Right to Information
(RTI) Act, 2005
Complete High-Yield Guide for UPSC, BPSC, DRDO SAO, Regulatory Bodies & State PCS Exams
What is the RTI Act, 2005?
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is one of India’s most powerful transparency laws. It replaced the ineffective Freedom of Information Act, 2002 and came into force on 12 October 2005.
It empowers every Indian citizen to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. The Supreme Court has held that RTI is a fundamental right flowing from Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
RTI Application Process
Simple 5-step journey from filing to final decision
Important Time Limits & Fees
| Particulars | Time Limit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Normal RTI Application | 30 days | From date of receipt by PIO |
| Information concerning life or liberty | 48 hours | Must be provided expeditiously |
| First Appeal | 30 days (extendable by 15 days) | To First Appellate Authority |
| Second Appeal | 90 days | To Central/State Information Commission |
| Transfer of application | 5 days | To another public authority |
| Fee (Central Govt) | ₹10 | BPL applicants exempted |
Exemptions under Section 8
Certain categories of information are exempted from disclosure. However, even exempted information can be disclosed if larger public interest outweighs the harm (Section 8(2)).
Appeal Mechanism
Penalties & Enforcement
• Compensation can be awarded to applicant
• Annual reports of CIC/SIC tabled in Parliament / State Legislature
100 High-Yield One-Liners
QUICK REVISIONPerfect for last-minute revision before exams
Ready to revise smarter?
Download the complete RTI Act PDF + Sample Book with more practice questions and notes.
Right to Information
(RTI) Act, 2005
Complete High-Yield Guide for UPSC, BPSC, DRDO SAO, Regulatory Bodies & State PCS Exams
What is the RTI Act, 2005?
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is one of India’s most powerful transparency laws. It replaced the ineffective Freedom of Information Act, 2002 and came into force on 12 October 2005.
It empowers every Indian citizen to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. The Supreme Court has held that RTI is a fundamental right flowing from Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
RTI Application Process
Simple 5-step journey from filing to final decision
Important Time Limits & Fees
| Particulars | Time Limit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Normal RTI Application | 30 days | From date of receipt by PIO |
| Information concerning life or liberty | 48 hours | Must be provided expeditiously |
| First Appeal | 30 days (extendable by 15 days) | To First Appellate Authority |
| Second Appeal | 90 days | To Central/State Information Commission |
| Transfer of application | 5 days | To another public authority |
| Fee (Central Govt) | ₹10 | BPL applicants exempted |
Exemptions under Section 8
Certain categories of information are exempted from disclosure. However, even exempted information can be disclosed if larger public interest outweighs the harm (Section 8(2)).
Appeal Mechanism
Penalties & Enforcement
• Compensation can be awarded to applicant
• Annual reports of CIC/SIC tabled in Parliament / State Legislature
100 High-Yield One-Liners
QUICK REVISIONPerfect for last-minute revision before exams
Ready to revise smarter?
Download the complete RTI Act PDF + Sample Book with more practice questions and notes.