Civil · 6 min read
How to file an RTI application — central, state and online
Step-by-step procedure under the Right to Information Act, 2005 — from drafting the application to first appeal and second appeal before the CIC / SIC.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 enables any citizen to seek information from a public authority, with limited exemptions under Section 8.
Most ministries and many state authorities accept online applications. Responses must be provided within 30 days (48 hours where life or liberty is concerned).
Who this guide helps
Is this for you?
- Citizens seeking copies of orders, files, inspection reports or status of applications
- Persons aggrieved by inaction or non-decision by a public authority
- Researchers and journalists seeking accountability information
Governing law
Legal basis
- Right to Information Act, 2005
- Section 6 — request for information; Section 7 — response; Section 8 — exemptions
- Section 19 — first and second appeals
Step by step
The procedure
- 01
Identify the public authority
RTI lies only against 'public authorities' — Government departments, PSUs, bodies substantially financed by Government, etc.
- 02
Draft a focused application
Frame specific, answerable questions. Avoid 'why' and 'opinion' questions — RTI is for information that exists in records.
- 03
File and pay fees
Central Government — https://rtionline.gov.in/. State portals vary. Fee is Rs. 10 (BPL applicants exempt).
- 04
Track and receive response
The Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within 30 days. Additional fee for copies may be intimated; pay and receive copies.
- 05
First appeal (within 30 days)
If no reply or unsatisfactory reply, file a first appeal before the First Appellate Authority of the same public authority.
- 06
Second appeal (within 90 days)
Before the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC) — penalty for unjustified denial can be imposed on the PIO.
Checklist
Documents to keep ready
- Identity proof (citizenship)
- Application with fee
- Earlier correspondence (if any)
What to expect
Indicative timeline
- Reply: 30 days
- First appeal: ~30–45 days
- Second appeal: 6–18 months
Money matters
Cost components
- Application fee Rs. 10
- Copying charges per page
Indicative only. Actual outflow depends on the forum, valuation and scope of work.
Avoid these
Common pitfalls
- Asking opinion-based or hypothetical questions
- Filing against private bodies (RTI does not apply directly)
- Missing the appeal window
From the chambers
Practical tips
- Be precise and number your questions
- Keep proofs of dispatch and delivery
- Upload supporting documents in online filing
Questions we hear
Frequently asked
Can I ask for file notings?
Yes — file notings are part of records and can be sought, subject to exemptions under Section 8.
Can RTI be used to seek personal records?
Yes — your own records are typically furnished without invoking the third-party exemption.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. The applicable law and procedure may vary depending on the facts of your matter and amendments enacted from time to time.