How to File an RTI Application in India: Step-by-Step Guide, Fees & First Appeal (2026)

Quick Statutory Summary (TL;DR)

Common Issue:Citizens often face rejection of RTI applications because questions ask for opinions (Why/How) instead of certified records, or are directed to the wrong authority.

Legal Rule:Section 6(1) of the RTI Act 2005 allows citizens to request copies of existing files, memos, tender documents, muster rolls, and inspection reports for a nominal fee of ₹10.

Key Action:Frame objective, numbered questions requesting certified copies, pay the ₹10 fee through IPO/Court fee stamp, and mark the 30-day statutory response deadline.

1. What Can and Cannot Be Asked Under RTI Act 2005

Under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, "information" means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, and data material held in electronic form.

Crucially, an applicant cannot ask public authorities to provide hypothetical reasoning, justifications, interpretations of law, or create non-existent data.

Allowed: "Provide certified copy of road repair tender No. 402 issued in Jan 2025."
Allowed: "Provide daily progress report on grievance petition No. GR-9812."
Not Allowed: "Why has the road not been repaired yet?" (Asking for subjective opinions).

2. Filing Modes: Online (RTI Online) vs Offline Physical Submission

For Central Government ministries, banks, and PSUs, applications can be filed instantly through rtionline.gov.in using Net Banking or UPI for the ₹10 fee.

For State Government departments (Tehsildar offices, Gram Panchayats, Municipal Corporations, State Police), applications can be submitted physically or via Registered Post with a ₹10 Court Fee Stamp or Indian Postal Order (IPO) payable to the Accounts Officer.

3. Timelines and Filing the First Appeal

By law, the Public Information Officer (PIO) must supply the information within 30 days of receiving the application (within 48 hours if concerning life and liberty).

If the PIO fails to respond within 30 days or provides false/incomplete information, the applicant can file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) before the designated First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days. No fee is required for filing the First Appeal in most jurisdictions.

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Frequently Asked Legal Questions

Q1.Are BPL cardholders exempt from the ₹10 RTI fee?

Yes. Under Section 7(5) of the RTI Act, citizens living Below Poverty Line (BPL) are completely exempt from paying application fees and per-page photocopying charges upon attaching a copy of their valid BPL card.

Q2.What is the penalty if a PIO deliberately denies information?

Under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act, the Information Commission can levy a personal fine of ₹250 per day of delay up to a maximum penalty of ₹25,000 on the erring PIO.