How to file an RTI in India — step-by-step 2026 guide

If you live abroad: see the NRI India Problem Solver hub for bank, property, PAN, passport and parent-emergency guides built for NRIs.

This page is the English-language seed for India's regional-language RTI guides. For the complete, in-depth guide with 12 steps, landmark SC rulings, common mistakes, 10 FAQs, and all 12 free tools, see:

→ How to file an RTI in India — the definitive 2026 pillar guide

• Step 1: Identify the public authority holding your information — central ministry (use rtionline.gov.in) or state government (use postal or state portal).
• Step 2: Write your application citing §6(1) — specify records not opinions.
• Step 3: Pay ₹10 fee — UPI (online) or IPO (postal). BPL applicants exempt under §7(5).
• Step 4: Send by Speed Post (keep AD card) or via portal.
• Step 5: Wait 30 days — 48 hours if your matter involves life or liberty.
• Step 6: If no response → deemed refusal §7(2) → First Appeal §19(1) within 30 days.

This guide is available in:

• தமிழ் (Tamil)
• తెలుగు (Telugu)
• বাংলা (Bengali)
• मराठी (Marathi)
• ગુજરાતી (Gujarati)
• हिंदी (Hindi)

• AI RTI Drafter — 60 seconds to a polished §6(1) application.
• AwaazRTI — speak in 11 Indian languages → RTI text.
• First Appeal Builder — auto-fills §19(1) appeal.
• Fee Calculator — exact fee for every state.
• Timeline Calculator — every statutory deadline.

• What is a PIO?
• What is a deemed refusal?
• What is the RTI fee?
• What is the First Appellate Authority?
• What is the 48-hour life-and-liberty clause?

Last reviewed: May 2026.