Right to Information — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, focus on memorizing specific provisions, timelines, and recent amendments rather than general concepts. Key areas for factual recall include: Section 8 exemptions (all 10 categories), Section 4 proactive disclosure requirements (17 categories), penalty provisions under Section 20, appellate timelines (30-90 days), and composition of Information Commissions.

Pay special attention to the 2019 amendments and their implications for Commissioner independence. Practice questions on third-party information rules, public interest override test applications, and digital RTI developments.

Common traps include confusion between original provisions and post-amendment status, mixing up Central and State Commission powers, and incorrect application of exemption criteria. Use elimination techniques by identifying obviously wrong options first, then applying specific knowledge of statutory provisions.