How to write an RTI application: 6 steps and a sample format

6 steps

1. Decide which office holds the information (for example the taluk office or the municipality).
2. Find its Public Information Officer (PIO); the office can tell you. If you do not know the name, address it to "The Public Information Officer".
3. Write the application using the sample below, with numbered questions.
4. Pay the fee. Ask the office which payment modes it accepts for a paper application; if you are BPL, attach the certificate.
5. If you hand it in, get an acknowledgement stamped and dated on your copy. If you post it, use registered post with acknowledgement due and keep the receipt.
6. Wait 30 days. If there is no reply, you can file a first appeal.

Sample RTI application

From:
[Your name]
[Address]

To:
The Public Information Officer,
[Office name], [Town]

Subject: Request for information under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Sir / Madam,

Please provide the following information:

1. What is the present status of my application for [service] submitted on [date] (No. ____)?
2. Who (designation) holds the application now, and on what date did it reach them?
3. Under which Government Order are the official fee and time limit for this service fixed? Please provide a copy.
4. Certified copies of the file notings that record the reasons for any delay.

The fee of Rs 10 is paid by ____ (details: ____).

Place:
Date:
Signature

Tips for good questions

• Keep one subject per application.
• Ask for documents and dates ("On what date did this file go to whom?") rather than opinions ("Why the delay?").
• State the period you mean, for example April 2025 to March 2026.
• Do not accuse anyone in the application; just ask for information.