Delhi, officially known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, follows a unique RTI system because both the Delhi Government and the Central Government operate within the city. Before filing an RTI application, you must identify which authority holds the information you need. Choosing the correct portal at the beginning helps avoid delays and rejection of your application.
Use the Delhi RTI Portal for information held by departments of the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD). However, if the information relates to a central government organisation located in Delhi, such as Delhi Police, DDA, Union Ministries, or Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), submit your application through the National RTI Online Portal.
The Administrative Reforms Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, manages the Delhi RTI Portal. Citizens can submit RTI applications and First Appeals online. The application fee is ₹10, which can be paid through Internet Banking on the portal or offline by Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Bank Draft, both payable to the Government of NCT of Delhi.
If you need technical assistance while using the portal, contact the RTI helpdesk on 011-23392726 or 011-23392421 between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM on working days. You can also write to rtisupport.delhi@gov.in for portal-related support.
For Second Appeals, Delhi follows a different process from most states. Since Delhi is a Union Territory with a Legislature, all Second Appeals under the RTI Act are heard by the Central Information Commission (CIC). Applications can be filed online through the CIC Online Appeal Portal. For more information about the Commission, visit cic.gov.in.
For a broader understanding of the RTI Act, application process, fees, exemptions, and appeals across India, you can also read our RTI Online India Guide.
Delhi’s Dual RTI Framework: Know Which Portal to Use Before Filing
Delhi follows a unique RTI system because both the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) and the Central Government function within the National Capital Territory. Before filing an RTI application, identify which authority holds the information you need. Using the correct portal from the beginning saves time and prevents your application from being transferred or rejected.
If the information relates to a Delhi Government department, file your application through the Delhi RTI Portal. If it belongs to a Central Government ministry, department, or organisation located in Delhi, use the National RTI Online Portal.
Use the Delhi RTI Portal (GNCTD) For
Education
- Directorate of Education and Delhi government schools
- Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE)
Health and Public Services
- Delhi Government hospitals such as GTB Hospital and LNJP Hospital
- Food and Civil Supplies Department for ration card and Public Distribution System (PDS) matters
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for water supply and sewerage services
Revenue and Citizen Services
- Revenue Department for Domicile Certificate, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate, property mutation (Dakhil Kharij), and land records
- Transport Department for driving licence and vehicle registration-related matters
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for property tax, building plans, sanitation, and civic services
Other Delhi Government Bodies
- Delhi Social Welfare Department
- Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB)
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- Delhi Finance Department
- Delhi Planning Department
- Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC)
Use the National RTI Portal For
Law Enforcement and Land Authorities
- Delhi Police under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
- New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
Central Ministries and Institutions
- All Union Ministries and Central Government departments
- AIIMS Delhi and other Central Government hospitals, such as Safdarjung Hospital, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College
- Central universities, IITs, IIMs, and other centrally funded institutions
Central Organisations
- EPFO, Income Tax Department, and Passport Offices
- Prasar Bharati, Food Corporation of India (FCI), NABARD, NHB, NDDB, and SEBI
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which has its own Public Information Officers (PIOs) for RTI applications
Courts
- Supreme Court of India
- Delhi High Court
- District Courts, each following its own RTI procedure
Delhi RTI Application Fee and Payment Methods
Before submitting an RTI application, make sure you know the applicable fee and accepted payment methods. The Delhi RTI Portal follows the fee structure prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the applicable Delhi RTI Rules.
| RTI Service | Applicable Fee |
|---|---|
| RTI Application | ₹10 |
| Photocopy of Information (A4/A3) | ₹2 per page |
| Copies on Larger Paper | Actual cost |
| CD or DVD containing information | ₹50 per disc |
| Inspection of Records | Free for the first hour, then ₹5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof |
| First Appeal | No fee |
| Second Appeal before the Central Information Commission (CIC) | No fee |
BPL applicants are exempt from paying the RTI application fee. Attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL card while submitting the application to claim this exemption.
How Can You Pay the RTI Fee?
The payment method depends on whether you are applying online or submitting your application offline.
Online through the Delhi RTI Portal
- Internet Banking
Offline while submitting a physical application
- Indian Postal Order (IPO) payable to the Government of NCT of Delhi
- Demand Draft or Bank Draft payable to the Government of NCT of Delhi
- Cash payment at the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) office against an official receipt
For RTI applications submitted to Central Government departments through the National RTI Portal, the prescribed fee is generally paid to the Accounts Officer of the concerned public authority, as applicable under the RTI Rules.
How to File an RTI Application Online on the Delhi RTI Portal
You can submit an RTI application online through the Delhi RTI Portal if the information is held by a department of the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD). Before you begin, make sure you are using the correct portal. Departments such as Delhi Police, DDA, NDMC, and other Central Government organisations are not covered by this portal and their RTI applications should be filed through the National RTI Online Portal.
Step 1: Visit the Delhi RTI Portal and click Submit Request. Read the instructions displayed on the screen and continue to the application page.
Step 2: If you are using the portal for the first time, create a new account using your name, mobile number, and email address. Complete the OTP verification and sign in to your account.
