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RTI Application Format under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005

Sections 6 and 7, Right to Information Act, 2005; Right to Information Rules, 2012 (Central) or the relevant State RTI rules

Free sample · Word, print and copy · Updated

Sample format, not legal advice. This is a sample format for general information. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Facts, court practice, court fees and stamp duty differ by state and by case. Check the current law and your local court rules, or speak to an advocate, before you file, send or sign it.

An RTI application is a written request by a citizen to a public authority for information it holds — copies of files, records, file notings, reports, orders, data, or the status of an application. It is addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the authority under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. You need not give any reason for asking (Section 6(2)).

The PIO must reply within 30 days (48 hours where the information concerns the life or liberty of a person) under Section 7(1). If the reply is not given or is unsatisfactory, the next step is a first appeal under Section 19(1). An RTI application is different from a grievance complaint or a representation: it asks for existing information, not for action or redress.

Filed with
Public Information Officer (or Assistant PIO) of the public authority holding the information
Filed by
Any citizen of India
Law
Section 6(1) RTI Act; Central or State RTI fee rules
Fee
Rs. 10 for Central public authorities; State rates vary; no fee for BPL applicants (Section 7(5))
Reply due
30 days; 48 hours for life or liberty; 35 days if filed through an APIO
Online
rtionline.gov.in for Central ministries and departments; many states have their own portals

When to use this format

  • You want to know the status of your application, pension, refund, passport, licence or complaint pending with a government office.
  • You want copies of records, file notings, inspection reports, tender documents or orders.
  • You want data on spending, works, sanctioned posts or schemes in your area.
  • You want to inspect files or records in person (Section 2(j)).
  • If you already applied and got no reply in 30 days, file an RTI first appeal instead.

Application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005

Open PDF

Replace everything in [square brackets] with your own details. Delete lines that do not apply.

To,
The Public Information Officer
[NAME OF OFFICE / DEPARTMENT / PUBLIC AUTHORITY]
[FULL ADDRESS WITH PIN CODE]

Date: [DATE]

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

Sir / Madam,

1. Name of applicant: [FULL NAME]

2. Address for correspondence: [FULL POSTAL ADDRESS WITH PIN CODE]

3. Mobile / Email: [MOBILE NUMBER] / [EMAIL]

4. Particulars of information sought:
Please provide the following information [RELATING TO [SUBJECT, e.g. my application no. [NUMBER] dated [DATE] for [PURPOSE]]] for the period from [START DATE] to [END DATE]:

(i) [SPECIFIC REQUEST 1 — e.g. Certified copy of the file notings and correspondence on my application no. [NUMBER] dated [DATE].]

(ii) [SPECIFIC REQUEST 2 — e.g. The present status of the application, and the name and designation of the officer with whom it is pending, with the date since when it is pending.]

(iii) [SPECIFIC REQUEST 3 — e.g. A copy of the rules, guidelines or circulars under which such applications are to be decided, and the time limit prescribed for deciding them.]

(iv) [SPECIFIC REQUEST 4 — e.g. Certified copy of the inspection report dated [DATE] relating to [PLACE / PROPERTY].]

5. Form in which information is required: [PHOTOCOPIES / CERTIFIED COPIES / ELECTRONIC FORM BY EMAIL / INSPECTION OF RECORDS FOLLOWED BY COPIES OF SELECTED PAGES].

6. Fee: I have paid the application fee of Rs. [10 / AMOUNT UNDER STATE RULES] by [INDIAN POSTAL ORDER NO. [NUMBER] / DEMAND DRAFT NO. [NUMBER] / COURT FEE STAMP / CASH RECEIPT NO. [NUMBER] / ONLINE PAYMENT REF. [NUMBER]] dated [DATE] in favour of [ACCOUNTS OFFICER OR AS PRESCRIBED].
[OR: I belong to the Below Poverty Line category and am exempt from fees under Section 7(5) of the Act. A copy of my BPL card no. [NUMBER] is enclosed.]

7. If any part of the information is held by, or relates more closely to the functions of, another public authority, please transfer that part of this application to it under Section 6(3) of the Act and inform me of the transfer.

