The Right to Information Act, 2005 applies throughout Telangana. Citizens can submit RTI applications to Telangana Government departments either online or offline. The official online portal is rti.telangana.gov.in, where you can file RTI applications, submit First Appeals, track application status, and receive replies electronically. The portal is managed by the General Administration Department (GAD), Government of Telangana.
The RTI fee in Telangana is ₹10. The procedure is governed by the Telangana Right to Information Rules, which continue to regulate RTI administration in the State after its formation in 2014. Applications can be filed in Telugu or English. The online portal accepts payments through Internet Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, RuPay Card, and UPI. After successful submission, a unique Registration Number is generated for tracking your application. Identity proof is generally not required while filing an RTI application.
If you are not satisfied with the reply or do not receive any response within the prescribed time, you can file a First Appeal through the same portal. Second Appeals and complaints are heard by the Telangana Information Commission (TGIC), established on 13 September 2017. Its official website is tgic.telangana.gov.in. The Commission is located at 8-2-120/86/2/A1, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500034, and its contact number is 040-23222799.
Telangana is currently led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy (since 7 December 2023) and Governor Jishnu Dev Varma (since 15 February 2024). The state has 33 districts, with Hyderabad serving as its capital. For a nationwide overview, you can also read our RTI Online India Guide.
Central vs Telangana State RTI: Know Before Filing
Before filing an RTI application, identify whether the organisation comes under the Telangana Government or the Central Government. The authority that controls the organisation determines where your RTI application should be filed.
File through rti.telangana.gov.in (or submit it offline) for Telangana Government departments such as:
- Revenue Department – Dharani land records, mutation, Pattadar Passbook, survey records and revenue matters
- Telangana Police – FIRs, investigation status, action taken reports and other police records
- TSSPDCL – Electricity connections, bills and consumer services in Hyderabad and southern Telangana
- TGNPDCL (formerly TSNPDCL) – Electricity services in northern Telangana districts
- Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) – Property tax, building permissions, roads and civic works
- Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) and other Urban Local Bodies
- Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) – Layout approvals, master plans and development permissions
- Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC)
- Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishads and Zilla Parishads
- Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare and Backwards Classes Welfare Departments
- School Education Department and Board of Intermediate Education
- Directorate of Medical Education and Government Hospitals
- Telangana State Housing Corporation Limited (TSHCL)
- Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC)
File through rtionline.gov.in for Central Government departments and organisations located in Telangana, including:
- South Central Railway
- Income Tax Department
- Passport Offices in Telangana
- Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- Aadhaar
- National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
- Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL)
- IIT Hyderabad, NIT Warangal and the University of Hyderabad
- Other Central Ministries, Departments and Public Sector Undertakings
- High Court for the State of Telangana (separate RTI mechanism)
RTI Fee and Payment Options in Telangana
Before submitting your RTI application, make sure you pay the prescribed application fee. The fee structure is notified under the Telangana Right to Information Rules and applies to all Telangana Government departments and public authorities.
| Particular | Fee |
|---|---|
| RTI Application Fee | Rs. 10 |
| Photocopy of A4/A3 Documents | Rs. 2 per page |
| Large Size Documents | Actual cost |
| Printed Publications | Actual price of publication |
| Information on CD | Rs. 50 per CD |
| Inspection of Records | Rs. 10 for the first hour, then Rs. 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof |
| Maps, Plans and Drawings | Actual cost decided by the Public Information Officer (PIO) |
| First Appeal | No Fee |
| Second Appeal | No Fee |
The application fee is deposited under the government head “Receipts under the Right to Information Act, 2005”. The amount is payable to the Accounts Officer of the concerned public authority.
BPL Applicants: Citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category do not have to pay the Rs. 10 application fee. However, they should attach a self-attested copy of their valid BPL card or certificate while submitting the application.
Online Payment Methods
If you are filing your RTI through the official Telangana RTI Portal (rti.telangana.gov.in), you can pay the application fee using any of the following methods:
- Internet Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- RuPay Card
- UPI
Offline Payment Methods
If you are submitting the application by post or in person, you can pay the prescribed fee using any of these modes:
- Cash (against an official receipt issued by the department)
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Treasury Challan
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Money Order (MO)
Always keep the original payment receipt, Treasury Challan, IPO details, or Demand Draft receipt safely. It may be required later if you need to file a First Appeal or Second Appeal.
