Andhra Pradesh RTI Online: Apply, Fees, Appeal & Rules

The Right to Information Act, 2005 applies fully in Andhra Pradesh. The governing rules are the Andhra Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2005 notified under Section 27 of the RTI Act. The application fee is Rs 10, payable by Indian Postal Order, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, or Cash against receipt. Andhra Pradesh accepts RTI applications in Telugu or English — no translation is required if you write in Telugu. The First Appeal carries no fee.

Andhra Pradesh has a state RTI portal at rtionline.ap.gov.in for online filing across enrolled state departments. For departments not yet onboarded, postal filing directly to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department is the standard route.

Second appeals and complaints go to the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) at sic.ap.gov.in. The APIC is located at 1st Floor, MGM Capital, Near NRI Hospital Y Junction, NH-16 Service Road, Chinnakakani (V), Mangalagiri (M), Guntur District 522503 — in the Amaravathi capital region. The APIC phones are 0863-2387345 and 0863-2479055. The email is sic-ap@gov.in.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu Desam Party, since 12 June 2024) and Governor S. Abdul Nazeer (since 12 February 2023) lead Andhra Pradesh. The administrative capital is Amaravathi. Andhra Pradesh has 26 districts following its 2022 reorganisation. For the national RTI guide covering all states, read our RTI Online India guide.

Which RTI Portal Should You Use in Andhra Pradesh?

Before filing an RTI application, identify whether the information is held by an Andhra Pradesh Government public authority or a Central Government public authority. Filing your application through the correct RTI portal helps it reach the appropriate Public Information Officer (PIO) without unnecessary delays.

Use the Andhra Pradesh RTI Portal or submit an offline RTI application if the information relates to Andhra Pradesh Government departments or state public authorities, such as:

• Revenue Department – land records, mutation, survey records, RoR (1B) and Adangal (Pahani)
• Andhra Pradesh Police
• Power distribution companies operating under the Government of Andhra Pradesh
• Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA)
• Roads and Buildings Department
• Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC)
• Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
• Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishads and Zilla Parishads
• Social Welfare and Tribal Welfare Departments
• School Education Department
• Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP)
• Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department
• Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and other Urban Local Bodies

Use the Central RTI Online Portal if the information is held by a Central Government ministry, department, organisation or public sector undertaking. Common examples include:

• Income Tax Department
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• Passport Seva
• Aadhaar Card Services
• Indian Railways
• Visakhapatnam Port Authority
• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) / Vizag Steel Plant
• IIT Tirupati
• National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh (NIT AP)
• Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM Visakhapatnam)
• Other Central Government offices located in Andhra Pradesh

If you are unsure whether a public authority belongs to the Andhra Pradesh Government or the Central Government, verify the organisation before filing your RTI application. This helps avoid transfers and unnecessary delays under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Andhra Pradesh RTI Fee and Payment Methods

The RTI application fee and charges for obtaining information in Andhra Pradesh are prescribed under the Andhra Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2005. The applicable charges are:

• RTI Application Fee: Rs 10
• Photocopies (A4/A3): Rs 2 per page
• Larger-size documents: Actual cost
• Samples or models: Actual cost
• Information on CD: Rs 50 per CD
• Inspection of records: Free for the first hour; thereafter Rs 5 for every hour or part thereof.
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal: No fee

Fee Payment: For offline RTI applications, the prescribed application fee is generally payable to the Accounts Officer of the concerned public authority through an accepted payment mode.

BPL Applicants: Applicants claiming exemption from the RTI application fee should attach a self-attested copy of a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate issued by the competent authority.

Accepted Offline Payment Modes:

• Indian Postal Order (IPO)
• Demand Draft (DD)
• Banker’s Cheque
• Cash against a proper receipt at the office of the concerned public authority

Important: Before submitting an offline RTI application, verify the accepted payment method with the concerned public authority, as the prescribed mode of payment may vary depending on the department.

Filing RTI Online at rtionline.ap.gov.in: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Go to rtionline.ap.gov.in. This is the Andhra Pradesh state RTI portal for departments and public authorities of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Do not use this portal for central government bodies or other state departments — applications for those are returned without fee refund.

Step 2: Click “Submit Request”. Read the guidelines page carefully. Proceed to the application form.

