How to file an RTI in Bharat

How to file an RTI (Right to Information) in Bharat Online or Offline

Ever wondered what happens behind those government office doors?

Or why that road project in your area is still “under progress” after three years?

Good news you don’t have to guess.

You can ask, officially.

That’s what the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is for.

Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 as the law that lets any Indian citizen ask a public office for information it holds.

Or you can check how government works, expose mistakes or corruption, or simply get records you need.

It came into force in 2005 and created independent Information Commissions to hear appeals.

It gives every Indian citizen the legal right to ask any public authority for information.

And you will get an answer within 30 days.

No special contacts, no favours needed.

Just write, a simple application, and the power of law.

🕰️ A quick summary on RTI

In 2005 India passed the RTI Act, and suddenly, transparency had a law behind it.

Citizens could now question the government, demand copies of records, and hold officials accountable.

The years after RTI became a people’s tool.

Thousands used it to expose scams, check government spending, or even get delayed ration cards and pensions released.

Today (2025) RTI is still strong, but there’s a catch.

There are over 4 lakh appeals pending across Information Commissions in India.

That means many cases face delays but the right to ask remains your right, and it works best when more citizens use it.

Complete Directory of Indian Government Websites

Next is..

💡 What RTI gives you

You can ask any government department or PSU for information.

You don’t need to explain why you’re asking.

The Public Information Officer (PIO) must reply within 30 days.

If the info is about life or liberty, you get a reply within 48 hours.

It’s that simple — and it’s your right.

Online vs Offline — which one to choose?

Online: It is fast, trackable, easier for central departments (useful if you want digital payment and email updates). Best for central ministries/PSUs.

Offline (paper / post / in-person): It is necessary if the public authority doesn’t have an online portal.

Or if you prefer postal submission (use IPO / DD / cash). Works for both central & state bodies (but many states now have state portals).

How to file RTI Online

This is the usual route for requests to Ministries, Central Departments, and many Central PSUs.

Step 1 — Open the official RTI portal

Go to https://rtionline.gov.in and click “Submit Request”. The portal also accepts first appeals and shows status updates.

Step 2 — Register / Login (optional)

You can often submit without a permanent login. But registering saves time for future requests and you get a dashboard.

Step 3 — Choose the public authority

Select the correct Ministry/Department/Organisation from the dropdown.

Choosing the wrong authority can add delays (the portal routes to the nodal officer who may forward it, adding extra days).

Step 4 — Fill applicant details

Enter your name, address, email, mobile.

You must be an Indian citizen.

You don’t have to give reasons for asking.

If you belong to BPL, you can upload proof to claim fee exemption.

Step 5 — Write the information sought

Use short, clear items (numbered).

Mention the time period (e.g., “Jan 2022–Dec 2022”).

Prefer asking for copies of records (“Copy of sanction order dated X”; “Inspection report for project Y”).

Avoid vague “why did this happen?

Instead ask “copy of the report/letter/notice that records the reason for…”.

Example just you can write: “Please provide a scanned copy of the inspection report. And sanction order for Project ABC (Project ID X123) for the period Jan 2022 to Dec 2022.”

Step 6 — Attach supporting documents

If your request refers to an order number or file, attach a screenshot or PDF.

Step 7 — Pay the application fee (₹10)

Use online payment (cards, netbanking, UPI) or indicate BPL exemption.

The portal accepts payments and will generate a registration number when submission succeeds.

Step 8 — Submit and save the registration number

You will get an email + SMS (if provided) and a registration number.

Save it — you’ll need it to track status and for appeals.

Step 9 — Track status

Use the portal’s View Status feature with your registration number and email.

Departments upload the reply there.

How To Apply for New Ujjwala 2.0 Connection

How to file RTI Offline (by post / in person)

Often used for local offices, municipal bodies, police stations, or if you prefer paper.

Step 1 — Draft the application (short, simple)

Use plain paper. Must include:

• Address it to: Public Information Officer (PIO), name of department, full postal address.

• Date.

• Your name & full postal address (for reply).

• Clear, numbered list of the information sought (time period & file numbers if any).

• Enclose ₹10 fee (IPO/DD/cash receipt) — OR attach BPL proof to claim exemption.

Step 2 — Pay the fee

Attach an Indian Postal Order (IPO) of ₹10 (payable to the Accounts Officer of the concerned public authority).

Or a Demand Draft / Banker’s cheque, or pay cash in person and take a receipt.

