Have you ever felt like the government is hiding something from you or not giving you straight answers? Whether it’s a delayed passport, a pending ration card, or some land records you’ve been chasing for months, RTI is your right, and you should use it.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of filing an RTI application, share sample formats, and point out common mistakes to avoid. I’ve personally filed RTIs before, and let me tell you—it’s simpler than most people think. Once you know the process, you’ll feel more empowered as a citizen. So, let’s break it down in easy terms.
What is the Right to Information (RTI) Act?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “what.”
The Right to Information Act, 2005, gives every Indian citizen the power to request information from any public authority—basically any government office. It’s a legal tool that promotes transparency and accountability in our system.
You can ask for:
- Status of your application (passport, Aadhaar, pension, etc.)
- Records like land ownership, tender details, exam answer sheets
- Decisions made by a government office
- And much more!
⚠️ You cannot ask for personal information of others unless it’s related to public interest.
Who Can File an RTI Application?
Any Indian citizen can file an RTI. Doesn’t matter whether you’re a student, a housewife, a senior citizen, or a working professional.
Also, you don’t need a lawyer or any special format. You just need:
- A little patience
- A clear question
- ₹10 (unless you fall in the BPL category, where it’s free)
Step-by-Step Guide to File an RTI Application (Offline & Online)
Method 1: How to File RTI Offline (via Post)
Step 1: Identify the Public Authority
Figure out which government department has the information you want. For example:
- Land records → Revenue Department of your state
- Passport delay → Regional Passport Office
- Ration card issues → Food & Civil Supplies Department
Tip: Google the department name + “RTI PIO list” (PIO = Public Information Officer).
Step 2: Write Your RTI Application
You don’t need any fancy format, but here’s a basic sample RTI format:
To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Department Name]
[Office Address]Subject: Request for information under RTI Act, 2005
Sir/Madam,
I am [Your Name], a resident of [Your Full Address]. I wish to seek the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:
- [Your first question]
- [Your second question]
- [Etc.]
I have enclosed a postal order of ₹10 towards the application fee.
Please provide the information in Hindi/English (choose your language). I can be contacted at [Your Mobile No.].
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Date]
Step 3: Pay the Fee
The basic fee is ₹10. Pay via:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO) – easiest and widely accepted
- Demand Draft
- Court Fee Stamp (some states)
Attach the fee to your application.
Step 4: Send the Application
Use Registered Post or Speed Post to send your RTI to the concerned department.
Keep the postal receipt safely—this is your proof in case of appeal.
Method 2: How to File RTI Online (The Easiest Way)
You can file RTI online for Central Government departments via the official portal: https://rtionline.gov.in
Step-by-Step:
- Visit https://rtionline.gov.in
- Click on Submit Request
- Agree to the guidelines
- Fill in your personal details
- Select the Ministry/Department
- Write your questions in the text box (500 words limit)
- Attach supporting documents (optional)
- Pay ₹10 online (Debit/Credit/UPI/Netbanking)
Once submitted, you get an application number—use it to track your RTI status.
✅ Pro Tip: Always write specific questions like:
- “Please provide the status of my passport application filed on 12 May 2023.”
- “Kindly share the daily attendance records of XYZ School for March 2024.”
What Type of Questions Work Best in an RTI?
Here’s a golden rule: Ask for information, not opinions.
Bad example: “Why is my ration card delayed?”
Good example: “Please provide a copy of all documents received and processed for ration card application no. XYZ.”
Your questions should be:
- Clear and numbered
- Not hypothetical
- Factual and based on records
RTI Mistakes That’ll Land You in the ‘Pending’ Hell
- Asking for Opinions: RTI is for facts, not “Why did you reject my application?”
- Ignoring Fees: ₹10 fee (cash/postal order) – skip it, and your application becomes shunya.
- Overcomplicating Language: Write like you’re texting a friend – no “Respected Sir/Madam, I beg to state…”
📬 What Happens After Filing RTI?
Once your RTI is received:
- The Public Information Officer (PIO) has 30 days to reply
- If the information concerns life or liberty, they must reply in 48 hours
- If your application goes to the wrong department, they must forward it internally within 5 days
What if You Don’t Get a Reply or the Info is Denied?
Don’t worry! The RTI Act gives you the right to file an appeal.
🧾 First Appeal
- File within 30 days of no reply or an unsatisfactory reply
- Address it to the First Appellate Authority in the same department
- No fee needed
🧾 Second Appeal
- If still no response, file to the Central/State Information Commission
- This is the final step
Your RTI Toolkit
- Must-Bookmark Links:
- RTI Act, 2005 (Official Text)
- RTI Online Portal (For Central Agencies)