How to File RTI Online in India (2026): A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Every Indian citizen has the legal right to ask the government a question — and get an answer within 30 days. That right is the RTI Act, 2005. This guide explains exactly how to file RTI online in India in 2026, what it costs, and what to do if the government doesn't respond.
In This Article
- What Is RTI and Who Can File It?
- What Information Can You Request?
- How to File RTI Online: 3 Steps
- RTI Fee and Payment
- RTI Response Timeline
- What to Do If You Get No Reply
- Common RTI Use Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is RTI and Who Can File It?
The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the legal right to request information from any public authority — central or state government departments, public sector organisations, municipalities, and more. The law requires the relevant Public Information Officer (PIO) to respond within 30 days of receiving your application.
There are no restrictions on who can file. If you are an Indian citizen, you can file an RTI application — regardless of your education, profession, or location. You do not need a lawyer. You do not need to explain why you want the information.
Key Point: Under Section 6(2) of the RTI Act, you are not required to give any reason for requesting information. Simply state what you want to know.
What Information Can You Request?
You can use RTI to request almost any information held by a government body — as long as it is not exempt under Section 8 of the Act (such as national security or third-party personal data). Here are some common and highly effective uses:
| Category | What You Can Ask | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Employment / EPF | Status of PF withdrawal, pension delay | File EPF RTI |
| Passport | Why passport application is delayed | File Passport RTI |
| Land Records | Land ownership, mutation, encroachment records | File Land RTI |
| Education | Exam answer sheets, result delays, merit list | File Education RTI |
| Police / FIR | Status of FIR or complaint registered | File FIR RTI |
| Government Schemes | Status of subsidy, ration card, pension | File Pension RTI |
How to File RTI Online in India: 3 Steps
There are two ways to file RTI online in India: through the official government portal (for central government departments), or through a simplified service like FileMyRTI that handles drafting, identifying the right officer, and dispatching for you.
Method 1: File RTI Yourself via the Official Portal
Step 1: Identify the Right Department
Determine which central government ministry or department holds the information you need. For example, passport delays go to the Ministry of External Affairs; EPF issues go to the Ministry of Labour (EPFO). Visit rtionline.gov.in for central government RTI. For state-level information, you'll need your state's RTI portal — see our Government RTI Links guide for direct links to every state portal.
Step 2: Draft and Submit Your RTI Application
Write your RTI application in plain language — no specific format is mandatory. State clearly what information you want. Keep it specific: instead of "give me all information about my EPF account", write "Please provide the current status of my PF withdrawal application submitted on [date], reference number [XXXX]." Submit online and pay the ₹10 fee via UPI, internet banking, or debit/credit card. BPL cardholders are exempt from the fee.
Step 3: Track and Follow Up
You will receive a registration number to track your RTI status online. The PIO must respond within 30 days. If they don't — or if you're unsatisfied with the response — you can file a First Appeal within 30 days of the deadline.
Method 2: File RTI via FileMyRTI (Recommended for First-Timers)
Step 1: Tell Us What You Need
Select your RTI type — passport, EPF, land records, FIR status, or a custom RTI — and describe your situation in plain language. No legal knowledge required.
Step 2: We Draft Your RTI Application
Our in-house team drafts a legally compliant RTI application, identifies the exact Public Information Officer responsible, and prepares your application for dispatch.
Step 3: We Dispatch & You Receive the Reply
Your RTI is dispatched via registered or speed post. You receive a tracking number and can monitor the status. By law, the PIO must respond within 30 days.
RTI Fee and Payment
For central government RTI applications, the fee is ₹10. State governments set their own fees — most states also charge ₹10, though some charge slightly more. BPL cardholders are completely exempt from RTI fees under the Act.
| Type | Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Central Government RTI (online) | ₹10 | UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card |
| Central Government RTI (offline) | ₹10 | Indian Postal Order (IPO) or DD |
| State Government RTI | ₹10–₹50 (varies) | Varies by state portal |
| BPL cardholders | Free | Submit BPL card copy with application |
| Additional copies (beyond first) | ₹2 per page | Payable on delivery of documents |
RTI Response Timeline: What to Expect
The RTI Act mandates a strict timeline that government officers must follow:
- Within 30 days — PIO must provide the information (or explain why it cannot be provided)
- Within 48 hours — If the request concerns the life or liberty of a person
- Within 35 days — If the application was sent to the wrong PIO who transferred it to the correct one
- Within 45 days — For information relating to a third party (with notice to that party)
Important: If you do not receive a response within 30 days, it is treated as a deemed refusal and you are automatically entitled to file a First Appeal — even without any formal rejection letter. See our RTI First Appeal guide for the exact steps.
