RTI & Documentation 📅 2026-07-16 ⏱️ 7 min read 👤 Advocate Panchanand Shaw

How to File RTI Application Online in India — Complete Guide 2026 | Advocate Panchanand Shaw

Learn how to file an RTI application online in India. Step-by-step process, fees, tracking, and what to do if denied. Expert legal guidance from Advocate Panchanand Shaw in Kolkata.

What is an RTI Application?

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers every Indian citizen to seek information from any public authority. It is one of the most powerful tools for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Under Section 6 of the RTI Act, any citizen can file an application requesting information from central or state government departments, ministries, and public sector undertakings. The public authority is obligated to respond within 30 days (or 48 hours if the information concerns life or liberty).

Filing an RTI is a constitutional right under Article 19(1)(a) — the right to freedom of speech and expression. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly affirmed that the right to information is a fundamental right, and the RTI Act merely gives procedural shape to this constitutional guarantee.

How to File RTI Online: Step-by-Step Process

The Government of India launched the RTI Online portal (rtionline.gov.in) to enable citizens to file RTI applications electronically. Here is the complete process:

1. Visit rtionline.gov.in — Go to the official RTI Online web portal maintained by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
2. Register/Sign Up — Click on 'Submit Request' and create an account using your mobile number and email ID. You will receive an OTP for verification.
3. Login — After registration, log in using your credentials. The dashboard will show options for submitting new requests, viewing status, and filing appeals.
4. Select Ministry/Department — Choose the public authority from the dropdown list. For central government departments, select the specific ministry. For state-level queries, you may need to use the state's RTI portal.
5. Write Your RTI Application — Draft clear, specific questions in the text box (max 3000 characters for online). Ask point-wise questions — do not ask for opinions or explanations, only information that exists in records.
6. Pay the Fee — Pay ₹10 via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. BPL card holders are exempt from the fee (upload BPL certificate for waiver).
7. Submit — Review your application, check all details, and click submit. You will receive a unique registration number via SMS and email for tracking.

What to Include in Your RTI Application

A well-drafted RTI application should be concise and specific. Include: (1) Your full name and address, (2) Clear, numbered questions — each question should ask for one piece of information, (3) The period for which you need information (if applicable), (4) Your preferred mode of receiving information (email/post). Avoid asking hypothetical questions, seeking legal opinions, or requesting information that falls under Section 8 exemptions (national security, personal information of third parties, etc.).

RTI Fee and Payment Methods

The prescribed fee for an RTI application is ₹10 per application. Payment can be made through: Internet banking, credit/debit cards, UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), or RuPay cards. Applicants below the poverty line (BPL) are exempt from paying the fee upon submission of a valid BPL certificate. Some state governments have their own fee structures — for instance, West Bengal charges ₹10 as well, but the payment mechanism may differ if using the state portal.

How to Track Your RTI Application

Once submitted, you can track your RTI application status through the RTI Online portal. Log in and go to 'View Status'. Enter your registration number to see the current status — whether received, under process, transferred, or disposed. The public authority must respond within 30 days. If you don't receive a response, you can file a First Appeal within 30 days of the expiry of the response period.

What If Your RTI Is Denied or Ignored?

If the public information officer (PIO) refuses your request or fails to respond within 30 days, you have the right to file a First Appeal under Section 19 of the RTI Act. The First Appellate Authority (FAA) is usually a senior officer in the same department. The appeal must be filed within 30 days from the date of refusal or the expiry of the response deadline. If the FAA also fails, you can approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) with a Second Appeal.

RTI for State Government Departments

The RTI Online portal primarily covers central government ministries and departments. For state government departments, many states have their own RTI portals. In West Bengal, RTI applications can be filed through the West Bengal Right to Information Commission portal (wbrtic.gov.in) or submitted physically at the concerned department. You may also file state-level RTIs through the central portal by selecting state-specific authorities where listed.

Common RTI Mistakes to Avoid

• Asking broad, vague questions — be specific about what records you want.
• Requesting legal opinions or explanations — RTI only provides existing information, not interpretations.
• Not paying the fee — applications without fee payment are treated as incomplete.
• Filing in the wrong department — ensure you select the correct public authority.
• Missing deadlines for appeals — the 30-day window for First Appeal is strict.