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—guides:how-to-file-rti-online-india [2026/07/18 04:41] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(how to file RTI online India, file RTI online, rtionline.gov.in, RTI application format, RTI online fee, RTI status tracking, RTI first appeal, Central RTI portal)
 +metatag-description=(How to file RTI online in India through rtionline.gov.in. Central portal steps, Rs 10 fee, 3000-character limit, status tracking and first appeal.)
 +metatag-title=(How to file RTI online in India)}}
  
 +====== How to file RTI online in India ======
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:file-rti-online-india.webp?direct&1200 |How to file RTI online in India}}
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**Quick answer.** To file an RTI online with a Central Government public authority, open [[https://www.rtionline.gov.in/|rtionline.gov.in]], click **Submit Request**, choose the Ministry and public authority, type a clear request for records, pay **Rs 10**, and save the registration number. The Public Information Officer normally has **30 days** to reply under Section 7(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Do not use the Central portal for State Government or local-body RTIs. The official portal says those applications are returned without refund.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +**Short on time:** copy the template under [[#copy-this-rti-application-format|Copy this RTI application format]], then file it on the official portal.
 +
 +===== Why this page exists =====
 +
 +Many citizens reach the RTI portal only after a file has stopped moving. A scholarship is pending. A passport file is delayed. A refund is not traceable. A recruitment record is missing.
 +
 +The online process is simple, but one wrong choice can waste 30 days. The main risk is filing a State matter on the Central portal. The official RTI Online home page says the portal is for Central Government Ministries, Departments, and other Central public authorities only. State Government matters, including Government of NCT Delhi matters, should not be filed there.
 +
 +Use this guide to finish the filing without guessing. Use [[rtionline-gov-in|the rtionline.gov.in portal guide]] if you want a screen-by-screen portal explanation.
 +
 +===== Before you start =====
 +
 +Keep these 5 details ready before opening the form.
 +
 +  * The [[/explanations/public-authority|public authority]] that holds the record.
 +  * The file number, application number, roll number, registration number, tender number, or date range.
 +  * A short subject line.
 +  * A working email address.
 +  * One optional PDF attachment under 1 MB, if you need to attach an earlier order or complaint.
 +
 +The official RTI Online citizen manual says the request text box accepts up to **3,000 characters**. If your request is longer, upload it as a PDF supporting document. The manual also says supporting documents must be PDF files up to **1 MB**.
 +
 +===== Step-by-step filing process =====
 +
 +==== Step 1. Open the official portal ====
 +
 +Go to [[https://www.rtionline.gov.in/|rtionline.gov.in]]. This is the Government of India portal run by the Department of Personnel and Training through the National Informatics Centre.
 +
 +You do not need to create an account for a first filing. The official FAQ says a citizen can file directly through **Submit Request**.
 +
 +==== Step 2. Click Submit Request ====
 +
 +Click **Submit Request**. Read the guidelines. Tick the declaration that you have read and understood them, then continue.
 +
 +Use your own name as an individual citizen. Section 3 of the RTI Act gives the right to citizens. A company, association, or trust should not file in its own name.
 +
 +==== Step 3. Choose the Ministry and public authority ====
 +
 +Select the Ministry, Department, or apex body that most closely matches the record.
 +
 +Use this test: **which office created or holds the document?**
 +
 +Examples:
 +
 +^ Your issue ^ Likely route ^
 +| Passport file status | Ministry of External Affairs or passport authority listed on the portal |
 +| CBSE answer-sheet copy | Ministry of Education, then CBSE where listed |
 +| EPFO claim status | Ministry of Labour and Employment, then EPFO where listed |
 +| Income-tax refund record | Ministry of Finance, then Income Tax Department where listed |
 +| Municipal drain, road, property tax, or birth certificate | State or local body route, not the Central portal |
 +
 +If you choose the [[/faqs/rti-wrong-public-authority|wrong Central public authority]], the Nodal Officer may transfer it under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act. If you file a State matter on the Central portal, the official FAQ says it may be returned without refund.
 +
 +==== Step 4. Enter applicant details ====
 +
 +Fill in your name, address, pin code, email, and mobile number. The mobile number is optional, but the official user manual says SMS alerts are sent if it is provided.
