How to File RTI Online in India — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

What is Right to Information (RTI)?

The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to request information from any government office. You can ask for:

• Government files and records
• Email conversations between officials
• Meeting minutes and decisions
• Budget allocations and spending
• Tender documents and contracts
• Land records and property details
• Copies of policy documents

RTI is free (mostly) and doesn't require reasons. Government MUST respond within 30 days (or 48 hours for life/liberty cases).

Who Can File RTI?

Any Indian citizen can file RTI. No age limit, no eligibility criteria. You don't need to explain why you want the information.

Non-citizens can file if the information relates to them (like their visa status), but restrictions apply.

What CANNOT You Ask For in RTI?

Government can refuse RTI for:

• National security: Military secrets, codes, defense information
• Privacy: Personal information about third parties (phone numbers, addresses, medical records)
• Confidential sources: If revealing would endanger an informant
• Cabinet papers: Internal discussions between ministers (until 20 years)
• Judicial proceedings: Ongoing court cases
• Commercial secrets: Trade secrets of companies

RTI Fees — What Will You Pay?

Pro Tip: If you're poor and can't afford the fee, you can apply for exemption. Most government offices grant it.

Step-by-Step: How to File RTI Online

Step 1: Visit rtionline.gov.in

Go to rtionline.gov.in on your computer or phone. This is the official portal for filing RTI with Central Government offices.

Step 2: Register or Login

Create an account with your email and mobile number. You'll need:

• Valid email address
• Mobile number
• Aadhaar number (optional but helpful)

Step 3: Select the Organization

Choose which government office you want information from. For example:

• Income Tax: Department of Revenue
• Railways: Ministry of Railways
• Bank: State Bank of India / RBI
• Police: Local Police (State level)
• Municipal: Municipal Corporation

Step 4: Write Your RTI Query

Be specific and clear. Don't write vague requests. Example:

BAD: "Give me information about the Mumbai Railway Station"

GOOD: "Provide a copy of the Annual Maintenance Budget allocated to Mumbai Central Railway Station for FY 2025-26, including breakdown by category (electrical, civil, sanitation)."

Step 5: Identify the Proper Office

Choose the correct department within the ministry. If you don't know, the portal will help you select.

Step 6: Payment

Pay the RTI fee (usually ₹10 for Central offices, free for digital-only requests). Payment options:

• Debit/Credit Card
• Net Banking
• UPI (Phonepe, Google Pay, Paytm)

Step 7: Submit

Review your RTI and click submit. You'll get a reference number immediately.

Step 8: Track Status

Use your reference number to track the RTI status online. The office must respond within:

• 30 days: Normal RTI requests
• 48 hours: If information relates to life/liberty

RTI Response Timelines

What If Government Refuses or Ignores Your RTI?

First Appeal (Internal)

If the Public Information Officer (PIO) rejects or ignores your RTI, file a first appeal with the Deputy Secretary or Principal Secretary of that office. This is free and takes 30 days.

Second Appeal (CIC)

If the first appeal fails, go to the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). You must file within 90 days of the appeal rejection.

CIC has power to:

• Fine the office up to ₹25,000
• Force them to provide the information
• Punish the PIO with suspension
• Award compensation for harassment

RTI Application Templates (Copy & Paste)

Template 1: Income Tax / TDS Verification

"Provide copies of all ITR filings, TDS certificates, and correspondence for [Your PAN] for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Include the name and contact details of the officer who processed my returns."

Template 2: Land/Property Records

"Provide certified copy of the mutation register, ownership records, tax history, and all property tax assessments for property bearing Survey No. [number], in [village/locality], [taluka], [district]. Include details of any disputes or liens on this property."

Template 3: Government Decision/Policy

"Provide copies of all files, meeting minutes, and correspondence related to [specific government decision/policy] that was announced on [date]. Include opinions sought from other departments and the final signed approval."

Real RTI Success Stories

• Exposed corruption: Citizen filed RTI about tender decisions and found officials favoring one contractor. Led to criminal case.
• Got benefits: Man used RTI to find he was eligible for pension but never informed. Recovered ₹15 lakhs in backpay.
• Resolved dispute: Property owner used RTI to get original land records, won land case against government.
• Found overpayment: Student got RTI of her fee structure, found she was overcharged ₹5,000, recovered the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions