How to File an RTI Application in India — Complete Guide (2026)

What Is an RTI Application?

An RTI (Right to Information) application is a formal request made under the Right to Information Act, 2005 to any public authority in India. It allows any Indian citizen to request information held by the government — from the status of a pending application to how public funds are being spent.

The RTI Act is one of the most powerful transparency laws in the world. It covers every government department at the central, state, and local level — including municipal corporations, police departments, public schools, railways, passport offices, and more.

When Should You File an RTI?

File an RTI when you need information that a government body is not providing voluntarily. Common situations include:

Pending applications: Your passport, building plan, or government scheme application has been stuck for months with no update.

Government spending: You want to know how your ward councillor spent the development fund, or why a road project is delayed.

Recruitment transparency: You want to see the marks or criteria used in a government job selection.

Policy decisions: You want to understand why a particular decision was made by a government office.

You do not need to give a reason for requesting information. The RTI Act specifically prohibits public authorities from asking why you want it.

How to File an RTI Application — Step by Step

Step 1: Identify the Right Department

Determine which government department holds the information you need. For example, if you want to know the status of your passport application, file with the Regional Passport Office.

Step 2: Draft Your Application

Your RTI application must be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant department. It should clearly state:

That you are filing under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005

The specific information you are requesting

Your name, address, and contact details

The application can be in English, Hindi, or the official language of the state.

Step 3: Pay the Prescribed Fee

Central government departments: ₹10

State government departments: ₹10–50 (varies by state)

BPL card holders: Exempt from fees

Payment can be made via postal order, demand draft, court fee stamp, or online where available.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit your application:

Online: via [rtionline.gov.in](https://rtionline.gov.in) for central government departments

By post: Send via registered post or speed post to the PIO's office

In person: Submit at the department's office and get an acknowledgment receipt

Step 5: Wait for a Response

The PIO must respond within 30 days. In matters involving life and liberty, the response must come within 48 hours.

If you don't receive a response, or receive an unsatisfactory one, you can file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) with the First Appellate Authority within 30 days.

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