Step 3: If you are a new user, register with your mobile number and email ID. An OTP is sent for verification. After verification, your account is created. Existing users log in directly with their credentials.

Step 4: Select the Public Authority (department or office) from the dropdown. If your target department is not listed, the portal cannot route the application — file by post to the PIO of that department instead.

Step 5: Fill in your personal details. Write your RTI application text in Telugu or English in the text area. Frame questions as specific numbered document requests. State exactly which records, files, measurement books, orders, or data you need.

Step 6: Upload supporting documents as PDF attachments if relevant.

Step 7: For non-BPL applicants, click “Make Payment” and pay Rs 10 online. BPL applicants upload their certificate and proceed without payment.

Step 8: Submit. A unique Registration Number is generated and sent by SMS and email. Save it — this is your reference for tracking, First Appeal, and all follow-up.

Step 9: Track status on the portal using your Registration Number. File First Appeal online if no reply arrives within 30 days.

Can You File an RTI Application in Telugu?

Yes. Under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, an RTI application may be submitted in English, Hindi or the official language of the area. Since Telugu is the official language of Andhra Pradesh, you can submit your RTI application in Telugu without translating it into English.

Most public authorities in Andhra Pradesh accept RTI applications in both Telugu and English. If you are seeking information from local government offices, filing the application in Telugu is often more convenient.

RTI applications in Telugu are commonly submitted to:

• Revenue Department offices
• Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishads and Zilla Parishads
• Municipal Corporations and Municipalities
• Government schools and colleges
• Government hospitals and public health institutions
• Other Andhra Pradesh Government departments and public authorities

How to File an RTI Application by Post in Andhra Pradesh

If the concerned department is not available on the Andhra Pradesh RTI Online Portal, you can submit your RTI application offline by post.

Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper or in the prescribed format, if any, used by the concerned public authority. Clearly mention that the request is being made under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Step 2: Address the application to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) and include your name, postal address, contact details and a clear description of the information you require.

Step 3: Attach the prescribed application fee or proof of fee payment. Applicants claiming the BPL exemption should attach the required supporting certificate.

Step 4: Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of the complete application and supporting documents for your records.

Step 5: Send the application through Speed Post, Registered Post, or submit it directly at the office of the concerned public authority and obtain an acknowledgement.

Submitting an RTI Application in Person

You may also submit your RTI application directly to the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO). Carry the prescribed application fee or payment proof, along with any supporting documents required under the applicable RTI Rules. Always obtain a dated acknowledgement or receipt after submitting the application.

RTI Response Time Limit in Andhra Pradesh

After receiving your RTI application, the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

• 30 days: The PIO must provide the requested information or communicate the reasons for rejecting the request within 30 days of receiving the application.
• 48 hours: If the requested information concerns the life or liberty of a person, the PIO must respond within 48 hours.
• Transfer within 5 days: If another public authority holds the requested information, the PIO must transfer the application under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act within five days and inform you accordingly.
• Applications submitted through an APIO: When you submit an RTI application to an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO), an additional five days may be added to the prescribed response period.
• Additional fee: If supplying the information requires payment of additional charges, the PIO will issue an intimation. The period between the fee intimation and your payment is excluded while calculating the response time.

How to File the First Appeal in Andhra Pradesh

If the PIO does not provide a reply within the prescribed time or you are not satisfied with the information received, you can file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Time Limit: File the First Appeal within 30 days from the date the RTI response was due or within 30 days of receiving an unsatisfactory reply.

Appeal Fee: No fee is payable for filing a First Appeal in Andhra Pradesh.

Decision Time: The First Appellate Authority (FAA) should dispose of the appeal within 30 days. In exceptional cases, the period may be extended up to 45 days after recording written reasons.

Online First Appeal

If you submitted your RTI application through the Andhra Pradesh RTI Online Portal, you can file the First Appeal online by logging into your account and selecting the relevant RTI application or Registration Number.

Offline First Appeal

If you filed the RTI application offline, submit your appeal to the designated First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority. Attach copies of the following documents:

• RTI application
• PIO’s reply, if received
• Proof of submission, if no reply was received
• Grounds explaining why you are filing the appeal

How to File a Second Appeal in Andhra Pradesh

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or no order is passed within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission (APIC).

Time Limit: A Second Appeal should ordinarily be filed within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s decision or from the expiry of the prescribed period for deciding the First Appeal.

