RTI fees and BPL exemption
Understand Central RTI fees, copying charges, BPL proof and why State fees must be checked separately.
Independent educational guidance by Banaka, not a government service or legal advice. Filing, fees and status belong on the government channel.
Sources checked and guide updated: 30 September 2026 · Original explanatory guidance, not verbatim statutory text.
Central fees are not universal fees
Under the Central RTI Rules, 2012, the application fee is ₹10. A4/A3 copies ordinarily cost ₹2 per page; larger paper, samples and models can have actual costs. Inspection is free for the first hour and ₹5 for each subsequent hour or fraction.
These are Central rules. State governments and competent authorities can prescribe their own rules, so check the particular authority before paying. Do not send money or payment information to Banaka: this site neither collects fees nor files applications.
BPL is a specific exemption
Section 7(5) protects persons below the poverty line, as determined by the appropriate Government, from the prescribed fees. The Central portal requires the relevant government-issued BPL certificate to claim the exemption.
Do not assume SC/ST membership, disability, age or unemployment alone proves BPL status. Use the applicable rule and accepted proof rather than an unsupported exemption claim.
Additional fees and delayed information
A Section 7(3) fee notice should give the calculation and review/appeal details. The interval between dispatch of that notice and payment is excluded when calculating the Section 7(1) period. Save the notice and payment receipt.
Section 7(6) requires information free of charge where the public authority fails to comply with the Section 7(1) time limits. Work out the applicable period and exclusions before claiming this; a calendar estimate alone does not prove a breach. The Central RTI Online first appeal has no fee.
Checklist
- Confirm which fee rules apply to this authority.
- Use accepted payment methods on the official channel.
- Attach accepted BPL proof only if claiming that exemption.
- Retain additional-fee notices and receipts.
Check your understanding
What supports a BPL fee exemption on the Central portal?