Many offices also accept electronic payment if they have a portal.

Step 3 — Post or submit in person

Send by Registered Post / Speed Post (keep postal receipt) or hand-deliver and get an acknowledgement.

Keep a photocopy of the application and the receipt.

Step 4 — Wait for reply (30 days)

From date of receipt by the PIO usually it takes 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty matters).

If you don’t get a reply, prepare to file an appeal.

How to Enroll to Avail Benefits from Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana

If you get no reply or an unsatisfactory reply — Appeals & penalties

First Appeal (Section 19)

If you didn’t get info or the reply is unsatisfactory, file First Appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority.

Usually file within 30 days of receiving the reply (or of expiry of 30 days if no reply).

You can file online via RTI portal too (for central bodies).

No fee for first appeal.

Second Appeal (To Information Commission)

If FAA doesn’t resolve it.

Then, file a Second Appeal to the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the relevant State Information Commission.

Time limits vary but commonly within 90 days of the FAA’s decision or from the date when the FAA should have decided.

The CIC has an online mechanism to file second appeals.

Penalties (Section 20)

If the Commission finds the PIO has without reasonable cause delayed, refused, destroyed records, or acted mala fide.

Then, it can impose a penalty of ₹250 per day, up to ₹25,000.

And a recommend disciplinary action.

IBPS Clerk 2025 Complete Guide and Study Hub

Fees, extra charges and BPL exemptions (detailed)

Application Fee

It is ₹10 (per request).

Acceptable modes: cash (against receipt), Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Indian Postal Order (IPO).

Or online payment where available.

BPL applicants don’t pay.

Copying Charges

Usually ₹2 per A4/A3 page created or copied (as per Rules).

Larger formats charged at actual cost.

Inspection Charges

Typically no fee for first hour, then a small hourly charge (varies).

Note:- If the PIO needs extra fees to compile voluminous info, they’ll intimate you — pay the extra fee before dispatch.

Timelines & what to expect

• 30 days: It has normal time to respond 30 days from the date the PIO receives a valid application.

• 48 hours: If requested information concerns life or liberty of a person then it’s time period is 48 hours (extremely time-sensitive cases).

• If forwarded/wrong public authority: Add 5 days to the time limit (PIO may forward to correct authority).

• Third-party cases: If the requested info is about a third party’s confidential material, the PIO must notify the third party (within 5 days). And allow them to respond within 10 days. In such cases the PIO has up to 40 days to decide.

How to Apply for a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra

Third-party information — what it means and why it delays replies

If the information you seek relates to a private person or organisation (e.g., commercial terms supplied by a vendor), the PIO must notify that third party and give them time to object.

The PIO can disclose only after considering the third party’s objections.

And balancing public interest.

This process can extend the deadline (see timeline above).

Exemptions (Section 8) — short and important

Section 8 lists types of information that the government need not disclose (examples):

• National security, defence, foreign relations, currency & central bank relations.

• Cabinet papers (policy advice), internal deliberations (except final orders).

• Information that would impede enforcement of law, or prejudice the conduct of judicial affairs.

• Personal information whose disclosure would invade privacy (unless larger public interest).

• If your request falls into these, the PIO may refuse or provide partial information (severed copy).

Sample RTI application (copy-paste & edit)

To
The Public Information Officer,
[Name of Department / Office],
[Full postal address of the Public Authority]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Subject: Request for information under the Right to Information Act, 2005

Sir/Madam,

I hereby request the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:

1. Please provide a copy of [document name / order / report] regarding [brief description] for the period [start date] to [end date].
2. Please provide [another numbered item if needed].

I am enclosing an Indian Postal Order / Demand Draft of ₹10 towards the RTI application fee. (Or: I belong to BPL and am attaching a copy of my BPL card.)

Name: [Your full name]
Address for correspondence: [Your postal address]
Email: [optional] | Mobile: [optional]

Thank you,

Signature: ___________________
Enclosures: [IPO / DD copy / BPL proof / supporting docs]

(If filing online, paste the same text into the “Text for RTI Request” box and attach files.)

Practical tips to get a faster, better reply

1. Be specific — You can narrow the time period and cite file/order numbers.

2. Ask for copies (not opinions) — Here, demanding “Copy of X” is better than “Why X happened?”

3. Limit multi-part requests — if you ask for a huge range of records, the PIO may charge extra or take longer. You can break it into focused requests if needed.

