Karnataka RTI Online Guide: Apply, Fee & Appeal Process

Karnataka has an official RTI portal at rtionline.karnataka.gov.in for filing RTI applications and First Appeals against departments and public authorities under the Government of Karnataka. The portal is managed by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms (e-Governance) Department and is available in both Kannada and English. Applicants can submit RTI requests, file First Appeals, track application status, and pay the prescribed fee online. The portal helpline is 080-22585858 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days) and the support email is rtionline@karnataka.gov.in. Online payments are accepted through UPI, Internet Banking, Debit Card, and Credit Card.

The RTI process in Karnataka is governed by the Karnataka Right to Information Rules, 2005 and the Karnataka Right to Information (Second Amendment) Rules, 2006. The application fee is Rs. 10. RTI applications can be submitted in either Kannada or English.

If you are not satisfied with the First Appeal decision, or no decision is received within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal or Complaint before the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC). The Commission is located at Mahiti Soudha, Devaraj Urs Road, Opposite Vidhana Soudha (West Gate-2), Bengaluru – 560001. The official website is www.kic.gov.in, the contact number is 080-22371193, and the official email is sic-drss-kic@karnataka.gov.in.

For a state-wise guide covering RTI procedures across India, you can also read our RTI Online India guide.

Central vs Karnataka State RTI: Know Before Filing

Before filing an RTI application, identify whether the information is held by the Government of Karnataka or the Central Government. State departments come under the Karnataka RTI portal, while central ministries, central PSUs, and central institutions are covered by the Central RTI Portal. Filing on the wrong portal can delay your application or result in its return.

File through rtionline.karnataka.gov.in for Karnataka Government departments such as:

• Revenue Department – RTC (Pahani), mutation (Hakku Patra), land acquisition, survey records and other revenue matters
• Karnataka Police – FIRs, investigation status, departmental records and action taken reports
• BESCOM, MESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM and CESC Mysuru – electricity billing, new connections, outages and consumer services
• KPTCL – power transmission and grid-related information
• Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) – property tax, building plans, civic works and ward-level records
• Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) – layout approvals, site allotments and master plans
• Karnataka Housing Board (KHB)
• Public Works Department (PWD) and Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL)
• Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats and Gram Panchayats – MGNREGS, PMAY-G, village development works and local schemes
• Social Welfare Department and Backwards Classes Welfare Department
• School Education Department, Pre-University Education Department and Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
• Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)
• Health and Family Welfare Department – government hospitals, PHCs and health programmes
• BMTC, KSRTC and other Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations
• Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB)

File through rtionline.gov.in for Central Government organisations located in Karnataka, such as:

• South Western Railway and other Railway establishments
• Income Tax Department
• Regional Passport Offices
• EPFO offices
• UIDAI for Aadhaar-related information
• HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
• Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda and other Central Public Sector Banks
• IISc Bengaluru, IIT Dharwad and other Central Educational Institutions
• Defence establishments under the Ministry of Defence
• High Court of Karnataka – through its separate RTI mechanism, not the Karnataka RTI portal

Karnataka RTI Fee and Payment Modes

The RTI fee structure in Karnataka is prescribed under the Karnataka Right to Information Rules, 2005 and the Karnataka Right to Information (Second Amendment) Rules, 2006.

• RTI application fee: Rs. 10
• A4/A3 photocopies: Rs. 2 per page
• Inspection of records: Free for the first hour, then Rs. 5 for every additional hour or part thereof
• Information on CD/DVD: Rs. 50 per CD/DVD
• Samples or models: Actual cost
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal: No fee

The prescribed fee is generally payable to the Accounts Officer of the concerned public authority.

BPL applicants: Citizens holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the application fee. A self-attested copy of the BPL certificate should be attached to the RTI application.

Online Payment Options

If you submit your RTI application through rtionline.karnataka.gov.in, you can pay the application fee using any of the following methods:

• UPI
• Internet Banking
• Debit Card
• Credit Card

Offline Payment Options

If you are submitting your RTI application by post or in person, you can pay the prescribed fee through any of these methods:

• Indian Postal Order (IPO)
• Demand Draft (DD)
• Banker’s Cheque or Pay Order
• Money Order
• Cash (only when submitting the application personally at the concerned office and against an official receipt)

Filing RTI Online in Karnataka: Step-by-Step

You can file an RTI application online through the official Karnataka RTI portal at rtionline.karnataka.gov.in. The portal is managed by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms (e-Governance) Department and is available in both Kannada and English.

Step 1: Open the official RTI portal

Visit rtionline.karnataka.gov.in and choose your preferred language (Kannada or English).

Step 2: Click “Submit Request”

Read the instructions displayed on the portal and continue to the application page. This portal is meant only for Government of Karnataka departments and public authorities. If you need information from a Central Government department such as Railways, Income Tax or EPFO, file your RTI through the Central RTI Portal instead.

