
How to File an RTI Request in India: Step-by-step with Sample Letter
- Step-by-step guide to filing an RTI application effectively
- RTI fees, format requirements, and where to file (Central/State)
- Downloadable sample RTI letter and official portal links for every Indian state
The Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005 empowers Indian citizens to seek transparency and accountability from public authorities. It allows you to request information about government decisions, spending, policies, or records.
Here is the step-by-step guid shows you exactly how to file an RTI request online or offline and shares a sample RTI letter so you can use or adapt.
What is the RTI Act & Who Can File It?
RTI means Right to Information. It is an act passed by the Parliament of India on 12 October 2005, which gives every Indian citizen the right to seek information from government authorities. The Act ensures transparency and accountability in the functioning of government institutions by allowing citizens to seek information about government actions, decisions, and policies.
Under the RTI Act, individuals can request information in writing or by filling out an online form, and the relevant authorities are required to respond within a specified time frame. You do not need any reason to seek information through RTI. You just need to be an Indian citizen.
Why File an RTI?
The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers every Indian citizen to seek transparency and accountability from government authorities. Filling an RTI helps individuals uncover critical information about government decisions, spending, recruitment, land records, pending applications, and more.
It is powerful legal tool to challenge delays, expose corruption, and ensure that public officials are answerable to people they serve.
Whether you’re a student seeking exam results, a taxpayer questioning infrastructure spending, or a citizen affected by stalled service – filing an RTI gives you access to the truth. By using this right responsibility, you contribute to a more transparent and participatory democracy.
RTI Official Portal
Requirements for Filing an RTI Application in India
Before you file an RTI (Right to Information) request, it is essential to fulfil these basic requirements. Adhering to the correct format and including the appropriate fee ensures your application is processed smoothly.
Application Format
There is no specific form mandate under the RTI Act for most central and state departments. A plain paper application is legally acceptable. However, your RTI application must include:
- Full name, address, and contact information of the applicant
- Name of the Public Information Officer (PIO) or department (if known)
- Clear and specific questions.
- Signature and date
- A statement that the request is made under the Right to Information Act, 2005
Application Fee
Under the RTI Act, a nominal fee of ₹10 is applicable to seek information from a public authority. You can pay the RTI application fee via- Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft pledge in the name of “Account Officer” of the concerned department or online. However, the fee is waived for applicants living Below Poverty Line (BPL).
Language of Application
The application can be submitted in English, Hindi, or any official regional language. Be sure your questions are clear and understandable to avoid rejection.
RELATED TUTORIAL: Read How to Write Resignation Letter (with Sample Formats
Where to File RTI Online: Central vs State RTI Portals
Before submitting your RTI application, it’s important to know which authority your query belongs to – Central or State Government.
- Use the Central RTI Portal for departments like Railways, Income Tax, SSC, UPSC, CBSE etc.
- Use the respective State RTI Portal for questions related to state-run schools, police stations, land records, municipalities, etc.
RTI Portals – Central and State/UT Wise
Central Government
Government Level | Link |
---|---|
Central Government | rtionline.gov.in |
State and UT Governments
State / UT | Link |
---|---|
Andhra Pradesh | aprt.gov.in |
Arunachal Pradesh | arunachalipr.gov.in |
Assam | rtiassam.gov.in |
Bihar | rti.bihar.gov.in |
Chhattisgarh | rtionline.cg.gov.in |
Delhi (NCT) | rtionline.delhi.gov.in |
Goa | goa.gov.in/rti |
Gujarat | rtionline.gujarat.gov.in |
Haryana | rtionlinehry.nic.in |
Himachal Pradesh | himachal.nic.in |
Jharkhand | rti.jharkhand.gov.in |
Karnataka | rtionline.karnataka.gov.in |
Kerala | kerala.gov.in/rti |
Madhya Pradesh | rtionline.mp.gov.in |
Maharashtra | rtionline.maharashtra.gov.in |
Manipur | manipur.gov.in |
Meghalaya | megrti.gov.in |
Mizoram | mizoram.gov.in/rti |
Nagaland | nagaland.gov.in |
Odisha | rtiodisha.gov.in |
Punjab | punjab.gov.in |
Rajasthan | rtionline.rajasthan.gov.in |
Sikkim | sikkim.gov.in |
Tamil Nadu | tn.gov.in/rti |
Telangana | rti.telangana.gov.in |
Tripura | tripura.gov.in/RTI |
Uttar Pradesh | rtionline.up.gov.in |
Uttarakhand | uk.gov.in |
West Bengal | wb.gov.in/rti |
How to File an RTI Request Online via rtionline.gov.in (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit central RTI Online portal at rtionline.gov.in.
