Section 1
Overview of RTI Fees
The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides for a fee structure that is affordable and accessible to all citizens. The fees are designed to cover the cost of providing information, not to discourage citizens from seeking information.
The fee structure includes an application fee at the time of filing and additional charges for providing the information (photocopies, inspection, etc.).
Key Points About RTI Fees
- Application Fee: ₹10 for central government (varies by state)
- Information Fee: ₹2 per page (A4 size) for central government
- Inspection Fee: No fee for the first hour
- BPL Exemption: Complete waiver for Below Poverty Line applicants
- Online Payment: Available through RTI Online
Key Fact
The fee structure under the RTI Act is governed by the Central Information Commission (Fees) Rules, 2005 and similar state rules. The fees are subject to revision by the government. RTI Portal
Section 2
RTI Fee Structure for Central Government
Application Fee: ₹10 (Indian Postal Order, Demand Draft, or online payment)
Photocopy Fee: ₹2 per page (A4 size)
Inspection Fee: No fee for the first hour of inspection
CD/DVD: ₹50 per CD/DVD
Floppy Disk: ₹50 per floppy disk
Large Size Documents: Actual cost of reproduction
Postage: Postal charges as applicable
BPL Applicants: Complete exemption from all fees (with BPL certificate)
Inspection beyond 1 hour: ₹5 per 15 minutes
Tip: For central government authorities, you can pay the fee online through
RTI Online Portal using internet banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
Section 3
State-Wise RTI Fee Structure
RTI fees vary across different states. Below is a list of indicative fees for major states. Always check the official state RTI portal for the most current rates.
Andhra Pradesh₹10
Telangana₹10
Tamil Nadu₹10
Karnataka₹10
Maharashtra₹20
Delhi₹10
Uttar Pradesh₹10
Rajasthan₹10
Gujarat₹10
West Bengal₹10
Kerala₹10
Punjab₹10
Haryana₹10
Bihar₹10
Madhya Pradesh₹10
Odisha₹10
Note: The above fees are indicative. Additional charges for photocopies, inspection, and other modes of information may vary by state. Always check the official state RTI portal for the latest fee structure.
Telangana RTI Portal
Section 4
BPL (Below Poverty Line) Exemption
Key Points About BPL Exemption
- Complete Waiver: BPL applicants are exempt from all RTI fees
- Application Fee: No application fee required
- Information Fee: No charges for photocopies, inspection, or other modes
- Proof Required: BPL certificate or ration card (with BPL status)
- Validity: Valid throughout India for all public authorities
How to Claim BPL Exemption
- Attach Proof: Attach a copy of your BPL certificate or ration card showing BPL status.
- Mention Clearly: Clearly mention in your application that you are a BPL applicant seeking fee exemption.
- No Fee Payment: Do not attach any fee with the application.
- Validity: The BPL certificate must be valid at the time of filing the application.
Tip: BPL applicants should clearly write "BPL Applicant - Fee Exemption Claimed" at the top of their RTI application to ensure quick processing.
Section 6
Additional Charges & Fees
Photocopy Charges: ₹2 per page (A4) for central government; varies by state.
Inspection of Records: No fee for the first hour; ₹5 per 15 minutes thereafter.
CD/DVD: ₹50 per CD/DVD.
Floppy Disk: ₹50 per floppy disk.
Large Size Documents: Actual cost of reproduction (maps, plans, etc.).
Postage/Courier: Actual postal charges as applicable.
Certified Copies: ₹5 per certified copy.
Important: Additional charges are payable only after the CPIO estimates the cost and informs the applicant. The CPIO must provide a detailed break-up of the charges.
RTI Act - Section 7
Section 7
Practical Tips for RTI Fee Payment
Check the Correct Fee: Verify the correct application fee before paying. Central government fee is ₹10; state fees vary.
Use Online Payment: For central government, use
RTI Online for easy and secure payment.
BPL Exemption: If you are a BPL applicant, attach proof of BPL status and claim exemption.
IPO/DD Details: Ensure the IPO/DD is made in favor of the correct authority and properly filled.
Keep Receipts: Keep a copy of the fee payment receipt or transaction ID for reference.
Inspect Before Paying: If you have requested inspection, inspect the documents first and then pay for copies only if needed.
Estimate Cost: The CPIO will provide an estimate of the cost before providing information.
No Fee for Rejection: If the application is rejected, the fee is not refundable.
Pro Tip: For state government RTI applications, check the respective state's RTI portal for specific fee details. For Telangana, visit
Telangana RTI Portal .
Section 9
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the application fee for filing an RTI application?
For central government authorities, the application fee is ₹10. State government fees vary from ₹10 to ₹50. BPL applicants are exempt from all fees.
2. How can I pay the RTI application fee?
You can pay the fee through: Online payment (Netbanking, UPI, Card), Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), Cash (with receipt), or Court Fee Stamp (in some states).
3. Are BPL applicants required to pay RTI fees?
No, BPL (Below Poverty Line) applicants are completely exempt from all RTI fees. They need to attach a valid BPL certificate or ration card with their application.
4. What is the fee for photocopies of documents?
For central government authorities, the fee is ₹2 per page (A4 size). State government fees may vary. Large size documents require actual reproduction cost.
5. Is there a fee for inspection of records?
No, there is no fee for the first hour of inspection. For inspection beyond one hour, the fee is ₹5 per 15 minutes (for central government).
6. Can I pay the RTI fee online?
Yes, for central government authorities, you can pay the fee online through
RTI Online Portal using internet banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
7. What is the fee for CD/DVD copies?
For central government authorities, the fee is ₹50 per CD/DVD. State government fees may vary.
8. Is the RTI application fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the application fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected or transferred to another public authority.
9. What are the state-wise RTI application fees?
Most states charge ₹10 as the application fee. Some states like Maharashtra charge ₹20. Always check the official state RTI portal for the correct fee.
10. How do I get a BPL certificate for RTI fee exemption?
BPL certificates are issued by the state government through the local revenue department or panchayat office. You can also use your ration card showing BPL status as proof.
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RTI Portal .