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RTI10 MIN READ📅 May 28, 2026

How to File RTI Online in India — Complete 2026 Guide

The Right to Information Act, 2005 is one of the most powerful tools available to Indian citizens. With a single ₹10 application, you can demand information from any government department. This guide explains exactly how to file, appeal, and win your RTI.

⚡ Quick Facts

Step-by-Step Process to File RTI

01
Identify the Public Authority
Determine which government department holds the information you need. RTI can be filed with any 'public authority' — central or state government departments, PSUs, courts (admin wing), local bodies, and even some aided institutions.
02
Draft Your RTI Application
Write a clear, specific application in English or Hindi (or official state language). Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department. State your questions clearly — one subject per RTI is recommended.
03
Pay the Application Fee
Central RTI: ₹10 (by postal order, demand draft, or online). State RTIs have their own fee structures — most are ₹10-50. BPL cardholders are exempt from paying fees — attach a copy of your BPL ration card.
04
Submit Online or by Post
Online: use rtionline.gov.in for central departments. By post: send to the PIO of the concerned department. In person: submit at the department's RTI counter and get an acknowledgment.
05
Wait for Response
PIO must respond within 30 days (or 48 hours if the matter concerns life/liberty). Keep your application reference number safe.
06
File First Appeal if Ignored
If you get no reply within 30 days, or if you are unsatisfied with the response, file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department within 30 days of the reply (or non-reply).
07
File Second Appeal with CIC/SIC
If the First Appeal fails, escalate to the Central Information Commission (CIC) for central departments, or State Information Commission (SIC) for state departments. File within 90 days of the FAA decision.

Pro Tips for Filing a Strong RTI

🎯
Be specific
Ask for specific documents, dates, files, or data — not vague questions like 'What is your policy?'
📋
One subject per RTI
Avoid mixing topics. File separate RTIs for separate subjects for cleaner, faster responses.
🔢
Cite file numbers
If you know the relevant file/case number, mention it. Officers can locate information much faster.
⚖️
Don't ask for opinions
RTI is for information and documents — not for seeking opinions or asking 'why' questions directly.
📅
Track deadlines
Mark your calendar: 30 days for PIO reply, then 30 days to file First Appeal, then 90 days for CIC/SIC.
💡
BPL exemption
If you have a BPL ration card, attach a copy — you pay zero fees for RTI filing.

What Information Cannot Be Given Under RTI

Note: Even for exempted categories, if public interest outweighs protected interest, information can be ordered to be disclosed by CIC/SIC.

Sample RTI Application Format

To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Name of Department],
[Address]

Subject: Application under the Right to Information Act, 2005

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], resident of [Your Address], wish to seek the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:

1. [Specific question — e.g., Please provide the status of my application number XYZ dated DD/MM/YYYY]
2. [Second question if any]

I am enclosing application fee of ₹10/- by [postal order/online payment].

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Contact Number] | [Email]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I file an RTI about a private company?
A: Only if the private company is substantially financed by the government or is performing a public function. Pure private companies are not covered under the RTI Act.
Q: Can I file RTI to find out about my pending government job application?
A: Yes. You can ask for details of the selection process, marks awarded, cut-off marks, and list of selected candidates. This is one of the most common uses of RTI.
Q: What happens if a PIO refuses to give information?
A: File a First Appeal immediately. If that also fails, escalate to CIC/SIC. The Information Commission can order the PIO to provide information and impose a penalty of up to ₹25,000 on the PIO for wrongful refusal.
Q: Can I file RTI anonymously?
A: No. The RTI Act requires you to provide your name and contact address. However, your application details are generally not disclosed to the public authority without your consent in certain sensitive cases.
Q: Is there an RTI for private schools receiving government aid?
A: Yes. Schools substantially aided by the government fall under RTI. You can ask about fee structures, admissions criteria, teacher salaries, and utilisation of government grants.

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