4. Mention preferred format: You can mention PDF by email or photocopies. If you ask for an unusual format (diskette, large maps), clarify you’ll pay copying costs.

5. Use registration number for follow-ups and appeals.

6. Keep calm and polite — Your adversarial tone rarely helps.

7. If a third party is involved, you can expect delays. You can check regularly the portal for messages about extra fees or notices.

Common mistakes you should avoid

Not giving a full postal address (PIO must send reply).

Vague questions (“Why did officer X do this?”).

Expecting new analysis or opinions (RTI provides existing records, not fresh investigations).

Assuming all info will be free of copying costs — be ready to pay per-page charges.

If the authority destroys or hides records

If you suspect destruction, deliberate delay, or malafide denial then mention it in your appeal.

The Commission can impose penalties and recommend disciplinary action (Section 20).

Document any proof you have (e.g., proof of earlier existence of a file).

Where to go for help

RTI Online portal help & user manual — It has a citizen user manual and FAQs.

Central Information Commission (CIC) site — It is for second appeals & filing procedures.

State RTI portals — Most states have their own RTI filing portals and guides (search “rti online [state name]”).

Handy checklist before you hit “Submit” or post your RTI

• Correct public authority selected

• Clear, numbered info requests (time period stated)

• Name & postal address included

• Enclosed ₹10 (IPO/DD/online) or BPL proof attached

• Attach supporting docs (if any) and save a copy

• Note registration number after submission

🏗️ RTI Example: Requesting Details of a Building Permission

To be used when you want to know:

Whether a building or construction near your house is legal or illegal

If permission was given by the municipal corporation

Copies of the approved plan and related documents

Who the builder/owner is, and if violations were found

📄 RTI Application Text (Copy-Paste & Edit)

To,
The Public Information Officer (PIO),
[Name of Municipal Corporation / Municipality / Town Panchayat],
[Full Address of the Office]

Subject: Request for information under the Right to Information Act, 2005 — Details of Building Permission and Construction Approval

Sir/Madam,

I am a resident of [Your Locality/Address], and I wish to obtain the following information under the RTI Act, 2005 regarding the building located at [Exact address of the building / plot number / street name]:

1. Please provide a copy of the building plan and construction approval granted for the above-mentioned property.
2. Please provide details of the application number, approval date, and name of the applicant/owner for the said property.
3. Please state whether the building conforms to the zoning and land use regulations as per the Master Plan.
4. Please provide a copy of the occupancy/completion certificate, if issued.
5. Please provide details of any inspections, notices, or action taken by the municipal authorities regarding unauthorized construction (if any).
6. Please provide a copy of the latest assessment or property tax record for the said building.
7. Please inform whether any penalties, demolition notices, or stop-work orders have been issued in relation to this property.

I am enclosing the prescribed application fee of ₹10 via [Indian Postal Order / Demand Draft / Online Payment].

Kindly provide the information in digital format (PDF by email) or as photocopies by post.

My details:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Address: [Your Full Postal Address for Reply]
Email ID: [Your Email Address, optional but recommended]
Mobile No.: [Your Mobile Number, optional]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Signature:
[Your Name]

Enclosures (if any):

1. Proof of address / ID (optional, for reference)
2. Indian Postal Order (IPO) of ₹10 (if offline)

🧾 How to Submit This Online

1. Visit 👉 https://rtionline.gov.in
2. Click “Submit Request”
3. Accept the declaration and continue
4. Choose Public Authority —
   • For city areas: Select Urban Development Department, or
   • The specific Municipal Corporation / Development Authority (e.g., “Municipal Corporation of Delhi”, “Greater Chennai Corporation”, etc.)
5. Fill your details (name, address, email)
6. Paste the above text in the “Text for RTI request” box (modify address as per your case)
7. Upload any supporting photo/PDF (optional — like a picture of the building if unclear)
8. Pay ₹10 fee online (via UPI, net banking, debit/credit card)
9. Click Submit
10. Note down the Registration Number (you’ll need it to track your RTI)

You’ll get:

• An email/SMS confirmation, and
• Usually a reply within 30 days

🕒 Expected Timeline

• 30 days → normal RTI response time
• 40 days → if it involves third-party info (like the builder’s private details, the authority will consult them first)
• If no reply, file a First Appeal on the same portal within 30 days after deadline

