Everything you need to know about filing RTI applications in India — the filing process, fees, appeals, timelines, and your rights under the RTI Act 2005.
An RTI (Right to Information) application is a formal request made under the RTI Act, 2005, seeking information from any public authority in India. Any Indian citizen can file it to get details about government actions, decisions, expenditures, and more.
Who can file an RTI application?
Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application. There is no age, education, or income restriction. NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can also file under some state information commissions. Corporations and organizations cannot file, but individuals working for them can.
How do I file an RTI through Navparv?
Simply describe your complaint or question in plain language — Hindi, Marathi, English, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, Konkani, or Manipuri. Our AI will identify the correct department, find the right PIO (Public Information Officer), and generate a legally formatted RTI application. You can then download the PDF or opt for our full-service delivery.
Which languages does Navparv support?
Navparv supports 14 Indian languages: Hindi, Marathi, English, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, Konkani, and Manipuri. You can type your complaint in any of these languages, and the AI will draft a proper RTI application in the same language.
What information can I request through RTI?
You can request any information that a public authority holds — inspection of documents, certified copies, information stored in electronic form, budgets, expenditures, tender details, project statuses, government orders, construction records, salary structures, and more.
What information is exempt under RTI?
Section 8 of the RTI Act lists exemptions: information affecting national security, trade secrets, cabinet papers, personal information with no public interest, and information that could impede investigation or prosecution. However, if information relates to corruption or human rights violations, it generally cannot be denied.
Do I need to give a reason for filing RTI?
No. Under Section 6(2) of the RTI Act, you are not required to give any reason for requesting information. The PIO cannot ask you why you need the information.
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Fees & Payment
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What is the RTI application fee?
For Central Government departments, the fee is ₹10. Most state governments also charge ₹10, though some states have different fee structures. BPL (Below Poverty Line) cardholders are exempt from the fee.
How do I pay the RTI fee?
The ₹10 fee can be paid via court fee stamp, Indian Postal Order (IPO), demand draft, or banker's cheque payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority. Our full-service delivery includes the ₹10 court fee stamp.
How much does Navparv charge?
The AI-generated PDF draft costs approximately ₹5 (actual AI infrastructure cost). Your first draft is completely free. Our full-service delivery (print + ₹10 court fee stamp + registered post) costs ₹150. Transparent pricing — no hidden charges.
Is the first RTI draft free?
Yes! Your first AI-generated RTI draft is completely free — no payment needed, no credit card required. After that, each draft costs approximately ₹5 to cover AI infrastructure costs.
Are there additional charges for getting information?
Yes, the public authority may charge for providing information: ₹2 per A4 page for photocopies, actual cost for larger documents, ₹50 per floppy/CD for electronic records. The first hour of inspection is free; ₹5 for each subsequent hour.
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Appeals & Escalation
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What if the PIO doesn't respond within 30 days?
If you don't receive a response within 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty matters), you can file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority of the same department. Navparv can help you generate the appeal application.
How do I file a First Appeal?
A First Appeal must be filed within 30 days of the expiry of the response deadline (or the date of receiving an unsatisfactory response). It is filed with the First Appellate Authority — an officer senior to the PIO within the same department. Navparv auto-generates First Appeal drafts.
What is a Second Appeal?
If your First Appeal is also rejected or not responded to, you can file a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the respective State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days.
Can I file a complaint directly with the Information Commission?
Yes. Under Section 18 of the RTI Act, you can file a complaint directly with the CIC or SIC if the PIO refuses to accept your RTI application, doesn't respond within the stipulated time, charges unreasonable fees, or provides incomplete/misleading information.
What penalties can a PIO face for non-compliance?
The Information Commission can impose a penalty of ₹250 per day (up to ₹25,000) on the PIO for delay or refusal without reasonable cause. The Commission can also recommend disciplinary action against the officer.
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Response Timeline
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How long does the PIO take to respond?
The PIO must respond within 30 days of receiving your RTI application. If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, the response must be given within 48 hours.
What if my RTI is transferred to another department?
If the information is held by another public authority, the PIO must transfer your application within 5 days. The 30-day deadline then starts from the date the transferred request is received by the new department.
How long does a First Appeal take?
The First Appellate Authority must dispose of the appeal within 30 days, extendable by a maximum of 15 days (total 45 days) with written reasons for the delay.
How long does a Second Appeal take?
Second Appeals with the CIC/SIC can take 3-12 months depending on the backlog. The Commission tries to dispose of cases expeditiously, but pending cases nationwide can cause delays.
When does the 30-day clock start?
The 30-day period starts from the date the PIO receives your application (with fee). If sent by post, it starts from the date of actual receipt, not the date of posting. Always use registered post for proof of delivery.
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Platform Usage
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Do I need to create an account?
You can generate your first draft without an account. However, to save drafts, track applications, access your history, and use full-service delivery, you'll need to sign in with your Google account — it's quick and secure.
What is the PIO Lookup feature?
The PIO Lookup uses semantic search to find the correct Public Information Officer for your complaint. Just type your area and topic, and we'll show matching PIOs with their designation, address, and department details.
Can I edit the AI-generated draft?
Absolutely! After the AI generates your draft, you can edit every field — the questions, PIO address, your personal details, and more — using our built-in editor before downloading the final PDF.
What is full-service delivery?
For ₹150, Navparv handles everything: we review and correct your draft, print two copies (one for the PIO, one for your records), attach the ₹10 court fee stamp, and send it via India Post Registered Post with tracking.
How do credits work on Navparv?
Credits are used to pay for AI drafts (~₹5 per draft). You can top up credits via Razorpay (UPI, cards, net banking). Your first draft is free. Credits never expire.
Can I track my application after filing?
Yes! If you use our full-service delivery, you'll get real-time India Post tracking. Even for self-posted applications, you can log your tracking number in Navparv to get status updates.
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Privacy & Security
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Is my personal information safe?
Yes. Navparv encrypts all personal data in transit and at rest. We use industry-standard TLS encryption for all communications and follow strict data handling practices. We never sell or share your data.
Does Navparv store my RTI applications?
Your drafts and applications are stored securely in your account so you can access them later. You can delete them at any time. We do not share your application contents with anyone except as needed for delivery.
Who can see my RTI application?
Only you and the PIO you're sending it to. If you opt for full-service delivery, our operations team reviews the draft for accuracy before printing. All team members are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
Can the government trace who filed the RTI?
Your RTI application will have your name and address (required by law). However, the PIO cannot ask why you need the information. Navparv as a platform does not share your data with any government entity.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is here to help. Reach out via our contact page or start drafting your RTI right away.