How to File an RTI (Right to Information) Application in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to File an RTI (Right to Information) Application in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

I. The Essence of the Right to Information
The Right to Information (RTI) is not a privilege; it is a statutory right available to every Indian citizen. Enacted under the RTI Act, 2005, this right permits individuals to request information from any public authority—including ministries, departments, municipal bodies, government-run institutions, public sector undertakings, and more.

The objective of RTI is not confrontation—it is engagement. It allows citizens to:

1-Seek copies of official documents and records;

2-Verify public expenditures and contracts;

3-Understand decision-making processes in governance;

4-Demand transparency in recruitment, infrastructure, and welfare programs.

II. Preliminary Step: Identify the Public Authority

Before drafting an application, you must identify the appropriate department or agency that holds the information. This step ensures that your query reaches the correct Public Information Officer (PIO) and avoids delay.

If filed with the wrong department, the PIO is required under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act to transfer the request to the competent authority within five working days.

III. Drafting Your RTI Application

General Drafting Principles
-Keep your tone objective, courteous, and non-political.
-Ask factual, document-based questions—avoid opinions or interpretations.
-Be specific, so the PIO can locate the required information efficiently.

Suggested Application Format (Offline or Typed Copy for Upload)

To
The Public Information Officer (PIO)
[Name of Department]
[Official Address]

Subject: Request for Information under the RTI Act, 2005

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], resident of [Postal Address], request the following information under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005:

1. [Your question, clearly stated]
2. [Additional questions, if any]

I have enclosed the prescribed fee of ₹10 through [Mode of Payment].

Kindly furnish the requested information within the statutory period of 30 days, as stipulated under the Act. Please communicate via [postal/email, as preferred].

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Number – optional]
[Date]
[Signature]

IV. Choosing the Mode: Offline vs Online RTI Filing

While the objective remains the same, the method of filing may vary. Below is a structured and comparative overview of both modes, so applicants can make an informed choice.

A. Filing RTI Offline

Who Can Use This Mode?
All Indian citizens—central, state, and local government departments are accessible via offline filing.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1-Draft the Application as per the format shared above.
2-Attach the RTI Fee:
3-₹10 via Indian Postal Order (IPO) payable to “Accounts Officer”;
Some states accept court fee stamps, demand drafts, or cash receipt.
4-Dispatch the Application:
Send via Registered Post or Speed Post to the PIO’s office.
5-Retain the postal receipt and a copy of the application for future reference.

Advantages
-Access to all levels of government (Central, State, Municipal).
-Admissible even in jurisdictions that lack digital RTI portals.

Limitations
-Subject to postal delays.
-Payment modes are less convenient.
-No instant acknowledgment or tracking mechanism.

B. Filing RTI Online (Only for Central Government Departments)

Who Can Use This Mode?

Indian citizens seeking information from Central Government departments, such as:
-Ministry of External Affairs
-Income Tax Department
-Ministry of Education
-Indian Railways
-Public Sector Undertakings under Central jurisdiction and etc.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1-Visit the official portal: https://rtionline.gov.in
2-Register or proceed as a guest user.
3-Select Department from the dropdown list.
4-Compose your application in the online form.
5-Pay the fee of ₹10 using:
Debit/Credit Card
Net Banking
UPI
6-Submit the application and note the registration number.
7-Track the status using the portal or receive updates via SMS/email.

Advantages

-Instant filing and digital acknowledgment.
-Faster delivery of application to the department.
-Real-time tracking and status updates.

Limitations

-Limited to Central Government departments only.
-State RTIs must still be filed offline (unless a state has a separate portal).

V. Timeframes Under the RTI Act

Situation Time Limit for Response
Standard RTI application - 30 calendar days
If life or liberty is involved- 48 hours
If transferred to another department - +5 additional working days
First Appeal (if unsatisfied/no reply)- Within 30 days of original reply or lapse
Second Appeal (to Information Commission)- Within 90 days of first appeal decision

VI. Best Practices and Legal Considerations

-Only Indian citizens may file an RTI—carry valid ID for certain cases.
-Be precise, respectful, and legally sound in your language.
-Do not request interpretations, opinions, or hypothetical explanations.
-Keep a hard/digital record of everything—application, receipt, replies.
-Use RTI as a constructive legal right, not a grievance redressal tool.

VII. Concluding Thoughts

The RTI Act is not just a procedural statute—it is a constitutional expression of participatory democracy. It transforms citizens into active stakeholders in governance and ensures that state power remains answerable to public conscience.
At Law by Khyati, we encourage individuals—students, professionals, activists, and citizens at large—to view RTI as a right and a responsibility. Filing an RTI is not just about obtaining information—it is about reinforcing democratic trust and legal empowerment.

VIII. Useful Resources

Central Government RTI Portal: https://rtionline.gov.in
Central Information Commission: https://cic.gov.in
Directory of State PIOs & Rules: https://rti.gov.in