How to File an RTI Application in India – Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Update)
?? How to File an RTI Application in India – Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Update)
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities. It promotes transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation in democracy. If you’ve ever wondered how to file an RTI, this step-by-step guide will help you do it the right way.
? What is RTI?
The Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. It allows citizens to request information from any government department or public authority. The information can include records, documents, reports, files, circulars, memos, emails, or data maintained by the government.
?? Who Can File an RTI?
Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application. No reason needs to be provided for seeking the information.
??? How to File an RTI Application – Step-by-Step
1. Identify the Public Authority
Determine the department or public office that holds the information. For example:
RTI to a government school – file with the Education Department
RTI to a police station – file with the Police Department of that district
2. Draft the RTI Application
Use simple language. English, Hindi, or the official language of the region is acceptable. Your application should include:
Full name and address of the applicant
Details of the information sought (clearly and specifically)
Name of the concerned public authority
?? Example Format:
To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of Department/Office]
[Address]
Subject: Application under the RTI Act, 2005
Respected Sir/Madam,
Please provide the following information under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005:
1. ................................
2. ................................
I am an Indian citizen and enclose the RTI fee of Rs10.
Thanking you,
[Name]
[Address]
[Contact Details]
3. Attach RTI Fee
You need to pay a nominal fee of Rs10. This can be paid via:
Postal order
Demand draft
Court fee stamp
Online (if available)
SC/ST and BPL cardholders may apply for exemption by attaching relevant proof.
4. Send the Application
You can send your RTI application:
By post (registered/speed post) to the Public Information Officer (PIO)
Submit it in person at the office
Online via RTI Online Portal (for Central Government departments)
?? RTI Response Timeline
As per the RTI Act:
Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within 30 days
If the information concerns life or liberty, it must be given within 48 hours
If forwarded to another department, response is due in 30 additional days
?? First Appeal (If No Response or Unsatisfactory Reply)
If the PIO doesn’t respond or the reply is unsatisfactory, you may file a First Appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department.
?? Second Appeal
If still dissatisfied, you may file a Second Appeal to the Central/State Information Commission within 90 days.
?? RTI Cannot Be Used For:
Asking why a decision was taken
Seeking answers to hypothetical questions
Demanding opinion or advice
Asking for personal information unrelated to public interest
?? Sample RTI Questions You Can Ask
Provide details of funds released for road construction in [District Name]
Furnish information on delay in issuing passport from [Office Name]
Share staff attendance record of [School Name] from January 2024 to March 2025
?? Tips for Filing an Effective RTI
Be precise and specific
Avoid asking vague or multiple unrelated questions
Use separate applications for different departments
Mention correct postal address for replies
?? Final Thoughts
The RTI Act is a powerful tool for ordinary citizens to hold authorities accountable. Whether it’s delay in public service, corruption, or non-transparent administration—filing an RTI can make a real impact.
Take action. Demand accountability.