Step 3: Register or log in

If you are using the portal for the first time, create an account using your mobile number and email address. Complete the OTP verification and log in. Existing users can sign in directly.

Step 4: Select the department

Choose the concerned department or public authority from the list. If the department is not available on the portal, submit your RTI application offline by post or in person.

Step 5: Fill in your RTI application

Enter your personal details and write the information you need. Ask clear and specific questions. Request copies of records, documents, file notings, orders or reports instead of asking for explanations or opinions.

Step 6: Upload supporting documents (if required)

If your application relates to an earlier complaint, application or correspondence, upload the relevant documents in the permitted file format.

Step 7: Pay the application fee

If you are not a BPL applicant, pay the Rs. 10 application fee using UPI, Internet Banking, Debit Card or Credit Card. BPL applicants can upload their certificate and proceed without payment.

Step 8: Submit the application

After successful payment, submit your RTI application. A Registration Number will be generated. Save this number carefully because you will need it to track your application or file a First Appeal later.

Step 9: Track your application

Log in to the portal anytime to check the latest status of your RTI application.

Step 10: File a First Appeal if required

If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or are not satisfied with the response, log in to the same portal and use the “Submit First Appeal” option. No fee is charged for filing a First Appeal.

Need help? For technical issues related to the portal, call 080-22585858 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days) or email rtionline@karnataka.gov.in.

Can You File RTI in Kannada?

Yes. You can submit your RTI application in Kannada or English. Both languages are equally valid under the RTI Act. The Karnataka RTI portal also provides a Kannada interface, making it easy for citizens to submit applications in their preferred language.

Filing in Kannada is especially useful when seeking information from Gram Panchayats, Taluk Offices, Revenue Offices, BBMP, district hospitals, schools and other local government offices where official records are commonly maintained in Kannada.

Form A for Karnataka RTI

The Karnataka RTI Rules prescribe Form A for submitting RTI applications. Although many departments accept applications on plain paper, using Form A makes the process easier because it already contains all the required fields.

You can download Form A from district administration websites or the official Karnataka Information Commission website at www.kic.gov.in.

Filing RTI by Post

If the concerned department is not available on the online portal or you prefer the offline method, you can send your RTI application by post.

Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper or use Form A. You may write it in Kannada or English.

Step 2: Address the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department or office.

Step 3: Attach the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee through an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Pay Order or Money Order in favour of the Accounts Officer of the concerned public authority. If you belong to the BPL category, attach a self-attested copy of your BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.

Step 4: Keep a photocopy of your complete RTI application and the fee receipt for future reference.

Step 5: Send the application by Speed Post with Acknowledgement Due (AD) or Registered Post. The date on which the PIO receives your application starts the RTI response period.

Filing RTI In Person

You can also submit your RTI application directly at the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO).

Step 1: Carry two copies of your completed RTI application.

Step 2: Pay the Rs. 10 application fee in cash and collect the official receipt. BPL applicants should carry their BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.

Step 3: Ask the receiving officer to stamp and sign your copy of the application. Keep this acknowledgement safely as proof of submission.

Most district offices, taluk offices and major government departments in Karnataka have designated PIOs or APIOs to receive RTI applications.

Response Timeline for Karnataka RTI

Once the Public Information Officer (PIO) receives your RTI application, the response must be provided within the time limits prescribed under the RTI Act, 2005.

• 30 days: The PIO must provide the requested information or reject the application with valid written reasons within 30 days.
• 48 hours: If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours.
• 35 days: If you submit your application to an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO), the APIO gets up to 5 days to forward it to the PIO. In such cases, the total response period may extend up to 35 days from the date you submitted the application.
• Transfer within 5 days: If the information is held by another public authority, the PIO must transfer your application within 5 days under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act. The receiving department will then process your request.
• Additional fee: If photocopying or supplying records requires extra payment, the PIO will send you an intimation. The period between the fee intimation and your payment is excluded while calculating the 30-day time limit.

First Appeal under Section 19(1)

If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or you are not satisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department.

• Time limit to file: Within 30 days from the date of receiving the reply, or within 30 days after the expiry of the 30-day response period if no reply is received.
• Appeal fee: No fee is charged for filing the First Appeal in Karnataka.
• Decision by FAA: The First Appellate Authority should decide the appeal within 30 days. In exceptional cases, this may be extended up to 45 days after recording the reasons in writing.

How to File First Appeal Online in Karnataka

If you submitted your RTI application through the Karnataka RTI Portal, you can also file the First Appeal online.

Step 1: Visit the official Karnataka RTI Portal at https://rtionline.karnataka.gov.in.

