Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Right to Information (RTI)?
RTI empowers every citizen to request and obtain information from government departments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
2. What kind of information can I obtain through RTI?
You can request information such as:
- Exam answer sheets (e.g., UPSC, SSC, GATE)
- Passport, Aadhaar, and driving license application status
- PF withdrawal and pension details
- Fund usage by MPs/MLAs and local authorities
3. How does FileMyRTI work?
We simplify RTI filing by expertly drafting your application, identifying the correct government authority, paying necessary fees, and sending the application via Speed Post.
4. How can I track my RTI application status?
You'll receive timely email updates with tracking details. Additionally, a digital copy and tracking link of your application will be shared.
5. How long does it take to get a response?
Government offices typically respond within 30 days. Urgent matters related to life and liberty are addressed within 48 hours.
6. Does FileMyRTI guarantee receiving the requested information?
While RTI rules mandate government responses, some requests might be declined. In such cases, we assist you in filing an appeal.
7. Does FileMyRTI receive the government response on my behalf?
No, responses are sent directly to your provided address by the respective government department.
8. Can I submit my RTI anonymously through FileMyRTI?
Currently, anonymous RTI submissions are not permitted by law; your application must include your name and address.
9. Does FileMyRTI support applications in regional languages?
Yes, we accept RTI requests in English and Hindi. Simply provide your query in clear language; our experts handle the rest.
10. What if the government asks for additional fees?
Additional government fees, if requested, are to be paid by the applicant directly to the authority.
Bringing transparency closer, one RTI at a time.
All Your RTI Questions — Answered
Everything first-time RTI applicants ask, organized by topic. For service-specific legal depth, open individual service pages (they include binding Supreme Court / High Court / CIC citations).
₹Pricing & Process
How much does FileMyRTI's service cost?
Our Basic plan starts at ₹399 (all inclusive: government fee, drafting by our legal team, filing, and tracking). The Expert plan at ₹599 adds senior legal-team review for complex matters such as land disputes or pension delays with prior denials. First and Second Appeals are separate paid services. Pricing is the same across India; no hidden charges.
Is the government RTI fee included in your price?
Yes, fully included. The statutory fee is ₹10 under the central RTI Rules 2012, and each state sets its own, so the amount and the way it has to be paid depend on the public authority. We pay it on your behalf as part of our service fee, in whatever mode that authority accepts, so you never deal with Indian Postal Orders or Demand Drafts.
How long does the whole process take?
Drafts are typically ready within 24 hours of payment; complex requests may take up to 48 hours. We then file by the appropriate channel. Under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act 2005, the Public Information Officer is ordinarily required to reply within 30 days of receiving the application. If the department misses the deadline, we can prepare a First Appeal for you (₹599 incl. GST).
Do you offer refunds if the RTI doesn't succeed?
If we do not provide your first draft within 48 hours after payment and receipt of complete information, you may request a full refund of FileMyRTI's service fee. Government fees, authority response times, and delays while we wait for information from you are outside this promise, and we cannot guarantee a specific government response. See our refund policy at /refund-policy for full terms.
Can I pay with UPI, card, or wallet?
Yes — we accept UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, and most wallets via Razorpay. International cards are also accepted for NRI clients.
§Legal Basics
Who can file an RTI application in India?
Any Indian citizen, regardless of age, residency, or income. You don't need to be a resident of the state whose government office you're writing to. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with Indian citizenship are eligible. Non-citizens cannot file RTIs under Section 3 of the RTI Act 2005.
How long does the government have to respond?
Under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act 2005, the Public Information Officer is required to reply as expeditiously as possible and in any case within 30 days of receiving the application. When the information concerns a person's life or liberty, the deadline shortens to 48 hours (Section 7(1) proviso). Where a third party has been given an opportunity to represent under Section 11(2), Section 11(3) allows 40 days.
What information can I NOT get through RTI?
Section 8 of the RTI Act lists 10 specific exemptions — including information prejudicial to national security (S.8(1)(a)), information received in confidence from foreign governments (S.8(1)(f)), cabinet papers until the decision is final (S.8(1)(i)), and information which relates to personal information (clause (j) as substituted in November 2025) (S.8(1)(j)). Most everyday citizen queries fall outside these exemptions.
Can I file an RTI online?
Yes. The central government accepts online RTI applications via rtionline.gov.in for all central ministries and departments. Several states — Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Telangana — run their own online RTI portals. Many states still require postal filing. FileMyRTI handles whichever channel applies to your matter.
What is Section 4 of the RTI Act?
Section 4 imposes a proactive disclosure duty on every public authority — they must publish budgets, sanctioned works, particulars of functions, salaries, and decisions without waiting for RTI requests. In practice, many departments fall short; citing Section 4 at the start of an RTI request points to a disclosure duty the department already carries under the Act.
Who is a "Public Information Officer" (PIO)?
Every public authority must designate PIOs under Section 5(1) of the RTI Act. The PIO is the officer responsible for receiving RTI applications, providing information, and coordinating with other officers in the same department. Their names and contact details must be published (Section 4 duty). If the notified PIO is absent or untraceable, Section 5(4) deems any senior officer as the acting PIO.
Is there a word limit or format for RTI applications?