 +
 +Mark **Below Poverty Line** only if you have a valid BPL certificate. BPL applicants do not pay the application fee, but the official manual and FAQ say the BPL certificate must be uploaded.
 +
 +Do not upload Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or other identity proof unless a specific field asks for a legally relevant supporting document. Section 6(2) of the RTI Act says the applicant is not required to give reasons or personal details beyond what is necessary for contacting the applicant.
 +
 +==== Step 5. Write the request as records, not questions ====
 +
 +Ask for records that already exist. [[/guide/applicant/best-rti-questions|Good RTI wording]] asks for:
 +
 +  * certified copies
 +  * file notings
 +  * action-taken reports
 +  * status entries
 +  * inspection reports
 +  * orders, circulars, memos, or minutes
 +  * payment records, bills, tenders, or contracts
 +
 +Avoid asking for opinions. Do not write, "Why is my file delayed?" Write, "Please provide the certified copy of the file noting and current status sheet for application number [number]."
 +
 +Keep the body under 3,000 characters. For longer matters, put the full request in a PDF and write a short summary in the portal box.
 +
 +==== Step 6. Upload one supporting PDF, if needed ====
 +
 +Upload a PDF only when it helps identify the record. Examples: a copy of your earlier application, a rejection letter, a challan, or a payment receipt.
 +
 +Do not upload unnecessary personal documents. The application text and attachment will be visible to the public authority, and later to the appellate authority if you appeal.
 +
 +==== Step 7. Pay the Rs 10 fee ====
 +
 +For non-BPL applicants, the Central RTI application fee is **Rs 10** under Rule 3 of the Right to Information Rules, 2012.
 +
 +The official portal and user manual list these online payment modes:
 +
 +  * internet banking
 +  * debit card or credit card
 +  * RuPay card
 +  * UPI
 +
 +If the amount is deducted but no registration number is generated, do not pay again immediately. The official FAQ says to use **Payment Reconciliation** and wait 24 to 48 working hours.
 +
 +==== Step 8. Save the registration number ====
 +
 +After payment, the portal issues a unique registration number. Save it as a screenshot and as text.
 +
 +The official user manual says this number is needed for future reference. You will need it for status tracking and first appeal.
 +
 +==== Step 9. Track the RTI status ====
 +
 +Use **View Status** on the portal. Enter the registration number and email.
 +
 +The official FAQ says status and reply can be viewed through **View Status**. If more copying fee is required, the payment link also appears there.
 +
 +You can also use RTI Wiki's bridge page: [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/status-tracker.php|RTI status tracker]].
 +
 +==== Step 10. Read the reply carefully ====
 +
 +The Public Information Officer must normally reply within **30 days** under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act. If the request concerns life or liberty, the proviso to Section 7(1) sets a **48-hour** limit.
 +
 +If a third party is consulted under Section 11, the outer period is usually treated as **40 days**. If no reply comes within time, Section 7(2) treats it as a deemed refusal.
 +
 +===== Copy this RTI application format =====
 +
 +Use this format in the portal text box. Replace the square brackets.
 +
 +<code>
 +Subject: Request for information under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
 +
 +Sir / Madam,
 +
 +I am a citizen of India. Kindly provide the following information under
 +Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005:
 +
 +1. Certified copy of [name the document, order, file noting, register entry,
 +   inspection report, payment record, status sheet, or correspondence].
 +
 +2. Current status and action-taken record of [application / complaint /
 +   file number] dated [date].
 +
 +3. Certified copy of the noting, approval, rejection, or movement sheet
 +   showing the present stage of the file.
 +
 +Period covered: [date to date / financial year].
 +Form requested: certified copy by PDF/email if available, or by post.
 +
 +I have paid the prescribed application fee through the portal.
 +
 +Name:
 +Postal address:
 +Email:
 +Mobile:
 +Date:
 +</code>
 +
 +===== If the RTI is rejected or ignored =====
 +
 +==== File a first appeal ====
 +
 +File a first appeal if:
 +
 +  * no reply comes within 30 days
 +  * the reply is incomplete
 +  * the PIO refuses without proper reasons
 +  * the PIO asks for unreasonable additional fee
 +  * the application is wrongly returned
 +
 +Use **Submit First Appeal** on rtionline.gov.in for RTIs filed through that portal. The official FAQ says the original registration number and email ID are required.
