The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives you the legal authority to demand information from any government department — central or state — within 30 days. You can use it to check the status of your ration card, question a government tender, track a pending pension, investigate a road construction project, or hold any public authority accountable.

The problem? Most people don't know how to write one. And those who do, spend hours trying to get the format right — or pay a lawyer ₹500–2,000 just to draft a simple application.

This guide shows you exactly how to draft a complete, correctly formatted RTI application in under 2 minutes — for free.

What is the Right to Information Act, 2005?

The Right to Information Act (RTI Act) 2005 is a landmark Indian law that gives every citizen the right to access information held by public authorities — enacted to promote transparency and accountability in government.

Any Indian citizen can submit a written application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of any government department. The department must respond within 30 days. For matters involving life or liberty, the deadline is 48 hours.

The RTI Act covers: all Central and State Government ministries and departments, PSUs and nationalised banks, local bodies including Panchayats and Municipalities, and government- funded schools, colleges, and hospitals.

Who Can File an RTI Application?

Any citizen of India. No educational qualification, professional license, or lawyer required. You simply need to be an Indian citizen with a clear question about information held by a public body.

What is the Correct Format for an RTI Application?

A complete RTI application under Section 6(1) must include:

1. Addressee details — Full name and address of the Public Information Officer of the department

2. Your personal details — Full name, postal address, contact number or email

3. Subject line — Stating this is an application under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005

4. Information sought — A clear, numbered, specific list of information requested

5. Fee declaration — ₹10 fee enclosed. BPL citizens are fully exempt — attach BPL card

6. Section 7(8) clause — Request for written reasons if information is denied

7. Date and signature

How to Draft an RTI Application in 2 Minutes

Step 1: Visit legalink.co.in/rti-application-generator Step 2: Fill your name, address, the department, and what information you need — takes 60 seconds Step 3: AI generates a complete RTI instantly in correct Section 6(1) format Step 4: Download as PDF and submit by post or via rtionline.gov.in

How Much Does Filing an RTI Cost?

₹10 for most citizens — payable by Indian Postal Order, Demand Draft, or court fee stamp. BPL citizens are fully exempt. Drafting your application on LegalInk AI is free.

Common Mistakes That Get RTI Applications Rejected

Addressing the wrong officer. Vague information requests. Missing the ₹10 fee. Not citing Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005 in the subject line. Using informal or emotional language instead of factual, specific requests.

LegalInk AI handles all of these automatically — the format is legally precise and all mandatory clauses are included.

What Happens After You Submit?

30 days — standard response deadline 48 hours — for information concerning life or liberty 35 days — if transferred to another department

If unsatisfied: file a First Appeal within 30 days. If still unsatisfied: file a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (for Central Govt) or State Information Commission (for State Govt).

RTI in Hindi — Is It Allowed?

Yes. Section 6(1) explicitly permits applications in Hindi, English, or the official language of the area. LegalInk AI supports both Hindi and English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I file RTI against a private company? A: No — RTI applies only to public authorities and substantially government-funded organisations.

Q: Can I file RTI online? A: Yes for Central Govt departments via rtionline.gov.in. For states, check your state's RTI portal.

Q: What if the PIO says information is unavailable? A: They must provide written reasons citing a specific exemption under Section 8. Challenge this in your First Appeal if no valid exemption applies.

Q: How many questions can I ask in one RTI? A: No legal limit — but 3 to 5 specific questions get faster, more complete responses than 20 broad ones.

Generate Your Free RTI Application Now

Use LegalInk AI's free RTI Application Generator — complete Section 6(1) format, Hindi or English, any Central or State Government department.

[Generate Your Free RTI Application] → /rti-application-generator

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