How to File RTI Online in Telangana
You can submit an RTI application online through the official Telangana RTI Portal at https://rti.telangana.gov.in. The entire process can be completed from your computer or mobile without visiting any government office.
Step 1: Open the official RTI portal
Visit rti.telangana.gov.in. This is the official portal for filing RTI applications and First Appeals with Telangana Government departments.
Step 2: Start a new RTI application
Click on “Submit RTI Application”. Before proceeding, read the instructions displayed on the portal so that your application is submitted correctly.
Step 3: Register or sign in
If you are using the portal for the first time, create an account by entering your name, mobile number, email address, and residential address. Complete the OTP verification process. Existing users can simply log in with their registered credentials.
Step 4: Choose the correct department
Select the Government Department or Public Authority that holds the information you need. If you cannot find the concerned department on the portal, submit your RTI application offline to the respective Public Information Officer (PIO).
Step 5: Fill in the application form
Enter your personal details and write your RTI request in Telugu or English. Ask for specific records such as file notings, government orders, reports, inspection reports, beneficiary lists, certified copies, or official documents.
Instead of asking questions like “Why was my application rejected?”, ask for the records on which the decision was taken, such as:
- Copy of the file noting.
- Copy of the approval or rejection order.
- Copy of the inspection report.
- Copy of the relevant government circular or notification.
Step 6: Upload supporting documents (if required)
If your RTI application refers to an earlier application, complaint, or letter, you may upload a copy to help the department identify the correct records.
Step 7: Pay the application fee
Applicants other than those in the BPL category must pay the ₹10 RTI application fee. The portal supports Internet Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, RuPay Card, and UPI.
Step 8: Submit the application
After successful payment, submit the application. The portal immediately generates a unique Registration Number, which is also sent to your registered mobile number and email address.
Step 9: Track your RTI application
Use the “View Status” option available on rti.telangana.gov.in to check the progress of your application. If the department asks you to pay additional copying charges, you can also complete that payment through the portal.
Note: Applications submitted through the portal are first routed to the concerned department and then forwarded to the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) for processing.
How to File First Appeal Online in Telangana
If you do not receive a reply within 30 days or you are not satisfied with the information provided by the Public Information Officer (PIO), you can file your First Appeal online through the official Telangana RTI Portal. No appeal fee is charged.
Step 1: Visit the Telangana RTI Portal
Open https://rti.telangana.gov.in and click on “Submit First Appeal”.
Step 2: Enter your RTI Registration Number
Type the Registration Number received when you submitted your RTI application. The portal will automatically fetch your application details.
Step 3: Explain why you are filing the appeal
Select the appropriate reason and briefly explain your grievance. Common reasons include:
- No reply received within 30 days.
- Only partial information was provided.
- The requested information was wrongly denied.
- The information supplied is incomplete or incorrect.
Step 4: Submit the appeal
Review the details and submit the appeal. No payment is required for filing a First Appeal in Telangana.
Step 5: Check the appeal status
You can monitor the progress of your appeal anytime through the “View Status” option available on rti.telangana.gov.in.
Can You File an RTI in Telugu?
Yes. You can submit your RTI application in either Telugu or English. Both languages have equal legal validity under the Right to Information Act, and Telangana Government departments are required to accept applications written in Telugu.
Submitting an RTI in Telugu is often more convenient when seeking information from local offices such as Tahsildar offices, Mandal offices, Gram Panchayats, municipal bodies, district hospitals, and other district-level departments.
How to File an RTI by Post in Telangana
If you do not want to use the online portal, you can send your RTI application directly to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) by post.
Step 1: Prepare your RTI application
Write your application on plain paper in Telugu or English. Clearly mention the information you require and keep your questions short, specific, and numbered.
Step 2: Address the correct Public Information Officer
Before posting the application, verify the name and address of the concerned PIO so that your request reaches the correct department without unnecessary delay.
Step 3: Attach the prescribed application fee
Attach the ₹10 application fee through any approved payment mode such as Indian Postal Order (IPO), Treasury Challan, Bank Draft, Money Order, or any other mode accepted under the Telangana RTI Rules. BPL applicants should attach a copy of their valid BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.