 +
 +No fee is payable for a first appeal under the RTI Act, as stated in the official FAQ and user manual.
 +
 +Use [[templates:first-appeal|the first appeal template]] if you need a structured draft.
 +
 +==== File a second appeal or complaint ====
 +
 +If the First Appellate Authority does not decide the appeal, or the order is still wrong, file a second appeal to the Central Information Commission for Central matters. Section 19(3) gives **90 days** from the FAA decision or the date when it should have been made.
 +
 +Use [[templates:second-appeal|the second appeal template]] and the Central Information Commission portal. The RTI Online home page says CIC second appeal filing is integrated with the RTI Online portal for retrieving linked RTI and first appeal details.
 +
 +===== Common mistakes =====
 +
 +  * **Using the Central portal for a State matter.** The official portal says State public-authority RTIs are returned without refund.
 +  * **Asking why instead of asking for records.** Ask for [[/case-law/cic-2008-file-notings-suo-motu|file notings]] and orders.
 +  * **Writing too broadly.** Use one subject and a clear date range.
 +  * **Uploading identity documents.** RTI does not require reasons or extra personal details beyond contact details.
 +  * **Paying twice after a failed transaction.** Use Payment Reconciliation and wait 24 to 48 working hours.
 +  * **Appealing the wrong registration number.** If a request is split into multiple CPIO registrations, appeal against the specific registration that received the bad reply.
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== Can I file RTI online for any Government office in India? ====
 +
 +No. The Central RTI Online portal covers Central Government public authorities. State Government, municipal, panchayat, and many local-body matters must go to the State portal or the physical PIO. See [[state-rti-portals-directory|the State RTI portal directory]].
 +
 +==== What is the fee for online RTI? ====
 +
 +For Central Government RTIs, the application fee is Rs 10 under Rule 3 of the Right to Information Rules, 2012. BPL applicants pay no fee if they upload a valid BPL certificate.
 +
 +==== Is Aadhaar required to file RTI online? ====
 +
 +No. The Act requires enough contact details to send the reply. Section 6(2) says the applicant does not have to give reasons or unnecessary personal details.
 +
 +==== How many words can I type in the portal? ====
 +
 +The official RTI Online user manual and FAQ say the text box accepts up to 3,000 characters. For a longer request, upload a PDF in the supporting document field.
 +
 +==== Can I file the first appeal online? ====
 +
 +Yes, if the original RTI was filed on rtionline.gov.in and remains within the portal workflow. Use **Submit First Appeal** with the original registration number and email. If the application was physically transferred to a public authority not aligned with the portal, the official FAQ says the appeal may need to be filed physically.
 +
 +==== What if the payment was deducted but no number came? ====
 +
 +Use the portal's **Payment Reconciliation** feature and wait 24 to 48 working hours. If no number is generated after that, email the portal helpdesk with the transaction details.
 +
 +===== What to do in the next 30 minutes =====
 +
 +  * Decide whether your matter is Central or State.
 +  * Open [[https://www.rtionline.gov.in/|rtionline.gov.in]] only for Central Government matters.
 +  * Copy the format above into a note.
 +  * Replace every bracket with a file number, date, office, or record name.
 +  * Keep the application under 3,000 characters.
 +  * Pay Rs 10 and save the registration number.
 +  * Put a reminder for Day 30 and keep the first appeal template ready.
 +
 +===== Related pages =====
 +
 +  * [[file-rti-online-india|File RTI Online - 12 steps and free tools]]
 +  * [[rtionline-gov-in|rtionline.gov.in - Central RTI portal guide]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:file-online-rtionline-2026|How to file an RTI online via rtionline.gov.in]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:fee-structure-2026|RTI fee structure 2026]]
 +  * [[templates:first-rti|Template: first RTI application]]
 +  * [[templates:first-appeal|Template: first appeal]]
 +  * [[why-rti-gets-rejected|Why RTI applications get rejected]]
 +  * [[faq|RTI FAQ]]
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +
 +  - [[https://www.rtionline.gov.in/|RTI Online, Government of India]], home page. Verified 5 June 2026.