Appeal Fee: No fee is payable for filing a Second Appeal before the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission.

You can download the prescribed appeal form, notifications and other RTI-related information from the official website of the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission.

Attach the following documents with your Second Appeal:

• Copy of the original RTI application
• Proof of RTI fee payment or BPL exemption, wherever applicable
• Copy of the PIO’s reply, if available
• Copy of the First Appeal
• Copy of the order passed by the First Appellate Authority, if any
• A brief statement explaining the grounds of the Second Appeal

How to File an RTI Complaint in Andhra Pradesh

Under Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, you may file a complaint before the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission if you face issues such as refusal to accept an RTI application, refusal to accept the prescribed fee, non-appointment of a Public Information Officer, denial of access to records, or any other matter covered under the Act.

Unlike a Second Appeal, an RTI complaint is generally used when the grievance relates to the RTI process itself rather than the information supplied.

You can obtain the prescribed complaint procedure and related instructions from the official Andhra Pradesh Information Commission website.

Helpful Tips for Filing an RTI in Andhra Pradesh

• Choose the correct public authority: Before filing your RTI application, make sure the information is held by the department or organisation you are applying to. Applications sent to the wrong authority may be transferred under the RTI Act or delayed.
• Use the correct RTI portal: File applications relating to Andhra Pradesh Government departments through the Andhra Pradesh RTI Online Portal. For Central Government ministries, departments and organisations, use the Central RTI Online Portal.
• Check public records first: Before filing an RTI for land-related information, verify whether the required records are already available on the MeeBhoomi Portal. If the information is publicly available, you may not need to file an RTI application.
• Ask for records, not opinions: Request specific documents, file notings, reports, orders or certified copies instead of seeking explanations, opinions or justifications.
• Keep your acknowledgement safe: Whether you apply online or offline, preserve your Registration Number, acknowledgement or postal receipt. You may need it while tracking your RTI application or filing an appeal.
• Use the First Appeal when necessary: If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or you are dissatisfied with the response, file a First Appeal before approaching the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
Official AP RTI Portal	https://rtionline.ap.gov.in
Andhra Pradesh Information Commission	https://sic.ap.gov.in
RTI Application Fee	Rs 10
Photocopy Charges	Rs 2 per A4/A3 page
Accepted Languages	Telugu or English
Offline Payment Methods	Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), Banker’s Cheque or Cash (where accepted)
First Appeal Fee	No fee
Second Appeal Fee	No fee
AP Government Portal	https://ap.gov.in
Central RTI Portal	https://rtionline.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the Andhra Pradesh RTI Rules?

Ans. The Andhra Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2005 prescribe the RTI application fee, payment methods, copy charges and other procedural requirements for filing RTI applications with Andhra Pradesh Government public authorities.

Q. What is the RTI application fee in Andhra Pradesh?

Ans. The prescribed RTI application fee is Rs 10. Applicants can pay the fee through the approved payment methods under the Andhra Pradesh RTI Rules. Citizens holding a valid BPL certificate are exempt from paying the application fee.

Q. Can I file an RTI application in Telugu?

Ans. Yes. Under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, you may submit an RTI application in Telugu, which is the official language of Andhra Pradesh. You may also file the application in English.

Q. How can I file an RTI application online in Andhra Pradesh?

Ans. You can file an RTI application online through the official Andhra Pradesh RTI Online Portal if the concerned public authority is available on the portal. If it is not listed, you should submit your application offline to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).

Q. What is the time limit for receiving an RTI reply in Andhra Pradesh?

Ans. In most cases, the Public Information Officer (PIO) must provide the requested information within 30 days of receiving the RTI application. Different timelines apply in certain situations, such as cases involving the life or liberty of a person.

Q. Is there any fee for filing a First or Second Appeal?

Ans. No. There is no fee for filing a First Appeal or a Second Appeal under the RTI Act before the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission.

Q. Where can I file a Second Appeal or RTI complaint in Andhra Pradesh?

Ans. You can file a Second Appeal or an RTI complaint before the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Q. Should I check MeeBhoomi before filing an RTI for land records?

Ans. Yes. Before filing an RTI application for land-related information, you should check the MeeBhoomi Portal. If the required record is already available online, you may not need to file an RTI application.