💰 Fees

• Application Fee: ₹10 (standard)
• Copying Fee: ₹2 per A4 page (if applicable, you’ll get an email intimation)
• Inspection Fee: First hour free, then ₹5/hour (only if you inspect records physically)
• BPL Applicants: No fee (attach scanned BPL card)

⚡ Tips for Better Results

✅ Be precise — give exact property address (plot no., street name, ward no., etc.)
✅ Ask for copies of documents (not “why” questions)
✅ Attach any supporting proof (photo of site or landmark) if confusion possible
✅ Keep tone polite and factual
✅ Track your RTI online regularly

📬 Offline Submission Option (if your city doesn’t have online RTI)

1. Write the same RTI text on plain paper.
2. Attach an Indian Postal Order (IPO) of ₹10 — payable to “Accounts Officer, [Name of Department/Corporation]”.
3. Post it by Registered Post / Speed Post to:
   The Public Information Officer (PIO), [Municipal Corporation Name], [Address of Head Office].
4. Keep the postal receipt as proof.

🧠 What You Can Expect in the Reply

Usually, the Municipal Corporation will reply with:

• Copy of the approved building plan
• Name of applicant/architect
• Date of sanction
• Whether construction was done as per plan
• Copies of notices (if unauthorized work found)
• Property tax details

If construction is illegal or no approval was found, you can later file a second RTI or complaint to the municipal Enforcement / Vigilance wing citing this reply.

✅ Short Summary Checklist

Step	Action	Notes
1	Draft RTI (copy-paste from template)	Modify address & details
2	Submit online or offline	Use rtionline.gov.in
3	Pay ₹10 fee	Online or via IPO
4	Wait 30 days	Track using registration number
5	File First Appeal	If no or incomplete reply

🏛️ 1. Know where to file your RTI

There are two main types of RTI applications:

1. Central Government RTI → For ministries, departments, PSUs, etc. under the Central Government
   🔗 Official website: https://rtionline.gov.in
2. State Government RTI → For offices under State Governments
   Each state usually has its own RTI portal (e.g. for Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, etc.)
   If your state doesn’t have an online portal, you can file via offline (postal) mode.

🧭 2. Steps to file RTI Online (Central Government)

Step 1️⃣: Go to the official portal

👉 Visit https://rtionline.gov.in

Step 2️⃣: Click on

“Submit Request” → Accept the terms and conditions.

Step 3️⃣: Select the public authority

Choose the Ministry/Department you want to ask information from.

Step 4️⃣: Fill your details

Provide your:

• Name, address, and contact information
• Email ID (to get acknowledgment and replies)

Step 5️⃣: Write your RTI query

In the “Text for RTI Request” box, clearly write what information you want.
👉 Keep it specific and concise — up to 3000 characters.
If longer, you can upload a supporting document (PDF).

✅ Tip: Clearly mention:

• Time period of the information
• Relevant department/subject
• Avoid vague questions (e.g., “Why did this happen?” — ask for “copy of the order/report/record related to …”)

Step 6️⃣: Pay the RTI fee

• Fee: ₹10 (standard RTI fee)
• Payment methods: Internet banking, debit/credit card, UPI, etc.
  Certain citizens (BPL) are exempted from payment.

Step 7️⃣: Submit and note the registration number

After submission, you’ll get an RTI registration number.
Keep it safe — you can use it to track your RTI later.

🔍 3. Track your RTI status

Go to https://rtionline.gov.in
→ Click “View Status”
→ Enter your registration number and email ID.

You’ll see updates or replies uploaded by the department.

📬 4. When you’ll get a reply

• The concerned department must reply within 30 days.
• If it involves a third party, it can take up to 40 days.
• If you don’t receive a reply, you can file an appeal online on the same portal.

📑 5. RTI for State Governments

State	RTI Portal
Maharashtra	https://rtionline.maharashtra.gov.in
Karnataka	https://rtionline.karnataka.gov.in
Delhi	https://rtionline.delhi.gov.in
Tamil Nadu	https://rtionline.tn.gov.in

If your state doesn’t have a portal, you can file it offline using a ₹10 Indian Postal Order (IPO) addressed to the PIO of that department.

Download Ready-to-use RTI sample letter

Final word How to file an RTI in Bharat

Filing an RTI is a simple, powerful civic tool.

Be precise, patient, and persistent.

Start with a focused request, track the registration number, and use appeals if needed.

The law gives you the right — this guide gives you the route.

Frequently Asked Questions