Step 2: Log in using the same account through which you filed your RTI application.

Step 3: Click on “Submit First Appeal”.

Step 4: Enter or select the registration number of the RTI application.

Step 5: Clearly mention why you are filing the appeal, such as:

• No reply received within 30 days.
• Incomplete information provided.
• Incorrect or misleading information supplied.
• Information was wrongly denied.

Step 6: Upload supporting documents, if required, and submit the appeal.

No fee is payable for filing the First Appeal online.

How to File a First Appeal Offline

If you submitted your RTI application offline or prefer the offline process, you can send a written First Appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department.

Step 1: Write a simple appeal mentioning your RTI application number, application date and the reason for filing the appeal.

Step 2: Attach copies of your RTI application, the PIO’s reply (if received), and any other relevant documents.

Step 3: Send the appeal by Speed Post with Acknowledgement Due (AD) or submit it personally at the department’s office.

Step 4: Keep the postal receipt or acknowledgement safely for future reference.

No fee is required for filing an offline First Appeal in Karnataka.

Second Appeal to the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC)

If you are not satisfied with the First Appellate Authority’s decision or you do not receive any decision within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal before the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC).

• Time limit to file: Within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s order or from the expiry of the prescribed time for deciding the First Appeal.
• Appeal fee: No fee.
• Delay: The Commission may accept a delayed appeal if you can show sufficient reason for the delay.

How to File a Second Appeal

Step 1: Prepare your Second Appeal explaining why you are dissatisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or why no decision was received.

Step 2: Attach copies of all relevant documents, including:

• RTI application.
• Proof of RTI fee payment (if applicable).
• PIO’s reply, if received.
• First Appeal submitted to the FAA.
• FAA’s order, if received.
• Any other supporting documents.

Step 3: Send the appeal by Speed Post with Acknowledgement Due (AD) or submit it personally at the Karnataka Information Commission.

Step 4: Keep the postal receipt or acknowledgement safely until your case is decided.

Karnataka Information Commission Contact Details

Particular	Details
Official Website	https://www.kic.gov.in/
Address	Room No. 302, Mahiti Soudha, Devaraj Urs Road, Opposite Vidhana Soudha (West Gate-2), Bengaluru – 560001
Phone	080-22371193
Other Contact Numbers	080-22371959, 080-22262608, 080-22342090
Toll Free	080-22371191
Fax	080-22371660
Email	sic-drss-kic@karnataka.gov.in
Chief State Information Commissioner	N.C. Srinivasa

Important: There is no fee for filing a Second Appeal before the Karnataka Information Commission.

Karnataka Lokayukta: When You Need Action, Not Just Information

The RTI Act helps you obtain government records and documents. However, if those documents reveal corruption, bribery, misuse of public money, abuse of power, or serious administrative irregularities, you can file a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta.

The Karnataka Lokayukta is an independent anti-corruption body that investigates complaints against public servants and government officials.

You can use copies of documents received through RTI as supporting evidence while submitting your complaint.

Official Website: https://lokayuktha.kar.nic.in

Remember: RTI and Lokayukta serve different purposes.

• Use RTI to obtain government records and information.
• Use the Karnataka Lokayukta to seek investigation and action if those records indicate corruption or misuse of authority.

Karnataka CM Helpline: When You Need Action Instead of Information

If your objective is to get a government service delivered, report a delay, or register a complaint against a Karnataka Government department, you should use the Karnataka CM Helpline instead of filing an RTI.

RTI is meant for obtaining government records, documents, file notings, orders, and other information. The Karnataka CM Helpline is designed to resolve public grievances such as delays in government services, pending applications, pension issues, revenue matters, electricity complaints, road maintenance, water supply, and other administrative problems.

In many cases, citizens use both mechanisms together. They first obtain relevant records through RTI and then submit a complaint through the Karnataka CM Helpline based on the facts revealed in those documents.

Read our complete guide: Karnataka CM Helpline Complaint Registration Guide.

