online Status
- Visit rtionline.gov.in and click View Status.
- Enter the registration number, email ID and captcha.
- The current status and reply (if uploaded) will be displayed.
First Appeal: If Reply Is Unsatisfactory
If you don’t get a reply within 30 days, or the reply is incomplete or wrong, file a first appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA), who is senior to the Public Information Officer (PIO):
- On rtionline.gov.in, click Submit First Appeal.
- Enter your original registration number, email and captcha.
- Explain the grounds for appeal (no reply, incomplete reply, denial without valid reason).
- Submit. No fee is charged for appeals at the central level.
The first appeal should be filed within 30 days of receiving the reply or the expiry of the 30-day period. The FAA should decide within 30 days (extendable to 45 days).
Second Appeal to the Information Commission
If the first appeal also fails, file a second appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) for central authorities or the State Information Commission for state authorities, within 90 days of the FAA’s decision. The CIC accepts online second appeals and complaints through its own portal. The commission can order disclosure and impose penalties on officers of up to ₹25,000.
Filing RTI for Kerala State Departments
For Kerala government offices such as village offices, taluk offices, panchayats, municipalities, KSEB, KSRTC, police stations, government hospitals and schools, you need to file under the Kerala RTI rules. The Kerala government has introduced online RTI facilities for several departments, so check the official state RTI portal first. If your department is not covered, file by post or in person:
- Write the application on plain paper addressed to the “State Public Information Officer” of the office.
- Pay the ₹10 fee through a court fee stamp affixed on the application, demand draft, treasury remittance or cash at the office, as accepted.
- Send it by registered post or hand it over and get an acknowledgement.
- BPL applicants should attach a copy of the BPL ration card for fee exemption.
Appeals for state authorities go to the First Appellate Authority of the department and then to the Kerala State Information Commission.
RTI Online vs Offline: Which Is Better?
| Point | RTI online | Offline (post/in person) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant submission | Postal delays |
| Fee payment | Online gateway | Stamp, DD, IPO or cash |
| Tracking | Online status | Manual follow-up |
| Coverage | Listed authorities only | Any public authority |
| Proof | Registration number | Postal receipt/acknowledgement |
For central authorities listed on the portal, RTI online is faster and easier. For local offices, offline filing may still be necessary.
Popular Uses of RTI
- Status of passport, pension, scholarship or certificate applications
- Details of road, drainage or building works in your area and money spent
- Copies of answer sheets in public examinations (as allowed)
- Information about ration allocation and distribution
- Status of police complaints and action taken reports
- Details of government scheme beneficiaries in your panchayat
- Recruitment process details and selection lists
- Information about pending income tax refunds or EPF claims
Common Reasons RTI Applications Get Rejected
- Asking “why” questions or seeking opinions instead of records
- Vague requests without specific details
- Applying to the wrong public authority
- Seeking exempt information under Section 8
- Fee not paid or BPL proof missing
- Very broad requests that would disproportionately divert resources
Even when rejected, the PIO must give reasons, the relevant section, and details of the appellate authority. If you disagree, file a first appeal.
Real-Life Example
Babu from Kannur had applied for a central government pension correction and heard nothing for eight months. He filed RTI online asking for the status of his application, the names of officers it was pending with, and the expected timeline as per the citizen charter. Within three weeks, he received a reply, and his correction was processed soon after. Many citizens find that an RTI request quickly moves stuck files, because officials know they are accountable.
Tips for Effective Use of RTI
- Keep copies of every application, reply and appeal.
- Use simple language and avoid accusations.
- Limit each application to one subject and a few related questions.
- Follow deadlines strictly for appeals.
- Use inspection of files when documents are many.
- Share useful information with your community responsibly.
Protection for RTI Users
RTI applicants should not be harassed for seeking information. If you face threats or pressure, inform the Information Commission and the police. Keep your applications factual and avoid publishing personal information about officials.
RTI Online for NRIs
Indian citizens living abroad can also use RTI online to seek information from central public authorities. The portal accepts international addresses, and the fee can be paid using Indian or international cards supported by the gateway. NRIs often use RTI online to check the status of property records, passport services, pension files or pending refunds. Replies are sent by email or uploaded on the portal, which saves the cost of international postage.