There is no statutory word limit. The Central RTI Rules 2012 prescribe a general format but do not make it mandatory. A valid RTI can be a plain-language letter on A4 paper. What matters is clarity of questions, specificity of subject, and proper addressing to the correct PIO. FileMyRTI's in-house legal team drafts applications structured to minimise Section 8 deflection.
⚖Appeals & Information Commission
What is a First Appeal under RTI?
A First Appeal is filed under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act 2005 when the original RTI has been denied, delayed beyond 30 days, or answered unsatisfactorily. It goes to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) — always a senior officer in the same department. The FAA must dispose of the appeal within 30 days (extendable to 45 for good reason).
When do I file a First Appeal?
Within 30 days of (a) the PIO's response if unsatisfactory, or (b) the expiry of the PIO's 30-day statutory response window if they're silent. The Section 19(1) clock starts whichever is earlier. FileMyRTI offers First Appeal drafting at ₹599 incl. GST when you need to escalate.
Is there a fee for filing a First Appeal?
No fee is prescribed for a First Appeal under the central RTI Rules, 2012. Some states prescribe one in their own RTI rules (for example, Maharashtra charges a ₹20 First Appeal fee), so check the rules that apply to your authority. Any statutory fee is separate from FileMyRTI's First Appeal drafting service at ₹599 incl. GST.
What is a Second Appeal?
A Second Appeal is filed under Section 19(3) within 90 days of the First Appeal order (or deadline expiry). It goes to the Central Information Commission (CIC) for central public authorities, or the relevant State Information Commission for public authorities under a state government (Section 2(a)). Under Section 20(1), where the Commission finds that the PIO, without reasonable cause, refused to accept the application, did not reply in time, malafidely denied the request, knowingly gave incorrect, incomplete or misleading information, destroyed the information or obstructed its supply, it must impose a penalty of ₹250 a day, up to ₹25,000, after hearing the PIO.
How long do Second Appeals take?
In practice, CIC Second Appeals take 6-12 months; State Information Commissions vary widely — 4 months (Kerala, Karnataka) to 2+ years (UP, Bihar) depending on case load. There is no fixed statutory deadline for Commission disposal.
Can the Information Commission personally penalise a PIO?
Yes. Under Section 20(1), where the Commission finds that the PIO, without reasonable cause, refused to accept the application, did not reply in time, malafidely denied the request, knowingly gave incorrect, incomplete or misleading information, destroyed the information or obstructed its supply, it must impose a penalty of ₹250 a day, up to ₹25,000, after hearing the PIO. Where the PIO has persistently defaulted, the Commission must also recommend disciplinary action against the officer (Section 20(2)).
📂Common RTI Topics
Can RTI speed up a delayed passport?
RTI does not directly issue passports, but it asks the RPO or police station for the recorded status, the officer in charge, and any recorded reason for delay.
Can I get my answer script through RTI?
Yes. The Supreme Court in CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011) 8 SCC 497 definitively held that evaluated answer scripts are "information" under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act and must be disclosed on request.
How do I file RTI for EPF / pension delay?
File with the Regional PF Commissioner (RPFC) of your PF office. Ask for your UAN-specific claim status, reason for any hold, officer-in-charge, and expected disposal timeline. CIC has repeatedly ordered EPFO to disclose member-specific file notings within the statutory 30-day window.
Can I file RTI for Gram Panchayat fund misuse?
Absolutely. The Panchayat Secretary is the default PIO for most Gram Panchayats. You can request work orders, measurement books, MGNREGA muster rolls, contractor details, and Gram Sabha meeting minutes. Section 4 of the RTI Act plus Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act 2005 mandate disclosure of these records.
Can RTI help with pending property mutation?
RTI doesn't execute mutation, but it asks the Tehsildar / MRO for the recorded reason the file is pending (missing document, third-party objection, survey dispute) and the officer holding it.
How do I get an encumbrance certificate (EC) through RTI?
RTI does not replace the Registration Act right to a certified EC copy, but it asks the Sub-Registrar's Office (SRO) for the file-noting trail on your pending EC application, as recorded.
🏢About FileMyRTI
Is FileMyRTI a legal service or a forwarding agent?
FileMyRTI is a professional RTI drafting and filing service — not a mere forwarding agent. Every RTI is drafted by our in-house legal team of experienced lawyers and carries the rigour of a legally-sound application. We are a product of Ranazonai Technologies (OPC) Pvt Ltd (CIN U62011TS2024OPC190928), registered in Hyderabad.
What is FileMyRTI's success rate?
We do not publish a success rate, because the reply depends on the public authority, not on us. What we control is correct PIO identification and careful drafting by our in-house legal team. If a PIO does not reply, First Appeal drafting is available as a separate service (₹599 incl. GST).
Do you handle RTIs for states I don't live in?
Yes. Indian citizens can file RTIs for any state, union territory, central ministry, or central public authority regardless of their own residence. We handle cross-state filings including the correct payment mode for each state (IPO, DD, or online portal).
Who reviews the content on this website?
General RTI law content is reviewed by Narsimha Chary. Telangana-specific content (state guide, district pages, Bhu Bharati articles) is reviewed by Musab Hashmi. Andhra Pradesh content (state guide, district pages, Meebhoomi / APPSC articles) is reviewed by K.N.S.K. Vara Prasad. All are practicing lawyers on FileMyRTI's in-house legal team.
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