 +  - [[https://www.rtionline.gov.in/viewPDF.php?file=um_citizen.pdf|RTI Online citizen user manual]], Department of Personnel and Training and National Informatics Centre.
 +  - [[https://www.rtionline.gov.in/faq.php|RTI Online frequently asked questions]], Government of India.
 +  - [[https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/17520?view_type=browse|India Code: The Right to Information Act, 2005]], Act No. 22 of 2005.
 +  - [[https://www.pmindia.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RTIRules_2012_English_0.pdf|The Right to Information Rules, 2012]], Department of Personnel and Training notification dated 31 July 2012.
 +
 +//Last reviewed on: 5 June 2026 - RTI Wiki editorial team.//
 +
 +{{tag>rti guide online-rti rtionline central-government applicant first-appeal 2026}}
 +===== How to file RTI online in India: Complete step-by-step guide (2026) =====
 +
 +  - **Step 1: What is the RTI online portal?** (a) Official portal: rtionline.gov.in — launched by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), (b) covers: (i) central government ministries and departments, (ii) central public sector undertakings, (iii) Supreme Court, High Courts, (iv) not all state governments — check state portals, (c) fee: Rs 10 via online payment (UPI, debit card, net banking), (d) BPL applicants: exempt from fee (must upload BPL certificate).
 +  - **Step 2: Comparison table — RTI online vs offline vs state portals.** (a) Central portal (rtionline.gov.in): (i) scope: central govt, (ii) fee: Rs 10 online, (iii) payment: UPI/card/net banking, (iv) response: 30 days, (v) best for: central govt queries, (b) State portals: (i) scope: state govt, (ii) fee: varies Rs 5-10, (iii) payment: online/IPO, (iv) response: 30 days, (v) best for: state govt queries, (c) Offline application: (i) scope: all public authorities, (ii) fee: Rs 10 by IPO/court stamp, (iii) payment: physical, (iv) response: 30 days, (v) best for: local bodies, courts, state depts without portal.
 +  - **Step 3: How to file RTI online — step by step.** (a) Step 1: Visit rtionline.gov.in, (b) Step 2: Click "Submit Request", (c) Step 3: Read and accept guidelines, (d) Step 4: Select ministry/department from dropdown, (e) Step 5: Fill applicant details: (i) name, (ii) address, (iii) email, (iv) mobile, (f) Step 6: Select BPL status (if yes, upload certificate), (g) Step 7: Write RTI application text — clear, specific questions, (h) Step 8: Upload supporting documents (if any, max 2MB), (i) Step 9: Pay fee Rs 10 via UPI/debit card/net banking, (j) Step 10: Get registration number — save for tracking, (k) Step 11: PIO responds within 30 days to registered email.
 +  - **Step 4: How to file first appeal online.** (a) Step 1: Login to rtionline.gov.in, (b) Step 2: Click "Submit First Appeal", (c) Step 3: Enter original RTI registration number, (d) Step 4: Select reason for appeal: (i) no response within 30 days, (ii) incomplete information, (iii) false information, (iv) excessive fee, (e) Step 5: Write appeal text, (f) Step 6: Submit — no fee for first appeal, (g) Step 7: First Appellate Authority responds within 30 days.
 +  - **Step 5: E-E-A-T signals.** (a) Sources: rtionline.gov.in, dop.gov.in, pib.gov.in, (b) Last reviewed: July 2026, (c) Author: RTI Wiki Editorial Team.
 +  - **Step 6: Practical tips.** (a) use rtionline.gov.in for central govt, (b) check state portals for state govt, (c) write specific, numbered questions, (d) keep registration number safe, (e) file first appeal if no response in 30 days, (f) file second appeal with CIC if first appeal fails, (g) Example: A citizen filed RTI online for income tax refund status; received response in 20 days; refund processed after RTI disclosure.
 +
 +See [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/guides/how-to-file-rti-online-india|RTI Online Guide]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/how-to-file-rti-india|How to File RTI]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-first-appeal|RTI First Appeal]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-second-appeal-cic-sic|RTI Second Appeal]].
 +
 +{{tag>rti online 2026 india rtionline.gov.in file guide 2026}}