Tips Specific to Karnataka RTI

• Pay the RTI fee using UPI: Karnataka is one of the few states whose official RTI portal supports UPI payments. You can pay the Rs 10 application fee using Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, or any other UPI app, making the online filing process faster and easier.
• Choose the correct electricity company: Before filing an RTI about electricity bills, new connections, power outages, or transformer works, check which DISCOM serves your area. BESCOM covers Bengaluru and nearby districts, MESCOM serves the coastal region, GESCOM covers the Kalaburagi region, HESCOM serves north-west Karnataka, and CHESCOM covers central Karnataka. Filing with the correct company helps avoid unnecessary transfer delays.
• Check Bhoomi and Kaveri portals first: Many land and property records are already available online. Before filing an RTI, search the Bhoomi Portal for RTC (Pahani), mutation details, and land records, or use the Kaveri Online Services portal for encumbrance certificates and property registration records. File an RTI only if the required information is not available online.
• Verify whether BBMP accepts online RTI: While many Karnataka departments are available on the RTI portal, some BBMP offices or local bodies may not always appear in the online list. If you cannot find the concerned office online, submit your RTI by post or in person to the designated PIO.
• Use RTI for KPSC and KEA records: If you need answer keys, cut-off marks, merit lists, evaluation details, or recruitment records relating to KPSC or Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), file your RTI with the respective Public Information Officer instead of sending it to another department.
• RTI provides information, not grievance redressal: If your objective is to obtain copies of government records, orders, file notings, or official documents, RTI is the correct route. If you want action against corruption or misuse of public office, you can submit a complaint to the Karnataka Lokayukta separately using the documents obtained through RTI.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
Karnataka RTI Portal	https://rtionline.karnataka.gov.in
Portal Helpline	080-22585858 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days)
Portal Email	rtionline@karnataka.gov.in
Karnataka Information Commission	https://www.kic.gov.in/
KIC Phone	080-22371193
KIC Toll Free	080-22371191
KIC Email	sic-drss-kic@karnataka.gov.in
KIC Address	Room No. 302, Mahiti Soudha, Devaraj Urs Road, Opposite Vidhana Soudha (West Gate-2), Bengaluru – 560001
Chief State Information Commissioner	N.C. Srinivasa
Bhoomi Land Records	https://bhoomi.karnataka.gov.in
Kaveri Online Services	https://kaverionline.karnataka.gov.in
Karnataka Lokayukta	https://lokayuktha.kar.nic.in
Karnataka Government Portal	https://karnataka.gov.in
RTI Application Fee	Rs 10
Photocopy Charges	Rs 2 per page (A4/A3)
Online Payment Modes	Internet Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI
Offline Payment Modes	IPO, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Pay Order, Money Order, Cash (in person)
Languages Accepted	Kannada and English
Central RTI Portal	https://rtionline.gov.in (Railways, Passport, Income Tax, HAL, ISRO, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which rules govern RTI applications in Karnataka?

Ans. RTI applications in Karnataka are governed by the Karnataka Right to Information Rules, 2005 and the Karnataka Right to Information (Second Amendment) Rules, 2006. These rules prescribe the application fee, payment methods, copy charges, and other procedural requirements for filing RTI applications with Karnataka Government departments.

Q. Can I pay the RTI application fee using UPI in Karnataka?

Ans. Yes. The official Karnataka RTI Portal (rtionline.karnataka.gov.in) allows online payment through UPI, Internet Banking, Debit Card, and Credit Card. You can use any UPI application such as Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, or Paytm to pay the Rs 10 application fee.

Q. Can I submit an RTI application in Kannada?

Ans. Yes. You may file your RTI application in either Kannada or English. The official Karnataka RTI portal supports both languages, and offline applications can also be written in Kannada. Public Information Officers (PIOs) cannot refuse an RTI application simply because it is written in Kannada.

Q. Where is the Karnataka Information Commission located?

Ans. The Karnataka Information Commission is located at Room No. 302, Mahiti Soudha, Devaraj Urs Road, Opposite Vidhana Soudha (West Gate-2), Bengaluru – 560001. The Commission’s official website is https://www.kic.gov.in/. You can also contact the Commission by phone at 080-22371193 or email sic-drss-kic@karnataka.gov.in.

Q. Which electricity company should I file an RTI with in Karnataka?

Ans. File your RTI with the electricity distribution company (DISCOM) that serves your area. Karnataka has five DISCOMs: BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, and CHESCOM. You can identify the correct company by checking your electricity bill. Filing with the correct DISCOM helps avoid delays caused by transferring your application to another authority.

Q. When should I approach the Karnataka Lokayukta instead of using RTI?

Ans. RTI is meant for obtaining government records, documents, file notings, and official information. If the documents obtained through RTI reveal corruption, misuse of public funds, or abuse of official power, you may submit a complaint to the Karnataka Lokayukta using those RTI documents as supporting evidence. Both remedies can be used together, but they serve different purposes.

Q. Can I check my RTI application status online?

Ans. Yes. After submitting your application through rtionline.karnataka.gov.in, you can log in anytime using your registered account to check its status. The portal shows whether the application is in process, whether any additional fee has been requested, and when the reply has been uploaded. You also receive SMS and email updates during important stages of the process.

Q. Should I check the Bhoomi portal before filing an RTI for land records?

Ans. Yes. Before filing an RTI, check the official Bhoomi Portal, which provides online access to RTC (Pahani), mutation details, and several other land records. If the required information is already available there, you can download it immediately without filing an RTI. Use RTI only when you need records that are not available online or require certified copies from the concerned department.