Filed RTI by post or in person — can I file the first appeal online?

Millions of Indians still file RTI applications the old way — printed letter, registered post, or hand-delivery. The online portal has added a bridge to bring some of these into the digital system, but it only works when the CPIO on the other end uses the portal.

“CPIOs can lodge manual applications in the portal. If applicants provide email/mobile, CPIO actions are conveyed automatically, enabling online first appeals via the registration number.” — rtionline.gov.in FAQ Q24

When you file a physical application, you can include your email address and mobile number. If the CPIO is registered on rtionline.gov.in (most Central Government CPIOs are), they may enter your application into the portal system and send you a registration number. Once you have that number, all portal features — View Status, first appeal filing, additional fee payment — become available to you.

But this depends entirely on whether the CPIO uses the portal. Some CPIOs, especially in older offices, still process everything on paper. If you do not receive any SMS or email with a registration number within 10–15 working days of the CPIO receiving your application, assume no portal entry was made.

1. Include your email and mobile number on every physical RTI application. This is the trigger that enables CPIO portal registration.
2. Wait 10–15 working days after the CPIO receives your application (use post office tracking to confirm delivery).
3. If you receive a registration number by SMS/email: log into rtionline.gov.in, go to “Submit First Appeal,” and enter the registration number. The online appeal option will appear.
4. If no registration number arrives: your appeal must be physical. Write a first appeal letter to the First Appellate Authority of the same office. Send by registered post. Keep receipt.
5. First appeal contents: state your original application date, the CPIO's reply (or note that no reply was received), the specific information you seek, and request intervention under RTI Act 2005, §19(1).

No prescribed format is mandatory for physical first appeals, but include: your name and address, original application date and subject, CPIO's response or non-response, grounds of appeal, and relief sought. Use the First Appeal Builder to generate a polished draft.

Yes. Once the CPIO has registered your application in the portal and you have a registration number, you can file the first appeal fully online through rtionline.gov.in under “Submit First Appeal.”

There is no legal obligation on the CPIO to use the portal for physically-received applications. However, providing your contact details gives them the means to do so if they choose.

File a physical first appeal immediately. Thirty days have passed without response, which is deemed refusal under RTI Act 2005, §7(1). Address the first appeal to the First Appellate Authority of the same public authority.

• First Appeal Builder — generate a first appeal letter instantly
• AI RTI Drafter — for your next RTI (draft it for online or physical filing)
• All RTI Online Portal FAQs
• CIC Second Appeal FAQs — next step if first appeal fails