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30 Days
Response Time
First Appeal
30-45 Days
Second Appeal
To CIC/SIC
Section 6
RTI Act, 2005

What is an RTI Application?

An RTI (Right to Information) application is a formal request filed by a citizen under the Right to Information Act, 2005 to seek information from any public authority. The Act promotes transparency and accountability in government functioning by giving citizens the right to access information held by public authorities.

Legal Basis: Section 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 provides for the procedure to request information from public authorities.

Essential Components of RTI Application

Applicant Details

  • Full name of applicant
  • Complete postal address
  • Contact number (optional)
  • Email ID (for online response)

Public Authority Details

  • Name of department/office
  • Complete address of PIO
  • Name of PIO (if known)

Information Request

  • Clear and specific questions
  • Time period for information
  • Reference numbers (if any)
  • Format of information (copy/inspection)

Fee Payment

  • Application fee (as per rules)
  • Mode of payment
  • BPL certificate (if exempted)

Sample RTI Application Format

Standard RTI Application Format

To, The Public Information Officer, [Name of Department/Office], [Complete Office Address] Subject: Seeking information under RTI Act, 2005 Respected Sir/Madam, I, [Your Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], resident of [Complete Address], request you to provide the following information under the Right to Information Act, 2005: QUESTIONS: 1. [Write specific, clear question No. 1] 2. [Write specific, clear question No. 2] 3. [Write specific, clear question No. 3] (Continue as needed) TIME PERIOD OF INFORMATION: From [Start Date] to [End Date] INFORMATION FORMAT: I request the information to be provided in [written/certified copy/electronic] format. INSPECTION OF RECORDS (if applicable): I also request permission to inspect the relevant records/documents on [preferred date]. FEE PAYMENT: I am enclosing the RTI application fee as prescribed under the RTI Act, 2005. I am a citizen of India and eligible to file this RTI application. The information may please be sent to my above address. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, (Signature) [Your Full Name] [Date] [Place] Enclosures: 1. Fee payment proof 2. (Any supporting documents)

RTI Application Format (Specific Questions)

To, The Public Information Officer, [Department Name], [Address] Subject: RTI application for information regarding [specific matter] Respected Sir/Madam, I, [Name], resident of [Address], request the following information under RTI Act, 2005: 1. Please provide the number of applications received for [scheme/service] during [time period]. 2. Please provide the list of beneficiaries approved under [scheme] along with the amount sanctioned. 3. Please provide copies of all documents/files related to [specific case/reference number]. 4. Please provide the name and designation of the officer responsible for [specific work]. The required information may be provided in the form of certified copies. I am enclosing the prescribed fee. Yours faithfully, (Signature) [Name] [Date]

Step-by-Step RTI Filing Process

1

Draft Application

Write clear questions

2

Pay Fee

As prescribed by rules

3

Submit Application

Online or offline

4

Get Acknowledgement

Keep proof of submission

5

Receive Response

Within 30 days

Online RTI Filing (e-Daakhil)

Many states and Central Government departments offer online RTI filing through portals like rtionline.gov.in. Steps for online filing:

Register on the RTI portal Select Ministry/Department Enter applicant details Write questions in text box Upload supporting documents Pay fee online Submit and get acknowledgment number Track status online
Pro Tip: Online RTI filing is faster and provides instant acknowledgment. Keep your acknowledgment number for tracking and future reference.

Do's and Don'ts of RTI Application

Do's

  • Keep questions specific and numbered
  • Specify time period for information
  • Mention your full address clearly
  • Attach proper fee payment proof
  • Keep a copy of application and proof
  • Use simple, clear language

Don'ts

  • Don't ask for opinions or reasons
  • Don't ask vague questions
  • Don't ask for exempted information (Section 8)
  • Don't ask for future information
  • Don't ask for personal information of third parties
  • Don't write long essays or complaints

First Appeal Format (If Information Denied)

First Appeal to Appellate Authority

To, The First Appellate Authority, [Department Name], [Address] Subject: First Appeal under Section 19 of RTI Act, 2005 Respected Sir/Madam, I, [Name], had filed an RTI application (Registration No. ______ dated ______) with the PIO, [Department Name]. GROUNDS OF APPEAL: 1. No response received within 30 days. 2. Information provided is incomplete. 3. Information wrongly denied. (State specific grounds) RELIEF SOUGHT: Please direct the PIO to provide complete information as requested in my original application dated ______. Enclosures: 1. Copy of RTI application 2. Copy of PIO's response (if any) 3. Proof of fee payment Yours faithfully, [Name] [Address] [Date]

Exempted Information under Section 8

National security, sovereignty, defense Cabinet papers Court proceedings (contempt of court) Personal privacy (unrelated to public interest) Commercial confidence, trade secrets Fiduciary relationships
Public Interest Override: Even exempted information can be disclosed if public interest outweighs the harm (Section 8(2) of RTI Act).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who can file an RTI application?
Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. Non-citizens cannot file RTI. The application can be filed in English, Hindi, or the official language of the state.
Q2: Is there any fee for filing RTI?
Yes, a prescribed fee is applicable for Central Government authorities. BPL certificate holders are exempted. State governments may have different fee structures.
Q3: How long does it take to get RTI response?
Normally 30 days from receipt of application. For life/liberty matters, 48 hours. For third party information, 40 days. For corruption/human rights violation, 45 days.
Q4: Can I file RTI online?
Yes, through rtionline.gov.in for Central Government authorities. Many states also have online RTI portals. Online filing provides digital acknowledgment.
Q5: What is the format of RTI application?
RTI application can be written on plain paper. No specific format is prescribed, but it should contain applicant details, specific questions, and fee payment proof. Sample formats are provided above.
Q6: What is the difference between First Appeal and Second Appeal?
First Appeal is filed within the same public authority before the First Appellate Authority. Second Appeal is filed with CIC/SIC (external authority) after First Appeal is rejected or not decided.
Q7: Can I get certified copies of documents under RTI?
Yes, you can request certified copies of documents. Additional fee may apply for copies as per RTI Rules.
Q8: What if the PIO does not respond within 30 days?
You can file First Appeal immediately after 30 days. The PIO is liable for penalty imposed by CIC/SIC for delay without reasonable cause.
Legal Disclaimer (BCI Compliant):
The RTI Application format provided on this page is for educational and reference purposes only. This does not constitute legal advice. RTI procedures and fee structures may vary by state. Always refer to the official RTI portal or consult a qualified professional for specific guidance.