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How to File RTI Right to Information Application 2026

RTI online - central govt info. ₹10. 30-day reply mandatory by law.

📁 Schemes ⏱️ 30-45 mins 💰 ₹10

About This Guide

Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 - any citizen can demand information from public authorities. Online at rtionline.gov.in for central govt. State portals for state govt. ₹10 fee (BPL free). 30-day reply mandatory. First Appeal if denied.

Eligibility Criteria

Indian citizen (any age)
Information sought from public authority
Pertains to administration/decisions/records
Not classified/security info

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.

Aadhaar
PAN
Specific question/info sought
Department identification
Mobile registered
BPL certificate (free filing)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.

Visit Portal

rtionline.gov.in (Central) or state RTI portals.

Mobile + email + Aadhaar.

New Request

Submit RTI Request.

Identify Department

Ministry/Department/Public Authority.

Frame Questions

Specific, narrow, factual. NOT subjective opinions.

Public Authority CPIO

Auto-suggested.

Pay Fee

₹10 via UPI/Net banking. BPL free with certificate.

Submit

Registration Number.

Track

Dashboard shows replies.

30-Day Wait

CPIO must reply.

No Reply / Unsatisfactory

First Appeal within 30 days. ₹0 fee.

Second Appeal

Central Information Commission (CIC) within 90 days. CIC orders mandatory disclosure.

Key Benefits

Citizen right (constitutional)
30-day reply mandatory
₹10 affordable
BPL free
Multiple departments
Public records access
Govt accountability
First + Second Appeal
Penalties for non-compliance (₹250/day on CPIO)
Empowers individuals

What Happens After Application?

30-day reply. Track via dashboard. Appeal if denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can ask?

Anything held by public authority. NOT: classified, security, personal info of others, advice/opinion. Better: facts, records, decisions, copies.

No reply 30 days?

First Appeal at same authority. Then Second Appeal at CIC. CIC can fine officer ₹25K + ₹250/day delay.