The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers every citizen of India to seek information from government bodies to promote transparency and accountability. In the past, filing an RTI application meant writing a physical letter and sending it by post. But with digital governance expanding, the Government of India now allows citizens to file RTI applications online through a smooth, user-friendly system. This online process saves time, reduces paperwork, and ensures faster communication between applicants and public authorities.
This guide explains the complete step-by-step process of filing an RTI online, the fees involved, supported payment methods, what to expect after submission, and important tips to make your RTI effective. Whether you are a law student, researcher, journalist, or simply an aware citizen, this detailed guide will help you navigate the RTI portal easily.
Understanding the Purpose of RTI
Before filing an RTI, it is important to understand why the Act exists. RTI gives you the power to ask any government department for information that should be accessible to citizens. This includes records, documents, circulars, memos, emails, advice, opinions, and data held by public authorities. The objective is not to challenge the government but to ensure transparency in decision-making and functioning.
Law students often use RTI to access unavailable public data, seek clarification on administrative functioning, or gather material for projects and research papers. Citizens commonly use RTI to track the status of complaints, seek property details, request project information, or understand reasons behind government decisions.
Who Can File an RTI Online?
Any Indian citizen can file an RTI—whether residing in India or abroad. NRIs can also file online RTIs, especially through the special portal that supports international payments. However, RTI cannot be filed by non-citizens or foreign nationals.
Only matters related to Central Government departments can be addressed through the main RTI Online Portal. For State Government departments, most states have separate RTI portals. Some states still require physical applications.
Information You Can Request Through RTI
RTI is useful only when you ask for specific, clear information. You can seek:
- Copies of documents or records
- Status of applications or complaints
- Certified copies of files
- Circulars, notifications, rules
- Budget or expenditure details
- Inspection of documents
- Details of decision-making processes
Information that affects national security, privacy, or is exempt under Sections 8 and 9 of the RTI Act cannot be disclosed.
Step-by-Step Process to File RTI Online
The online filing process is straightforward, and the entire application usually takes not more than ten minutes. The platform for filing online RTI to Central Government authorities is:
rtionline.gov.in
Below is a clear walkthrough of each step.
1. Visit the Official RTI Online Portal
Open your browser and go to the RTI Online Portal. The homepage provides an overview, guidelines for applicants, and a list of public authorities covered under the system. It also displays updates, fee details, and frequently asked questions. Reading the guidelines once helps you avoid mistakes in your application.
2. Click on “Submit Request”
On the menu bar, you will find an option called “Submit Request.” Clicking it redirects you to an instructions page. You must scroll through these guidelines and click on the “I have read and understood” button to proceed.
Also Read: Indian Evidence Act – Overview
3. Fill in Your Personal Details
The portal requires some basic details:
- Full name
- Address
- State and district
- Country
- Mobile number
- Email ID
These details are essential for communication and for sending updates related to your RTI application.
If you wish to apply as a Below Poverty Line (BPL) applicant, you must upload a scanned copy of the BPL card.
4. Select the Public Authority
This is the most important part of the process. You must choose the Central Government department or ministry from which you want information. For example:
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Finance
- Income Tax Department
- UPSC
- CBSE
- Delhi Police
Selecting the wrong public authority may lead to rejection, although the portal sometimes forwards applications to the correct department.
5. Draft Your RTI Query Clearly
In the text box provided, type your questions in clear and simple language. Keep them crisp, specific, and structured. Avoid asking too many unrelated questions in one application. The RTI Act allows only 500 words in the online form, so clarity is crucial.
Here is a useful format:
- Mention what you want to know
- Avoid asking “why” questions
- Refer to documents, dates, or events
- Ask for certified copies if required
A well-structured query helps the Public Information Officer (PIO) understand your request quickly.
6. Upload Supporting Documents (Optional)
If your query relates to a previous complaint, document, or application, you may upload PDF documents. These are optional but often helpful.
7. Pay the Fees
The standard RTI fee is ₹10 for most applicants. Payment can be made via:
- Net banking
- UPI
- Credit or debit card
BPL applicants do not need to pay any fee.
If you ask for photocopies or additional documents, the department may request additional charges later through the portal.
8. Receive the Acknowledgment
After submission, the portal issues a unique registration number. This number helps you:
- Track the status of your RTI
- Receive replies
- File appeals if needed
You will also get an acknowledgment email confirming your application.
9. Track the Status of Your RTI
Go to the “Status” section on the RTI portal and enter your registration number. You can view whether your application is:
- Under process
- Transferred to another department
- Replied
- Rejected (with reasons)
10. Receive the Response
Under the RTI Act, departments must reply within 30 days. For life and liberty-related matters, the timeline reduces to 48 hours. You will get the reply through the portal, and a notification will also be sent to your email.
Table: Fee Structure for RTI Applications
| Type of Fee | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹10 | Filing RTI |
| Photocopy Charges | ₹2 per page | If documents exceed online limit |
| Inspection Fee | ₹5 per hour | Physical inspection of records |
| BPL Applicants | No fee | Exempt under RTI rules |
Tips to Make Your RTI More Effective
While filing an RTI is simple, getting useful information requires clarity. Always ask for specific details and avoid open-ended or vague queries. If you want certified copies of documents, mention it clearly. Never use RTI as a grievance redressal tool; RTI is meant for seeking information only, not for complaints. Also, avoid asking for explanations or reasons. Stick to records and documents.
Final Thoughts
Filing an RTI online is one of the easiest ways to access important government information. The digital portal has made the entire process more efficient, transparent, and convenient for citizens. Whether you are looking for academic research, administrative updates, or information about public projects, RTI is a powerful tool.
For law students, filing RTIs during research or internships also strengthens legal understanding and practical skills. Knowing how to draft clear RTI queries is an important part of legal education today, and this step-by-step guide ensures you can navigate the system effortlessly.
