How to File an RTI in India: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

The Right to Information (RTI) Act gives the Indian citizens the right to demand openness and accountability on the part of the governing authorities. In India, RTI may be filed online on the National Government Services Portal or offline by mail or in person. The applicants are expected to give personal information, the type of information they want and pay an application fee of ₹10 which is nominal unless the candidate falls within the Below Poverty Line(BPL) category. After the application is made, an applicant is given a registration number to follow up on their application and authorities are expected to respond to the applicant within 30 days after receiving the application. For more News insights and workplace updates, visit our News page.

Filing an RTI Online

• In the official portal of RTI: Click on the Submit Request button at the portal at the URL https://rtionline.gov.in.
• Select the department: Select the appropriate ministry or government body that you require information.
• Fill out information and order: Please give your name, contact information and a clear and specific description of the information required. Do not use ambiguous questions or why/how questions.
• Application fee: Pay 10 through the internet using debit/credit card, internet banking or UPI. BPL card holders have the option to submit their BPL card in order to waive the fees.
• Submit and track: After submission, you will be provided with a registration number through SMS and e-mail to monitor your status of RTI online.

Filing an RTI Offline

• Write the application: Write your RTI on plain paper (written by hand, typed) in English, Hindi, or an official regional language.
• Add the payment: Add 10INR through Indian Postal Order, demand draft, bankers cheque or cash (where applicable in person).
• Send the form: Mailing Address is the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the respective department and either post it or present it in person.

Important Guidelines

• Response Time: The PIO should respond to the RTI application within 30 days of the receipt.
• BPL Applicants: There is no fee when the citizens are below the poverty line (attach BPL proof).
• Urgent Cases: In the case of life or liberty, the authorities should respond within 48 hours and no fee in this case.
• Appeals: First Applications may be made by applicants via the RTI Online portal in case of a delayed or unsatisfactory information.

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