RTI application format

Use this to ask a government office for information under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Any citizen of India can apply; you do not have to give a reason.

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To The Public Information Officer, [Name of Office or Department], [Address of Office] Date: [Date] Subject: Application under section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 Sir/Madam, Please provide me the following information: 1. [Question 1, for example a certified copy of the sanction order for the road repair on Main Street in 2025] 2. [Question 2] 3. [Question 3] Period to which the information relates: [Period]. I am a citizen of India. I am paying the application fee of Rs [Fee Amount] by [Mode of Payment and Its Number]. If further fees are payable for copies, kindly inform me of the amount. If any part of this request concerns another public authority, kindly transfer that part under section 6(3) of the Act and inform me. Yours faithfully, [Your Name] Address: [Your Address] Mobile: [Mobile Number]

When to use this letter

Use this to ask a public authority for copies of records it holds: orders, file notings, lists, reports, the status of your own application. It works best for specific documents. It is not a complaint form and not a way to ask an officer for explanations or opinions.

Before you send it

Ask for records, not opinions. "Give a copy of the order" works; "why was this done?" often does not.
Keep each question short and specific, with dates or file numbers where you know them.
For central government offices the application fee is Rs 10 under the RTI Rules, 2012, and you can apply online at rtionline.gov.in. State governments have their own fee rules and portals, so check your state's rules.
The Act gives the officer 30 days to reply (section 7). If there is no reply or you are not satisfied, you can file a first appeal within 30 days to the senior officer named as the appellate authority (section 19).
Keep a copy of the application and the proof of payment and posting.

What to attach

Proof of fee payment (for example an Indian Postal Order or court fee stamp, as your state's rules allow)
BPL card copy, if you are claiming the fee exemption for persons below the poverty line

How to send or submit it

Address it to the Public Information Officer of the office that holds the record. Central government offices can be reached through the online portal named above; for state offices, check the state's own portal and rules. On paper, send it by registered or speed post, or hand it in and get a receipt.

Mistakes that get it sent back

The fee is not paid, or is paid in a way that office's rules do not accept.
It is sent to an office that does not hold the record. Find the right department first.
Questions so wide that no record answers them, such as "give all information about the scheme".
No postal address for the reply.

Common questions

Do I have to give a reason for asking?

No. Section 6(2) of the Act says an applicant need not give any reason for requesting the information.

Can I apply in Hindi?

Yes. The Act allows an application in English, Hindi or the official language of the area.

This is a general format, written by us, to save you time. If the office has its own printed form, use that form. Last checked: 11 November 2026.

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