RTI application format, ready to send
An RTI application is a simple letter to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of a government office asking for information or copies of records under section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. For central government offices the fee is ₹10, people below the poverty line pay nothing, and the reply is due within 30 days.
Fill the form below, download the letter, and post it or hand it in; for central offices you can also file the same text online on rtionline.gov.in.
Last updated: Reviewed by IndiaDigital editorsSources
- Nothing is uploaded
- English and Hindi
- Word and PDF
Opening the form…
This is a general format to save you time, not legal advice. Read every clause, change what does not fit your situation, and for a dispute or a large amount, consult a lawyer.
What is an RTI application?
A ready RTI application in English or Hindi with the PIO address, your details, the subject and period, your numbered questions, the form in which you want the information, the fee paragraph (postal order, demand draft, cash, court fee stamp or BPL exemption), a request to transfer under section 6(3) if needed, and a reminder of the 30-day limit.
When do you need an RTI application?
- Your file, application, refund or complaint is stuck in a government office and you want its status and the reasons.
- You want copies of records: inspection notes, file notings, tender documents, attendance or expenditure.
- You want to know the rules, criteria or orders an office followed in your case.
- You are preparing for a grievance or an appeal and need documents from the office.
Documents needed for an RTI application
- The name and address of the public authority (the PIO address is usually on the office website under "RTI").
- The fee: a ₹10 Indian Postal Order or demand draft for central offices, or the amount your state prescribes.
- For the BPL exemption, a copy of your BPL card or certificate.
- Any reference numbers (application, file or complaint numbers) that help the office find the records.
How to make an RTI application: stamp paper, signing, submitting
- Fill the form: the office, your details and your questions. Keep questions short and ask for records, not opinions.
- Download the PDF or Word file and sign it.
- Attach the fee: for central offices a ₹10 Indian Postal Order or demand draft payable to the Accounts Officer of that office; state offices follow their own rules.
- Send it to the PIO by registered post or speed post, or hand it in at the office and get a dated receipt. For central ministries and many other offices, you can instead paste the questions on rtionline.gov.in and pay online.
- Note the date. The PIO must reply within 30 days (48 hours if life or liberty is involved).
- If there is no reply in 30 days or the reply is unsatisfactory, file a first appeal within 30 days with our RTI first appeal draft.
Common mistakes
- Asking "why" questions or for opinions. RTI gives access to information that exists in records.
- Writing a long essay. Use short numbered questions about specific records and periods.
- Sending it to the wrong office. Address it to the PIO of the office that holds the records.
- Forgetting the fee or making the postal order payable to the wrong person.
- Not keeping a copy and proof of posting, which you need for the appeal.
Questions people ask
What is the RTI fee?
For central government public authorities it is ₹10 under the RTI Rules 2012, paid by postal order, demand draft, banker’s cheque, cash against receipt or online on RTI Online. Copies cost ₹2 a page. States set their own fees, often ₹10 too, and some accept court fee stamps. People below the poverty line pay no fee if they attach proof.
How long does the PIO have to reply?
30 days from receipt of the application, or 48 hours if the information concerns someone’s life or liberty. Add 5 days if you file through an Assistant PIO, and the limit is 40 days when a third party is involved.
Can I file the RTI application in Hindi?
Yes. You can file in English, Hindi or the official language of the area. Switch the document language to Hindi above to get the whole application in Hindi.
Do I have to give a reason for asking?
No. Section 6(2) of the RTI Act says you do not have to give a reason or any personal details except those needed to contact you.
Is my data safe?
Yes. The application is made inside your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded, and the draft stays only on this device until you clear it.
Sources and last check
- RTI: application fee, reply time and appeals (central public authorities) (verified 30 Oct 2026)
For central public authorities the fee is ₹10 (cash against receipt, demand draft, banker’s cheque or Indian Postal Order payable to the Accounts Officer, or online on rtionline.gov.in). Citizens below the poverty line pay no fee if they attach proof. Reply within 30 days (48 hours if life or liberty is involved; 5 more days when filed through an Assistant PIO; 40 days when a third party is involved). First appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority; second appeal to the Information Commission within 90 days. The central rules ask for a request of up to 500 words, but an application cannot be rejected only for being longer. State governments set their own fees and forms.
RTI portal of the Government of India (DoPT): the Act and the RTI Rules 2012 · Central Information Commission · RTI Online (central public authorities)
- Official websites
RTI Online (central public authorities) · Central Information Commission
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