How to File an RTI Application in India – Step-by-Step
The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers every Indian to access information from public authorities. Filing an RTI is simple if you follow the rules: draft a concise request, pay the nominal fee, and submit to the Public Information Officer. This guide explains each step and even provides a sample RTI letter template.
What is the RTI Act?
The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to request information from any public authority — central or state government. It is one of the most powerful tools for transparency and accountability.
Under RTI, you can ask for:
- Any document, record, or file held by a government office
- Details of any government decision or policy
- Status of your pending application or case
- How government funds are being spent
- Inspection of government work sites
Who Can File an RTI?
Any Indian citizen can file an RTI. You do not need to state a reason. You do not need a lawyer.
RTI Fee
| Authority | Fee |
|---|---|
| Central Government | ₹10 |
| Most State Governments | ₹10 (varies by state) |
| BPL (Below Poverty Line) | FREE |
Payment: postal order, demand draft, court fee stamp, or cash at the counter.
Sample RTI Application Template
To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Department Name],
[Full Address]
Subject: Application under Right to Information Act, 2005
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], resident of [Your Address], wish to obtain
the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:
1. [Specific question — e.g. "Provide copies of all contracts
awarded by your department from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025"]
2. [Second question if any]
Enclosed: ₹10/- as application fee via [postal order no. XXXX /
court fee stamp].
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone / Email]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing RTI
Step 1: Identify the Right Public Information Officer (PIO)
Each government department has a designated PIO. Address your RTI to:
- The PIO of the specific department that holds your information
- If unsure, address to the Head of Department — they must transfer it
Step 2: Draft Your RTI Application
- Keep it short and specific — one or two clear questions
- Ask for copies of documents, not opinions or interpretations
- Mention the time period (e.g. "from April 2024 to March 2025")
- Do NOT mention why you want the information
Step 3: Choose How to Submit
Online — Central Government (rtionline.gov.in)
- Register on the portal
- Select ministry / department
- Write your request (max 3,000 characters)
- Pay ₹10 online by debit/credit card or net banking
- Download acknowledgement and note your Registration Number
By Post — Any Government Office
- Write your application on plain paper
- Attach ₹10 postal order or IPO
- Send by registered post with acknowledgement (keep the receipt)
In Person
- Submit at the department's public counter
- Get a date-stamped acknowledgement receipt
Step 4: Track and Wait
- Normal response time: 30 days
- Life and liberty matters: 48 hours
- If transferred to another dept: 35 days
Track online at rtionline.gov.in using your registration number.
Step 5: First Appeal (If No Response in 30 Days)
File with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department within 30 days of the deadline passing. No fee required.
Step 6: Second Appeal — Information Commission
If still unsatisfied:
- Central govt: Central Information Commission — cic.gov.in
- State govt: Your State Information Commission
No fee for appeals. Decision is binding on the department.
Grounds for RTI Rejection (Section 8)
An RTI can legally be rejected only for:
- National security / sovereignty
- Cabinet deliberations (before decision is made)
- Personal information with no public interest
- Ongoing investigations by police or courts
- Information endangering someone's life
Penalties for Non-Compliance
PIO can be fined ₹250 per day (up to ₹25,000) for:
- Providing false information
- Refusing without valid reason
- Delaying beyond 30 days without reason
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an RTI against a private company? No. RTI applies only to public authorities — government bodies and substantially government-funded organisations.
What if my RTI is transferred? The receiving department must respond within 30 days of receiving the transfer. You should be informed of the transfer.
Can I file RTI in Hindi? Yes. You can file in Hindi for central government offices or in the official language of your state for state offices.
Helpline & Resources
- RTI Online Portal: rtionline.gov.in
- Central Information Commission: cic.gov.in | 011-26186220
- RTI India (unofficial guide): rti.india.gov.in