Right to Information Act, 2005 explained: how RTI works

Updated 2026-10 · General information, not legal advice.

The Right to Information Act, 2005 lets any citizen ask a public authority for records and information. It is the quickest way to find out what happened to your file, application or complaint.

When to use this

• You want to know the status of an application or complaint with a government office
• An office is not giving reasons or records
• You want to understand your rights before filing an RTI

Step by step

1. 1

   Know who can ask and what

   Citizens can ask public authorities for information, records, copies of documents and inspection of work. Ask specific questions rather than a general "tell me everything".

2. 2

   Send the application

   Address it to the Public Information Officer of the office. Central offices can be reached online at rtionline.gov.in; many states have their own portal. A small fee applies, and people below the poverty line are exempt.

3. 3

   Expect a reply in 30 days

   The officer should reply within 30 days. For information about a person's life or liberty, within 48 hours.

4. 4

   Appeal if needed

   If there is no reply or it is wrong, file a first appeal to the First Appellate Authority, then a second appeal to the Information Commission.

Key facts

• Some information is exempt, for example matters of national security and certain personal information
• The reply period is 30 days
• You do not need to give a reason for wanting the information

Download the one-page checklist (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

Related guides

• CPGRAMS complaint: how to file a grievance against a government office
• How to file an RTI application online in India
• EPFO grievance: PF claim stuck or rejected? How to complain
• Passport delayed? How to complain and escalate in India