RTI Online Through Mobile
The RTI online portal works on mobile browsers, so you can file an application from your smartphone in a few minutes. Keep your questions ready in a notes app, copy them into the form, pay through UPI and save the registration number screenshot. You can also check the status of RTI online applications on your phone anytime.
RTI Online Application Format Tips
Although there is no fixed format for an RTI online application, following a simple structure makes it easy for the PIO to respond:
- Subject line: “Request for information under the RTI Act, 2005”
- Reference to the specific department, office or scheme
- Numbered list of questions
- Period of information requested (for example, April 2024 to March 2026)
- Preferred format: soft copy by email or certified hard copies
- Declaration that you are a citizen of India
What If the PIO Asks for Additional Fees?
If the information runs into many pages, the PIO may ask you to pay additional fees for photocopies. For RTI online applications, the portal lets you pay the additional fee online when requested. If the PIO delays and then asks for fees after 30 days, you can argue that the information should be provided free of cost, as the law says information must be supplied free if the deadline is missed.
RTI Online Status Meanings
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Request received | Application submitted and pending with the PIO |
| Transferred | Sent to another public authority holding the information |
| Additional fee required | You must pay for copies before receiving information |
| Disposed of | Reply given; check the uploaded document or email |
| Rejected | Request denied with reasons; you can appeal |
Using RTI Online Responsibly
RTI online is a powerful tool, but it should be used for genuine information needs. Avoid filing dozens of repetitive applications on the same subject or seeking personal information about others without public interest. Responsible use ensures that public authorities can respond efficiently to everyone. When used wisely, RTI online helps fight corruption, speed up pending work and improve governance for the whole community.
Important Sections of the RTI Act to Know
- Section 2(f): Defines “information” broadly, including records in any form.
- Section 4: Public authorities must proactively publish key information such as functions, budgets, officers and decision-making processes.
- Section 6: How to make a request; no reasons required.
- Section 7: Time limits and fees for providing information.
- Section 8: Exemptions from disclosure.
- Section 11: Procedure for third-party information.
- Section 19: First and second appeals.
- Section 20: Penalties on PIOs for delay or wrongful denial.
Knowing these sections helps you write better applications and appeals.
Check Proactive Disclosures First
Before filing, visit the website of the public authority. Under Section 4, many departments publish information such as organisation charts, staff directories, budgets, tenders and scheme guidelines. You may find what you need immediately, saving time for both you and the department.
Who Is a PIO and APIO?
A Public Information Officer (PIO) is the official designated in each public authority to receive and respond to RTI requests. Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs) receive applications at sub-divisional or district level and forward them to the PIO. The names and contact details of PIOs are usually listed on department websites.
RTI and Your Privacy
Your application details are shared only with the public authority handling your request. Avoid including unnecessary personal information such as Aadhaar numbers or bank details in the application text.
Penalties for Officials
If a PIO refuses to accept an application, delays without reason, gives false information or destroys records, the Information Commission can impose a penalty of ₹250 per day, up to a maximum of ₹25,000. The commission can also recommend disciplinary action. These provisions make officials take RTI requests seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions on RTI Online
What is the fee for RTI online?
₹10 for central government applications, paid online. BPL applicants are exempt.
Can I file RTI online for state departments?
Many states have their own online RTI portals. Otherwise, file by post or in person with the state PIO.
Do I need to give a reason?
No. The RTI Act does not require you to explain why you want the information.
How do I get the reply for RTI online?
Replies are usually sent by email or uploaded on the portal. Some departments also send printed replies by post to the address you provided.
Can I withdraw an RTI application?
There is no formal withdrawal option on the portal, but you can inform the PIO in writing if you no longer need the information.
Can I file RTI online anonymously?
No. You must provide your name and contact details, but you do not need to give reasons or personal details beyond what is required for communication.
What information cannot be obtained?
Information exempt under Section 8, such as matters affecting national security, cabinet papers before decisions, personal information with no public interest, and trade secrets.
Conclusion
RTI is one of the most powerful tools for citizens to demand transparency and accountability. Filing RTI online takes just a few minutes and costs only ₹10. Ask clear, specific questions, track your application, and use first and second appeals if needed. Share this guide with friends and family so more people can use their right to know.
An informed citizen is the strongest pillar of democracy. Use RTI wisely, ask the right questions and help build a more transparent and accountable government for everyone.