What to Do If You Get No Reply
Not getting a response to your RTI is frustrating — but you have a clear legal remedy. The RTI Act provides for a two-level appeal process:
Step 1: File a First Appeal
If the PIO does not respond within 30 days, or gives an unsatisfactory reply, file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) — a senior officer in the same department. You must file this within 30 days of the missed deadline or unsatisfactory response. The FAA must decide within 30 days (extendable to 45 days with written reasons). FileMyRTI's team can draft and file your First Appeal for you.
Step 2: File a Second Appeal (or Complaint)
If the First Appeal is also unsatisfactory or unanswered, you can approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) for central government matters, or the State Information Commission (SIC) for state matters. The CIC/SIC has powers to direct information disclosure and impose penalties of up to ₹25,000 on erring officers. Read our full First & Second Appeal guide for step-by-step instructions.
5 Most Common RTI Use Cases in 2026
Based on the 50,000+ RTI applications filed through FileMyRTI, these are the scenarios where RTI is most frequently — and successfully — used:
- EPF / PF Withdrawal Delays — When EPFO has not processed your provident fund withdrawal for weeks, an RTI to the EPFO PIO often triggers action within days of receipt. File your EPF RTI →
- Passport Application Delays — An RTI to the Regional Passport Office citing your application reference number gets you a specific written explanation for any delay. File your Passport RTI →
- Exam Answer Sheet Requests — Students at public universities and government boards can use RTI to obtain their evaluated answer sheets and challenge incorrect marks. File your Answer Copy RTI →
- FIR Status and Police Action — If police are not acting on a complaint, an RTI to the relevant police station puts your case on record and triggers accountability. File your FIR RTI →
- Land Records and Property Disputes — RTI is highly effective for obtaining land mutation records, ownership documents, and encroachment notices from state revenue departments. File your Land RTI →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file RTI online for state government departments?
Yes. Most state governments have their own RTI portals. FileMyRTI covers all major states — our team identifies the correct state-level PIO and handles drafting and dispatch for you. Visit our Government RTI Links page to find your state's portal.
Is filing RTI online safe? Can it be anonymous?
Filing RTI online through official portals requires your name and address. However, FileMyRTI offers a confidential filing option where your identity is protected while still meeting all legal requirements.
What if I don't know which department to address my RTI to?
This is one of the most common reasons RTI applications are rejected or transferred. FileMyRTI's team identifies the correct Public Information Officer (PIO) for your specific issue as part of the service — eliminating the most common cause of delayed responses. Start your RTI here →
How long does RTI take to get a response?
By law, the PIO must respond within 30 days of receiving your RTI application. For RTIs that concern life or liberty, the deadline is 48 hours. If you don't get a response, read our First Appeal guide for next steps.
Can I file RTI on behalf of someone else?
RTI must be filed in the name of an Indian citizen. You can assist someone in drafting and submitting their RTI, but the application should be in the name of the person who wants the information. Use our custom RTI service for assistance.
What information is exempt from RTI?
Section 8 of the RTI Act lists exemptions including national security information, Cabinet papers, personal information with no public interest, commercially sensitive third-party data, and information received in confidence from foreign governments. In most day-to-day citizen use cases (EPF, passport, land, education), exemptions do not apply.
Conclusion
Filing RTI online in India is one of the most powerful tools available to any citizen — and it's far simpler than most people think. With a ₹10 fee, a clear 30-day response guarantee, and a structured appeal process for non-compliance, the RTI Act gives you genuine leverage against bureaucratic delays.
Whether you're chasing an EPF withdrawal, a delayed passport, or answers about a government project in your area — an RTI puts your question on official record and compels a legal response.
If you're unsure how to draft your RTI or which department to address, FileMyRTI's experts handle everything end to end — draft, dispatch, and follow-up — so you get answers without the paperwork stress.
Written by the FileMyRTI Editorial Team
Our team has drafted and filed over 50,000 RTI applications across India. All legal information in this article is reviewed for accuracy against the Right to Information Act, 2005 and relevant CIC rulings. Last reviewed: March 2026.
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