How to File an RTI in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

The Right to Information Act, 2005 is one of the most powerful tools a citizen has. It forces government offices to respond to your questions within 30 days — or face penalties. Yet most Indians have never filed one.

What Can You Ask?

You can ask any government office (central, state, or local) for:

• Status of your application, ration card, pension, or any government benefit
• Details of any government scheme or project in your area
• Why a decision was made that affected you
• Copies of any official document (inspection reports, approvals, tenders)

Step-by-Step: How to File

1. Identify the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department you're targeting. Every government department has one.
2. Write your application clearly stating what information you want. Be specific.
3. Pay ₹10 by postal order, demand draft, or cash (for central government). Many state governments have different fees.
4. Send by registered post to the PIO. Keep the postal receipt.
5. Wait 30 days. They must respond. If they don't, you can file a first appeal, then a second appeal to the Central Information Commission.

Online RTI Portal

For central government departments, you can file online at rtionline.gov.in with a ₹10 online payment.

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Describe your situation on WhatsApp, say "RTI banao" and AskChanakya will generate a complete, legally correct RTI application in your language within 60 seconds — ready to print and send.

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