8. If any additional fee is payable for providing the information, please inform me of the amount and the calculation, as required by Section 7(3) of the Act.

9. [IF APPLICABLE] The information sought concerns the life or liberty of [NAME], because [REASON]. I request that it be provided within 48 hours under the proviso to Section 7(1) of the Act.

I am a citizen of India.

Yours faithfully,

[SIGNATURE]
[FULL NAME]
Place: [PLACE]

Enclosures:
1. [INDIAN POSTAL ORDER / DEMAND DRAFT / FEE RECEIPT]
2. [COPY OF BPL CARD, IF CLAIMING EXEMPTION]

How to fill it in

  1. Find the right public authorityAddress the PIO of the office that actually holds the records — usually the office dealing with your matter. Most offices list their PIO on their website or notice board. If unsure, address it to 'The Public Information Officer' of that office.
  2. Ask for records, not opinionsAsk for copies of documents, file notings, data or status. Avoid 'why' questions and hypothetical questions; the PIO need only give information that exists in a record.
  3. Be specific and limit the periodGive reference numbers, dates and a time period. Narrow requests get faster and fuller replies; very wide requests are often refused as disproportionate.
  4. Pay the correct feeFor Central public authorities the fee is Rs. 10. State public authorities follow their own rules, which differ on amount and mode of payment. BPL applicants pay no fee but must attach proof.
  5. File with proofFile online on rtionline.gov.in (Central) or the state portal, hand it in and get a receipt, or send it by Speed Post. Note the date of receipt — the 30 days run from it.
  6. Track the deadlineIf there is no reply in 30 days, or the reply is incomplete or refused, file a first appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority named in the reply or on the office's website.

Documents to attach

  • Application fee proof (IPO, demand draft, receipt or online payment reference)
  • Copy of BPL card, if claiming fee exemption
  • Copies of earlier applications or letters you refer to (optional, helps identify records)
  • Postal receipt and tracking report, or the online registration number (keep after filing)

If the information is refused

The PIO can refuse only on grounds in Sections 8 and 9 of the Act, such as information affecting national security, information held in a fiduciary relationship, or personal information (Section 8(1)(j), which since the Digital Personal Data Protection Act came into force on 13 November 2025 exempts information that relates to personal information), and must give reasons and the details of the appellate authority. Even where an exemption applies, Section 8(2) allows disclosure if the public interest outweighs the harm. A refusal, an incomplete reply, a demand for excessive fees or no reply at all can be challenged by a first appeal under Section 19(1), and then a second appeal to the Information Commission under Section 19(3). See our RTI first appeal format and RTI second appeal format.

Common mistakes

  • Asking 'why' an action was taken instead of asking for the file notings and records.
  • Asking for a very large volume of records over many years in one application.
  • Paying the fee in a mode not accepted under the relevant state rules.
  • Writing long explanations of your grievance — reasons are not required.
  • Sending the application to a ministry instead of the field office that holds the records, causing delay through transfers.
  • Missing the 30-day window for the first appeal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fee for an RTI application?
For Central government public authorities it is Rs. 10 under the RTI Rules, 2012. Each state and each High Court sets its own fee and payment modes for public authorities under it. Applicants below the poverty line are exempt under Section 7(5) of the Act.
Do I have to give a reason for seeking information?
No. Section 6(2) of the RTI Act says the applicant shall not be asked to give any reason, or any personal details except those needed to contact him.
How long does the PIO have to reply?
Thirty days from receipt of the application under Section 7(1). If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be given within 48 hours. If the application is filed through an Assistant PIO, five days are added.
Can I file an RTI application online?
Yes. For Central ministries and departments, use rtionline.gov.in and pay the fee online. Many states have their own RTI portals; others still require a paper application.
What can I do if I get no reply?
File a first appeal under Section 19(1) within 30 days after the 30-day period ends. Under Section 7(6), if the PIO fails to reply within the time limit, the information must be given free of charge.

Reminder: This is a sample format for general information. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Facts, court practice, court fees and stamp duty differ by state and by case. Check the current law and your local court rules, or speak to an advocate, before you file, send or sign it. Spotted an error? Tell us.