Step 3: Select the Department or Public Authority from the list. Choose the department that actually holds the information you want. If the department is not available in the dropdown list, you may need to submit your RTI application offline to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).
Step 4: Enter your personal details and write your RTI application in clear and simple language. Ask specific questions instead of writing long explanations. The online form accepts up to 3,000 words. If your application is longer, upload the complete RTI application as a PDF under the Supporting Document section. The maximum file size allowed is 1 MB.
Step 5: Pay the ₹10 RTI application fee through Internet Banking. If you belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, upload a self-attested copy of your valid BPL card and proceed without paying the application fee.
Step 6: Review all the details carefully and click Submit. After successful submission, the portal generates a unique Registration Number. You will also receive a confirmation through SMS and email.
Step 7: Keep the Registration Number safe. You will need it to track your RTI application, download replies, or file a First Appeal if the information is not provided within the prescribed time limit.
You can check your application status at any time on the Delhi RTI Portal. If you need help while using the portal, contact the RTI Helpdesk on 011-23392726 or 011-23392421 between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM on working days, or email rtisupport.delhi@gov.in.
How to File a First Appeal on the Delhi RTI Portal
If you do not receive a reply to your RTI application within the prescribed time limit or you are not satisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal through the Delhi RTI Portal. No fee is charged for filing a First Appeal.
Step 1: Visit the Delhi RTI Portal, sign in to your account, and click Submit First Appeal.
Step 2: Enter the Registration Number of your original RTI application. The portal automatically fetches the relevant application details.
Step 3: Clearly mention the reason for filing the appeal. For example, you did not receive any reply within the prescribed time limit, received incomplete information, or believe the information was wrongly denied.
Step 4: Review the details and submit your appeal. After successful submission, the portal generates an acknowledgement that you can use for future reference.
You can track the progress of your First Appeal through the View Status option available on the Delhi RTI Portal. Keep your original RTI Registration Number and appeal acknowledgement safely until the matter is resolved.
How to File an RTI Application by Post in Delhi
If the concerned Delhi Government department is not available on the online portal or you prefer submitting a physical application, you can send your RTI request by post to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO). There is no prescribed application form, so you can write your request on plain paper in Hindi or English.
Step 1: Address your RTI application to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the department that holds the information you want. Before posting your application, verify the department’s official postal address from its website.
Step 2: Clearly mention that the application is being filed under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Write your questions in simple and numbered points so that the Public Information Officer can understand exactly what information you are seeking.
Step 3: Attach the prescribed ₹10 application fee through an Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Demand Draft payable to the Government of NCT of Delhi. If you belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL card instead of paying the fee.
Step 4: Sign the application, mention your complete postal address and mobile number, and keep a photocopy of the application along with the payment receipt or IPO details for your records.
Step 5: Send the application through Speed Post or submit it in person at the concerned office. If you use Speed Post, keep the postal receipt safely, as it helps you track delivery and serves as proof that the application was sent.
Note: RTI is meant to obtain information or copies of official records. Avoid asking questions that seek opinions, explanations, or justifications from the department, as such requests may not fall within the scope of the RTI Act.
RTI Response Time Limit in Delhi
After receiving your RTI application, the Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The table below explains the most important timelines you should know.
| Situation | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Reply to a normal RTI application | Within 30 days from the date the Public Information Officer receives the application |
| Information involving the life or liberty of a person | Within 48 hours |
| Application transferred to another public authority under Section 6(3) | Within 5 days. The concerned authority then processes the application as per the RTI Act. |
| An additional fee is required for providing information | The Public Information Officer will issue an intimation. The period between the fee intimation and payment is excluded while calculating the response time. |
If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time limit or you are dissatisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal before the designated First Appellate Authority without paying any appeal fee.
When Can You File a First Appeal?
If the Public Information Officer (PIO) does not provide the requested information within the prescribed time limit or you are dissatisfied with the reply, you have the right to file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| When can you file? | When no reply is received within the prescribed time limit, or the information provided is incomplete, incorrect, or unsatisfactory. |
| Time limit | Within 30 days from the date of receiving the reply or from the date on which the reply should have been received. |
| Appeal Fee | No fee is payable. |
| Decision by the First Appellate Authority | Normally, within 30 days. The authority may extend this period up to 45 days by recording the reasons in writing. |
The detailed online filing process has already been explained in the previous section. Before submitting your appeal, keep your original RTI Registration Number, acknowledgement, and any reply received from the Public Information Officer ready for reference.
Second Appeal Before the Central Information Commission (CIC)
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), or you do not receive a decision within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal before the Central Information Commission (CIC). For RTI applications relating to Delhi Government departments as well as Central Government organisations in Delhi, the Second Appeal is heard by the CIC.
You should file the Second Appeal within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s order or from the date on which the order should have been issued.
How to File a Second Appeal
Online: Visit the CIC Online Appeal Portal and complete the Second Appeal form. Keep your RTI application details and First Appeal information ready before you begin.
