Filing a Right to Information (RTI) application is easy in theory—but many applications are rejected or returned unanswered simply because they’re unclear, vague, or misdirected.
The key to getting a useful reply lies not in legal jargon, but in asking the right question, to the right office, in the right format.
The RTI Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to seek information from public authorities under Section 6(1). While the law allows you to file an RTI “in writing or through electronic means,” it does not prescribe any fixed format.
This flexibility is great—but it also puts the responsibility on the applicant to be clear and specific.
The first step to an effective RTI is knowing what you want and who holds that information. A common mistake people make is writing broad, emotional, or accusatory questions like “Why is my street always dirty?” or “Why isn’t the government doing anything?”
These will most likely be ignored or rejected.
Instead, a good RTI application focuses on facts and records. For example:
“Please provide copies of sanitation inspection reports for XYZ area from January to March 2024, along with the names of contractors responsible for cleaning.”
This question makes it clear what records are being requested and from which department.
Here’s a comparison table to help understand better:
| Common Mistake | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Why is my ration card not being issued? | Please provide the status and reason for delay in my ration card application (ID XYZ). |
| Why is there no streetlight in my lane? | Provide details of approved streetlight installations in XYZ area in the past 2 years. |
| Why is the garbage not being collected? | Supply the copy of waste collection schedule and assigned contractor details for my locality. |
When writing your application, keep it brief—ideally one page. Start with your name, address, and contact details. Then address the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department or office.
You don’t need to cite legal sections or explain why you want the information. Just ask for the records you need.
If you’re unsure which department holds the data, try to make an educated guess. Under Section 6(3), if you send the RTI to the wrong office, they are legally bound to forward it to the correct authority within 5 days.
Need help choosing the right questions? Start with our guide: What You Can and Cannot Ask Under RTI.
Always mention the timeframe you’re referring to—for example, “between January and March 2023” or “in the last financial year.” And if you’re referring to a previous application, attach the reference number or supporting documents.
This adds clarity and increases your chances of getting a useful reply.
In the next part, we’ll walk you through a sample RTI application with formatting tips, submission methods, and common mistakes to avoid.
Once you’ve figured out what to ask and who to ask it from, it’s time to write and submit your RTI application. Though there’s no official template, a clean, structured format helps ensure your application is taken seriously and processed without confusion.
Here’s a simple and effective layout you can follow:
To:
The Public Information Officer
[Name of the Department/Office]
[Address]
From:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Contact Number]
[Email ID – optional]
Subject: Request for information under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005
Details of Information Sought:
Please provide the following information:
- [Your first query, clearly phrased]
- [Second query, if any – related to the same issue]
Period of Information: [Example: January 2023 to March 2023]
Application Fee: ₹10 Indian Postal Order/DD/Cash (details attached)
Declaration: I am a citizen of India. Kindly provide the information by post/email.
Date:
Place:
Signature
Now, for submission, you have two options:
- Offline: Send the application by Speed Post or hand-deliver it to the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO). Don’t forget to keep a copy and the postal receipt.
- Online: For Central Government departments, visit RTI Online Portal. Some state governments also have their own RTI portals.
Avoid making these common mistakes:
- Writing long, emotional, or accusatory statements.
- Asking multiple unrelated questions in a single RTI.
- Not specifying the department or time period.
- Demanding explanations instead of requesting documents or data.
Still waiting after filing a proper RTI? Learn What to Do If You Don’t Get a Reply to Your RTI – and how to escalate it legally.
Lastly, always use simple language. You don’t need to be a lawyer or quote legal jargon. What matters is clarity. A good RTI is like a well-aimed question—it gets the answer you need without wasting anyone’s time.
FAQs
1. Can I write an RTI in Hindi or a regional language?
Yes, RTIs can be written in English, Hindi, or the official language of the local authority.
2. How many questions can I include in one RTI?
There’s no legal limit, but keep it concise—ideally 3–5 related queries.
3. Do I need to attach ID proof with my RTI?
Not usually. But for some state RTIs (like J&K or Maharashtra), it may be required.
4. Can I send my RTI via email?
Some departments accept it. Otherwise, use post or the official RTI portal.
5. Will I get documents or just a reply?
You can request certified copies, inspection rights, or digital documents.