- Register and log in.
- Follow the “Submit Request” flow, agree to guidelines, and select the relevant Ministry/Department
- Fill your personal details and information you need (3000-character limit, or upload documents if longer).
- Pay ₹10 via net banking, UPI, or cards. No fee if BPL status is selected and proof provided.
- Submit and note down the unique Request ID – you’ll receive SMS or email confirmation.
- Monitor the portal for updates or responses from the PIO.
Read detailed official User Manual
How to File an RTI Request Offline by Post (With Sample Letter Format)
- Identify the appropriate PIO (Public Information Officer) for the public authority concerned.
- Draft a handwritten or typed RTI application using the sample letter below.
- Attach a ₹10 Indian Postal Order (IPO) or court-fee stamp (no fee if BPL).
- Send it via registered/speed post, or hand it over and get an acknowledgement.
- Retain proof of submission for future tracking.
Sample RTI Letter Template
To,
The Public Information Officer
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
Town Hall Building
Chandni Chowk, Delhi – 110006
Subject: Application under Right to Information Act, 2005
Sir/Madam,
I, Rajesh Kumar, son of Suresh Kumar, resident of 42-B, Lajpat Nagar-II, New Delhi – 110024, am a citizen of India.
I request the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:
-
What was the total budget allocated for road repair in Ward 12, Zone A, for FY 2024-25?
-
Please provide copies of all tenders issued for road repair work in Ward 12 between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
-
What was the actual expenditure incurred on those works in the same period?
-
Provide inspection and quality-check reports for those works.
I am enclosing a Postal Order of ₹10 (IPO No. 35F 498621) as the application fee.
I declare that I am a citizen of India.
Yours faithfully
[Signature]
Rajesh Kumar
42-B, Lajpat Nagar‑II, New Delhi – 110024
Mobile: 9876543210
Email: rajesh.kumar@email.com
Date: 15/04/2025
Place: New Delhi
Enclosures:
- Indian Postal Order for ₹10
Download Sample RTI Request Letter Word file
What to Expect & Next Steps
- You should receive a reply within 30 days, or 48 hours in urgent cases.
- You may be asked to pay more for copies or inspection.
- If ignored or unsatisfactory: appeal to the First Appellate Authority within 30 days. If still unresolved, second appeal to the State /Central Information Commission within 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About RTI
- Can foreigners file RTI?
- No. Only Indian citizens can file RTI. Corporate bodies must act through Indian representatives.
- How mush information can I request?
- There’s no strict limit, but be specific to avoid delays or rejection.
- What if the authority denies using Section 8?
- File an appeal to the FFA within 30 days.
- Is there a filing limit per year?
- No limit; you’re free to file multiple requests.
Final Takeway
Filing an RTI doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether in writing or by filling out an online form, follow these steps:
- Identify the correct public authority
- Draft precise, fact-based questions
- Pay the nominal ₹10 fee
- Send, track, and appeal if necessary It’s your right – and a powerful tool to promote transparency, enhance accountability, and strengthen democratic values across India.
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B. Nironjan
B. Nironjan is a skilled full-stack web developer, content creator, and educator. He specializes in building scalable web applications and simplifying complex tech and education topics. He also writes engaging articles on technologies and education news.