Offline: You can also send your Second Appeal by post to the following address:
The Registrar
Central Information Commission
CIC Bhawan, Baba Gangnath Marg
Munirka, New Delhi – 110067
Documents to Attach
- Copy of the original RTI application
- Proof of RTI application fee payment, wherever applicable
- Copy of the reply received from the Public Information Officer (if any)
- Copy of the First Appeal
- Copy of the order passed by the First Appellate Authority (if available)
- A brief statement explaining why you are filing the Second Appeal
- Your name, postal address, mobile number, and email address
For assistance, visit the Central Information Commission website or contact the CIC Facilitation Desk on 011-26183053 during working hours.
Important Things to Remember Before Filing an RTI in Delhi
Keeping a few practical points in mind before submitting your RTI application can help you avoid delays and improve the chances of receiving a complete reply.
- Choose the correct public authority before filing your application. Submit RTIs related to Delhi Government departments through the Delhi RTI Portal, while applications for Central Government organisations should be filed through the National RTI Online Portal.
- Ask for specific information or official records instead of opinions, explanations, or reasons. Well-defined questions are more likely to receive a complete response under the RTI Act.
- Write each query as a separate numbered point. This makes it easier for the Public Information Officer (PIO) to identify and answer every question individually.
- Keep your RTI Registration Number, postal receipt, or acknowledgement safely until the matter is completely resolved. You will need these details for tracking your application or filing an appeal.
- If the information is not supplied within the prescribed time limit or the reply is incomplete, use the First Appeal mechanism instead of filing a fresh RTI application on the same issue.
- Before submitting your application, check whether the information is already available on the concerned department’s official website. Many records, reports, circulars, and notifications are published proactively, saving both time and the RTI application fee.
Quick Reference Links
| Service | Official Link / Details |
|---|---|
| Delhi RTI Portal (GNCTD) | https://rtionline.delhi.gov.in |
| Submit RTI Application | Delhi RTI Portal |
| Submit First Appeal | Delhi RTI Portal |
| Track RTI Status | Delhi RTI Portal |
| RTI User Manual (PDF) | Download User Manual |
| National RTI Portal (Central Government) | https://rtionline.gov.in |
| CIC Second Appeal Portal | File Second Appeal Online |
| Central Information Commission (CIC) | https://cic.gov.in |
| Delhi RTI Helpdesk | 011-23392726 / 011-23392421 (Working Days, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM) |
| RTI Helpdesk Email | rtisupport.delhi@gov.in |
| CIC Facilitation Desk | 011-26183053 |
| CIC Postal Address | CIC Bhawan, Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi – 110067 |
| RTI Application Fee | ₹10 |
| Accepted Payment Modes | Internet Banking, Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), or Cash (where applicable) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why does Delhi have two RTI portals?
Ans. Delhi has a unique administrative structure where some departments are controlled by the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) and others by the Central Government. Use the Delhi RTI Portal for Delhi Government departments and the National RTI Online Portal for Central Government organisations such as Delhi Police, DDA, NDMC, and Union Ministries.
Q. Can I file an RTI application online in Delhi?
Ans. Yes. RTI applications relating to Delhi Government departments can be submitted through the Delhi RTI Portal. If the information belongs to a Central Government department located in Delhi, use the National RTI Online Portal.
Q. What is the RTI application fee in Delhi?
Ans. The application fee is ₹10. Citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from paying the application fee after submitting a valid BPL certificate. First Appeal and Second Appeal do not require any fee.
Q. Is the Delhi Police covered under the Delhi RTI Portal?
Ans. No. Delhi Police functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. RTI applications relating to the Delhi Police should be filed through the National RTI Online Portal.
Q. What should I do if I do not receive a reply to my RTI application?
Ans. If the Public Information Officer does not respond within the prescribed time limit or the information provided is incomplete or unsatisfactory, you can file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. If you are still not satisfied with the outcome, you may file a Second Appeal before the Central Information Commission (CIC).
Q. Where should I file a Second Appeal in Delhi?
Ans. All Second Appeals relating to RTI applications filed against Delhi Government departments and Central Government organisations in Delhi are heard by the Central Information Commission (CIC). You can submit your appeal online through the CIC portal or send it by post to the Commission.
Q. Which online payment methods are available on the Delhi RTI Portal?
Ans. The Delhi RTI Portal currently accepts Internet Banking for online payment of the RTI application fee. If you are submitting an offline application, you can pay through an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), or cash, where permitted.
Q. Can I ask questions or seek explanations under the RTI Act?
Ans. The RTI Act is meant to obtain information that already exists in the form of records, documents, reports, file notings, or official correspondence. Instead of asking for opinions or explanations, request copies of the relevant records or information maintained by the public authority.
Q. Can I file an RTI application in Hindi?
Ans. Yes. The RTI Act allows applications in Hindi, English, or the official language used by the concerned public authority. Delhi Government departments accept RTI applications in both Hindi and English.
Tabassum is a government document researcher and writer with over 5 years of experience exclusively dedicated to tracking and simplifying Central and State Government document processes across India. She has researched and published detailed guides on 100+ government documents and certificates – including Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, and Birth Certificate – covering all states and the Central Government, helping lakhs of Indian citizens successfully complete their paperwork in simple, easy-to-understand language.