Step 4: Keep copies for your records
Make a photocopy of the complete application along with the fee receipt or payment instrument before sending it.
Step 5: Send the application by Speed Post
Send the RTI application through Speed Post with Acknowledgement Due (AD) or Registered Post. Preserve the postal receipt and acknowledgement card carefully, as they may be required if you need to file an appeal later.
RTI Response Time in Telangana
| Situation | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Normal RTI application | 30 days from the date the PIO receives the application. |
| Life or liberty matters | Within 48 hours. |
| Application transferred to another Public Authority under Section 6(3) | Transfer within 5 days. The response period is counted from the date the new PIO receives the application. |
| Additional copying charges | The PIO informs you about the amount payable. The period between the fee intimation and payment is excluded while calculating the response time. |
Second Appeal or Complaint Before the Telangana Information Commission (TGIC)
If you are still not satisfied after the First Appeal, or the department has violated your rights under the RTI Act, you can approach the Telangana Information Commission (TGIC). The Commission accepts both Second Appeals and Complaints under the RTI Act.
When should you file a Second Appeal?
File a Second Appeal under Section 19(3) if:
- Your First Appeal has been rejected.
- You are not satisfied with the order passed by the First Appellate Authority (FAA).
- The FAA does not decide your First Appeal within the prescribed time.
The Second Appeal should normally be filed within 90 days from the date of the FAA’s order or from the expiry of the period within which the FAA should have passed an order. The Commission may condone a delay if sufficient reasons are explained.
When should you file a Complaint?
You can file a Complaint under Section 18 directly before the Telangana Information Commission in situations such as:
- The department refuses to accept your RTI application.
- No Public Information Officer (PIO) has been appointed.
- You were wrongly refused access to information.
- An excessive or unreasonable fee is demanded.
- You receive incomplete, false or misleading information.
- Any other violation of your rights under the RTI Act.
How to file a Second Appeal or Complaint
Online: Visit https://tgic.telangana.gov.in and use the online facility provided by the Telangana Information Commission to submit your Second Appeal or Complaint. Upload the required documents and keep the acknowledgement number for future tracking.
Offline: You may also send your Second Appeal or Complaint by post to:
The Registrar
Telangana Information Commission
8-2-120/86/2/A1, Road No.1,
Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad – 500034
Documents to attach
- Copy of the original RTI application.
- Proof of fee payment or online acknowledgement.
- Copy of the PIO’s reply (if received).
- Copy of the First Appeal.
- Copy of the FAA’s order (if any).
- Supporting documents relating to your case.
- Your name, postal address, mobile number and email address.
Fee: No fee is payable for filing a Second Appeal or Complaint before the Telangana Information Commission.
TGIC Contact Details
- Website: https://tgic.telangana.gov.in
- Phone: 040-23222799
- Address: 8-2-120/86/2/A1, Road No.1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500034
RTI vs Telangana CM Helpline: Which One Should You Use?
Many people confuse the RTI process with the Telangana Government’s public grievance system. Both serve different purposes and can even be used together.
- Use RTI when you want copies of government records, file notings, orders, inspection reports, beneficiary lists, expenditure details, or any other information held by a public authority.
- Use the Telangana CM Helpline when you want a department to resolve a problem, take action on a pending service, or address a public grievance.
If your issue involves both missing information and delayed government action, you can file an RTI to obtain the relevant records and simultaneously submit a complaint through the Telangana CM Helpline. Using both mechanisms together often helps citizens understand the reason for the delay while also requesting the concerned department to resolve the issue.
Useful Tips Before Filing an RTI in Telangana
- Ask for records, not explanations: The official Telangana RTI portal advises applicants to avoid asking questions like “Why was my application rejected?” or “Why was action not taken?”. Instead, request the documents that contain the answer, such as file notings, inspection reports, office orders, correspondence, or approval files. This significantly improves your chances of receiving useful information.
- Identify the correct electricity company first: Telangana has two government electricity distribution companies. TSSPDCL serves Hyderabad and most southern districts, while TGNPDCL (formerly TSNPDCL) serves northern Telangana. Check the DISCOM name printed on your electricity bill before filing your RTI application.
