How to file an RTI application online:
Fees and timelines
Introduction
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is one of the most empowering legislations in India. It gives every citizen the right to seek information from public authorities, making governance more transparent and accountable. While RTI applications were traditionally filed through physical letters or post, the Government of India launched the RTI Online Portal in 2013 to simplify the process. This portal, http://rtionline.gov.in, allows citizens to file applications, pay fees, and track status from anywhere.
This article explains the complete process of filing an RTI application online. It covers who can file, step-by-step filing instructions, applicable fees, modes of payment, exemptions, and the legal timelines for receiving information. Understanding these aspects ensures that citizens can exercise their right effectively without procedural delays or rejections.
Who Can File an RTI Application?
As per Section 3 of the RTI Act, 2005, any citizen of India can file an RTI application. There is no minimum age limit prescribed. Non-Resident Indians who hold Indian citizenship can also file online. However, foreign nationals, companies, and NGOs as entities cannot file. If a company or NGO wants information, an authorized employee or member must file in their individual capacity as an Indian citizen.
The application can be filed with any “public authority”. A public authority includes all government departments, ministries, PSUs, and other bodies substantially financed by the government. The online portal currently covers only central government ministries and departments. For state government departments, respective state RTI portals must be used.
Step-by-Step Process to File RTI Online
Filing an RTI online is a simple 6-step process on the official portal http://rtionline.gov.in.
Step 1: Registration and Login
Visit http://rtionline.gov.in. First-time users must click “Sign Up” and register using a mobile number, email ID, and basic details. An OTP verification is required. Once registered, log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Submit Request
Click on “Submit Request” on the dashboard. A form opens where you must select the Ministry/Department and the specific Public Authority from the dropdown. If you are unsure of the exact department, select the closest option. The application will be transferred internally if needed under Section 6(3) of the Act.
Step 3: Enter Personal Details
Fill in your name, address, email, mobile, and citizenship status. Your BPL status must also be declared here. If you select “Yes” for BPL, you must upload a valid BPL certificate, as this gives fee exemption.
Step 4: Draft Your RTI Query
This is the most important part. The text box allows up to 3000 characters. Keep your questions specific, clear, and direct. Do not ask “why” or seek explanations, opinions, or views. The Act provides access to existing records, documents, memos, and data.
Example of a good query: “Please provide certified copies of all tenders issued by CPWD Delhi for road construction in Jan 2026 along with the name of the contractor and final amount paid.”
Example of a bad query: “Why are the roads in Delhi so bad?”
You can also attach a PDF if your request is longer than 3000 characters.
Step 5: Payment of Fees
The prescribed application fee is ₹10. This can be paid online through net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI on the portal. BPL applicants are exempt but must upload proof. After payment, you will get a registration number.
Step 6: Tracking and Response
Use the registration number to “View Status” on the portal. The reply from the Public Information Officer will be uploaded to your account. You can also receive it by post if you select that option.
Fees for Filing RTI Application
The RTI Rules, 2012 prescribe the fee structure for obtaining information.
1. Application Fee
A fee of ₹10 must be paid with every RTI application. This is the basic charge to process your request.
2. Additional Fees for Information
If the information requested requires photocopies or material, extra charges apply:
₹2 per page for A4 or A3 size paper
Actual cost for larger size paper or samples/models
₹50 per CD for information in electronic format
For inspection of records: No fee for the first hour, ₹5 for each subsequent hour
The PIO will inform you through the portal if additional fees are required. You must pay this online within the specified time, otherwise the request may be closed.
3. Fee Exemptions
Applicants who belong to the Below Poverty Line category are exempt from paying any fees, including application and additional fees. A valid BPL certificate issued by a competent authority must be uploaded as proof. No other exemptions are provided under the Act.
4. Mode of Payment Online
On http://rtionline.gov.in, payment can be made via internet banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. Cash, demand draft, or postal order are not used for online filing. For offline filing, IPO, DD, or court fee stamps are used.
Timelines under RTI
The Act lays down strict timelines to ensure information is provided without delay. The clock starts from the date the application is received by the PIO.
1. Normal Timeline: 30 Days
As per Section 7(1), the PIO must provide information or reject the request within 30 days of receipt of application.
2. Life or Liberty Cases: 48 Hours
If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours of receipt.
3. Application via APIO: 35 Days
If you submit the application to an Assistant Public Information Officer, 5 extra days are added. The timeline becomes 35 days.
4. Third Party Information: 40 Days
If the PIO needs to consult a third party under Section 11, an additional 10 days are given. The maximum time becomes 40 days.
5. First Appeal Timeline
If you do not receive a reply in 30 days, or are unsatisfied with the reply, you can file a First Appeal to the First Appellate Authority within 30 days from the expiry of the 30-day period. The First Appeal can also be filed online on the same portal. The FAA must decide the appeal within 30 days, extendable to 45 days with reasons recorded.
6. Second Appeal Timeline
If still unsatisfied, a Second Appeal lies with the Central Information Commission within 90 days from the date of the First Appeal order.
Examples / Case Studies
Case 1: Successful Online RTI
In 2025, an applicant from Bhopal filed an online RTI with the Ministry of Housing asking for funds released under PMAY-U for Madhya Pradesh in FY 2024–25. The application fee of ₹10 was paid via UPI. The PIO replied in 22 days with a PDF containing state-wise data. No additional fee was charged as it was provided electronically.
Case 2: Additional Fee Intimation
A student requested certified copies of answer sheets from a central university for 5 subjects. The PIO intimated via portal that the request involves 60 pages. An additional fee of ₹120 was requested. The student paid online and received the copies by post in 28 days from payment.
Case 3: BPL Exemption
A BPL card holder filed an RTI seeking MNREGA job card details for his village. He uploaded his BPL certificate and paid no fee. The Block Development Office provided the data within 30 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Asking vague questions: “Give me all information about scheme X” will likely be rejected. Be specific with year, department, and document name.
Seeking explanations: RTI is for records that exist, not for creating answers to “why” questions.
Wrong public authority: Check if the department you selected holds the info. If not, it will be transferred but adds delay.
Not checking online coverage: Many state departments, judiciary, and PSUs are not on http://rtionline.gov.in. You must file physically or on state portals.
Missing BPL proof: Claiming exemption without uploading certificate leads to rejection.
Conclusion
The RTI online system has made transparency accessible to every citizen with internet access. Filing an application requires only ₹10, a clear question, and 5 minutes on the portal. The law mandates a 30-day response time, ensuring timely accountability. While filing, citizens must remember to be specific in their queries, use the correct public authority, and track their application using the registration number. Fee exemptions for BPL applicants ensure that the right is not limited by financial capacity.
By using the online RTI mechanism correctly, citizens can participate in governance, expose inefficiencies, and strengthen democracy. The process is simple, but its impact is powerful when used responsibly and precisely.
References
The Right to Information Act, 2005, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.
The Right to Information Rules, 2012, Department of Personnel and Training.
Official RTI Online Portal, https://rtionline.gov.in
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, Ministry of Electronics and IT.
Central Information Commission, https://cic.gov.in
