The Right to Information (RTI) is one of the most powerful tools available to Indian citizens. It allows you to seek information from government departments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Whether you want to track the status of your passport, inquire about a delayed government scheme benefit, or expose corruption, RTI is your legal right.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about filing an RTI — from eligibility to the exact steps involved.
What Is the RTI Act?
The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers every Indian citizen to request information from public authorities — including central, state, and local government bodies.
Under the Act:
- The government is required to reply within 30 days
- In case of life or liberty-related matters, the response must come within 48 hours
- If the request is denied, you have the right to appeal
Who Can File an RTI?
Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. You do not need to be affected by the issue to ask questions. You can request information for yourself or even on behalf of others (as long as it’s not personal information protected under the law).
What Type of Information Can You Ask For?
You can ask for:
- Status of your application or complaint with a department
- Records of decisions made by government officials
- Details about fund allocation and expenditure
- Recruitment processes and exam results of government jobs
- Copies of official circulars, contracts, tenders, and more
You cannot ask for:
- Personal information of others (like income tax records, health details)
- Information that threatens national security
- Internal discussions or cabinet documents (under specific exemptions)
Step-by-Step: How to File an RTI in India
Step 1: Identify the Public Authority
Know which department holds the information. For example:
- For police matters: Local police station or DGP’s office
- For railway issues: Railway Ministry or local zonal office
- For passport-related issues: Ministry of External Affairs or Passport Office
Step 2: Write Your RTI Application
The RTI can be written in English, Hindi, or the official language of your state. You don’t need a lawyer or complex language — just be clear and specific.
Sample format includes:
- Name and address of the applicant
- Date
- Subject: Request under RTI Act, 2005
- Specific questions or information needed
- Signature
You can start with:
“I am seeking the following information under the Right to Information Act, 2005…”
Step 3: Pay the RTI Fee
The standard fee is ₹10, which can be paid via:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand draft or banker’s cheque
- Online (for central ministries)
- Cash (if submitting in person)
If you belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, you are exempt from paying this fee (provide proof).
Step 4: Submit the Application
There are two main methods:
A) Offline RTI Application
Send your RTI by post or in person to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department.
Example address format:
To,
The Public Information Officer,
XYZ Department,
[Department Address],
City, State – Pincode
B) Online RTI Application
For central government departments, use the official website:
https://rtionline.gov.in
Steps:
- Create an account or proceed as guest
- Select the Ministry/Department
- Enter your query and attach documents (if any)
- Pay ₹10 online via net banking or UPI
- Submit and save the application number
Some states also have their own online RTI portals.
When Will You Get a Response?
- Within 30 days for general requests
- Within 48 hours for information concerning life and liberty
- If the request is transferred to another department, the time is calculated from the day it reaches the correct authority
If you do not receive a reply or are not satisfied, you can file a First Appeal and, if needed, a Second Appeal with the Information Commission.
RTI First Appeal Process (If No Reply or Unsatisfactory Reply)
- File it within 30 days of the original deadline or response
- Address it to the First Appellate Authority of the same department
- Clearly mention the application ID and reasons for the appeal
If that also fails, a second appeal can be filed with the Central or State Information Commission.
Benefits of Filing an RTI
- Get clarity on your legal and government matters
- Expose delays, scams, or mismanagement
- Empower yourself with verified information
- Speed up stalled processes by creating accountability
Final Tips
- Be specific. Avoid vague or broad questions
- Number your queries (max 500 words is ideal)
- Use polite and formal language
- Save copies of all communication and payment proof
Final Thoughts
The Right to Information is one of the strongest democratic tools given to Indian citizens. It allows you to ask questions, demand clarity, and bring transparency to government work. Filing an RTI is simple, low-cost, and often highly effective.
If you’ve been waiting too long for an answer from a government department, filing an RTI might be your next best move.