- Check online records before filing a land-related RTI: If your query relates to Pahani, mutation, land ownership, or survey records, first search the Bhu Bharati Portal. If the required information is already available online, you may not need to file an RTI.
- TSPSC recruitment information: For recruitment conducted by the Telangana Public Service Commission (TSPSC), submit your RTI to the Commission itself through the Telangana RTI Portal. Keep your Hall Ticket Number, Notification Number, or Application ID ready for easier identification of records.
- Railways and Central PSUs use the Central RTI Portal: Organisations such as South Central Railway, BHEL, ECIL, NMDC, Income Tax Department, Passport Office, EPFO and UIDAI are Central Government bodies. Their RTI applications should be filed through rtionline.gov.in, not the Telangana State RTI Portal.
- High Court matters follow a separate process: Administrative information relating to the High Court for the State of Telangana should be obtained through the High Court’s own RTI mechanism available on its official website, and not through the Telangana State RTI Portal.
Quick Reference
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State RTI Portal | rti.telangana.gov.in |
| Portal FAQ | View FAQ |
| Application Guide | View Guide |
| Telangana Information Commission | tgic.telangana.gov.in |
| TGIC Phone | 040-23222799 |
| TGIC Address | 8-2-120/86/2/A1, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500034 |
| Bhu Bharati Portal | bhubharati.telangana.gov.in |
| CCLA Telangana | ccla.telangana.gov.in |
| Telangana Government Portal | www.telangana.gov.in |
| Application Fee | ₹10 |
| Copying Charges | ₹2 per A3/A4 page |
| CD Charges | ₹50 per CD |
| Online Payment Modes | Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, RuPay Card and UPI |
| Offline Payment Modes | Cash, Indian Postal Order (IPO), Treasury Challan, Bank Draft and Money Order |
| Accepted Languages | Telugu and English |
| ID Proof Required | No |
| Central RTI Portal | rtionline.gov.in (Railways, Passport, Income Tax, EPFO, UIDAI, BHEL, ECIL, NMDC, etc.) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which RTI rules apply in Telangana?
Ans. RTI applications in Telangana are governed by the Telangana Right to Information Rules, 2005, which continue to apply after the formation of the state in 2014. The application fee is ₹10, while photocopies are charged at ₹2 per A4/A3 page. No fee is charged for filing the First Appeal or the Second Appeal.
Q. Can I submit an RTI application in Telugu?
Ans. Yes. You may file your RTI application in either Telugu or English. Both languages are accepted by Telangana Government departments, and Public Information Officers (PIOs) cannot insist that you submit the application only in English.
Q. Is any identity proof required to file an RTI in Telangana?
Ans. No. Telangana does not require applicants to upload or attach any identity proof while filing an RTI application. However, applicants claiming the BPL fee exemption should attach a copy of their valid BPL card or certificate.
Q. What is the role of the Nodal Officer on the Telangana RTI Portal?
Ans. After you submit an RTI application through rti.telangana.gov.in, it first reaches the department’s Nodal Officer. The Nodal Officer then forwards it to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO). The same process is followed for online First Appeals.
Q. What is the Telangana Information Commission (TGIC)?
Ans. The Telangana Information Commission is the statutory authority that hears Second Appeals and Complaints under the RTI Act against Telangana Government departments. It was constituted on 13 September 2017 and is headquartered at Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Q. Should I check Bhu Bharati before filing a land-related RTI?
Ans. Yes. Before filing an RTI regarding land records, visit the Bhu Bharati Portal. If the required Pahani, mutation, survey or ownership details are already available online, you may not need to file an RTI. Use RTI only when records are missing, incorrect, pending or you require certified departmental documents.
Q. Can I ask “Why was my application rejected?” under RTI?
Ans. It is better to ask for documents instead of explanations. Rather than asking “Why was my application rejected?”, request copies of the file, noting, inspection report, approval sheet, or rejection order. These records usually contain the reasons for the decision.
Q. Which electricity company should I file my RTI with?
Ans. Telangana has two government electricity distribution companies. TSSPDCL serves Hyderabad and most southern districts, while TGNPDCL serves northern Telangana. Check the company name printed on your electricity bill before submitting your RTI application.
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.