RTI Application & Document Fee Calculator
The RTI Fee Calculator computes statutory application charges, page photocopying rates, digital media costs, and BPL fee waivers under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Statutory Cost Breakdown
Standard Citizen Filing| Initial Application Fee | ₹10 |
| Page Reproduction Cost | ₹0 |
| Electronic Media (CD/DVD) | ₹0 |
| Record Inspection Fee | ₹0 |
| Total Payable Statutory Cost | ₹10 |
Pay via Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft, or Court Fee Stamp drawn in favor of the designated Accounts Officer of the public authority. BPL applicants must enclose a self-attested photocopy of their BPL card.
Statutory RTI Fee Provisions Every Citizen Should Know
- BPL Total Fee Exemption (Section 7(5)): Any Indian citizen holding a Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card is exempt from the initial application fee and all subsequent page reproduction or inspection costs.
- Free Information on PIO Delay (Section 7(6)): If the Public Information Officer fails to decide the request or supply the information within 30 days, the PIO is statutorily prohibited from charging any copy fees. All documents must be supplied completely free.
- Modes of Remittance: Fees can be paid via Indian Postal Order (IPO) purchased at any post office, Demand Draft, Banker's Cheque, or cash deposit at the departmental counter.
Frequently Asked Questions About RTI Fees
What is the standard RTI application fee in India?
The standard statutory fee is ₹10 for Central Government authorities and most states, payable via IPO, DD, or Court Fee Stamp.
Can a PIO charge document copy fees after the 30-day response deadline?
No — under Section 7(6) of the RTI Act, if the PIO fails to respond within the mandatory 30 days, all information must be provided free of cost.
How much does it cost to inspect government files under RTI?
Under Central Government rules, the first hour of inspection is free, and ₹5 is charged for each subsequent hour or fraction thereof.