RTI Query Builder — drafting templates for common subjects

Copy-paste drafting templates for the twelve most-filed RTI subjects. Tuned for the current post-14 November 2025 DPDP Rules, 2025 landscape. Each template is written to survive the usual Section 8(1)(j), 8(1)(h), and 7(9) objections. Paste into the Central portal at rtionline.gov.in or into the first-RTI template for an offline filing.

1. Find your subject in the categories below.
2. Copy the numbered query block as-is.
3. Replace anything in `[square brackets]` with your actual details (file number, date, etc.).
4. Paste into the portal's application text box or the printable first-RTI template.
5. File and wait thirty days.

If a category is missing, read Why RTI Applications Get Rejected for the drafting rules that apply to any subject.

1. Certified copy of every order, notification, and memorandum relating to
   my appointment, confirmation, posting, promotion, and pay fixation
   between [start date] and [end date], maintained in the personal file
   number [file number or UID].

2. Certified copy of every Annual Performance Appraisal Report communicated
   to me in the above period.

3. The current index of the personal file and the list of documents
   placed on it.

The information relates to my own service record; Section 8(1)(j)
does not arise.

1. Certified copy of the charge memorandum issued to me vide [reference
   number] dated [date], with its annexures I, II, III, and IV.

2. Certified copy of the Inquiry Officer's appointment order and any
   subsequent substitutions.

3. The list of documents relied upon by the Disciplinary Authority in
   framing the charge.

4. Copies of my written statement of defence as received and placed on file.

I clarify that I am not seeking the investigating officer's notes or the
preliminary enquiry report. Should the Public Information Officer maintain
that any item is exempt, I invoke Section 8(2) — disclosure of my own
disciplinary record is in the public interest in the governance of a
public servant.

1. Certified copy of the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for tender number
   [tender reference] dated [date] issued by [department/office].

2. Certified copy of the bid evaluation minutes and the evaluation matrix.

3. Certified copy of the letter of acceptance, the performance bank
   guarantee, and the signed contract.

4. The current status of work, including any extensions of time, penalty
   orders, or revised payment schedules.

1. Certified copy of every Running Account bill and Final bill passed under
   contract number [contract reference] dated [date] between [start date]
   and [end date].

2. The measurement book entries corresponding to each bill.

3. The list of variations ordered, with the approving authority and date.

1. Certified copy of the complete file noting on file number [file number]
   relating to [describe subject], between the date of first entry and the
   date of final order.

2. Certified copy of the order passed on the file, with any annexures.

File notings are disclosable under Section 2(f); see //CBSE v. Aditya
Bandopadhyay//, (2011) 8 SCC 497.

1. Certified copy of the file noting and all documents placed on file
   number [file number] of the [department] leading to the issue of
   [name of notification/circular/order] dated [date].

2. The list of officers who processed the file, with designations and
   dates of noting.

Section 8(2) public interest override is pleaded: the resulting policy is
of general application and its underlying reasoning is a matter of public
accountability.

1. The file noting and the action taken report on complaint number
   [complaint reference] dated [date] filed by me with the Vigilance
   Officer of [organisation].

2. The current status of the complaint and the name and designation of
   the dealing officer.

3. If the complaint has been closed, the date of closure and the closure
   order.

1. The total number of complaints registered under the [applicable conduct
   rules] in the [department] between [start date] and [end date].

2. Of these, the number where enquiry was ordered, the number where the
   Article 311 process was initiated, and the number where penalty was
   imposed.

3. A subject-wise classification of the above (corruption, absenteeism,
   conflict of interest, other).

No individual officer's name is sought.

1. Certified copy of the administrative approval, technical sanction, and
   expenditure sanction for project [name] in [ward/block/district].

2. The list of works executed under the project with contractor name,
   date of start, date of completion, and total payment.

3. Copies of the last three monthly progress reports and the joint
   measurement report.

1. Details of works sanctioned and executed by [municipal corporation/
   panchayat] in [ward number/gram-panchayat name] between [start date]
   and [end date], covering:
     a. Name of work
     b. Sanctioned amount
     c. Actual expenditure
     d. Contractor name
     e. Date of start and date of completion
     f. Certifying officer

2. Copies of the joint measurement reports and payment vouchers for each
   work.

1. Certified copy of the file noting and any rejection or deficiency memo
   on my application number [reference number] dated [date] filed at the
   [Passport/EPF/Pension] office.

2. The name and designation of the officer to whom the file currently
   stands marked, and the date of last entry on the file.

3. If the claim has been rejected, certified copy of the rejection order.

1. The number of [Passport/EPF/Pension] applications received by this
   office between [start date] and [end date].

2. Of these, the number currently pending beyond thirty days, beyond
   sixty days, and beyond ninety days.

3. The officer-wise distribution of pending claims.

Before filing, verify:

• One request per sub-paragraph, numbered 1, 2, 3.
• Period confined — no “last few years”; use exact dates.
• Named file, not generic “all files”.
• Documents requested, not explanations.
• Fee stated — “Rs 10 by IPO” or “paid online”.
• Citizen declaration — “I am a citizen of India.”
• Signature and date.

• How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step.
• Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It.
• FAQ — twenty-five most-asked RTI questions.
• Navigating rtionline.gov.in — portal walkthrough.
• State RTI vs Central RTI.
• Template: first RTI application.
• Template: first appeal.
• Template: second appeal.
• Sample RTI applications — thirty-plus drafts.
• PIO reply after DPDP Rules, 2025.

1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 20.
2. The Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005.
3. The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, notified 14 November 2025.
4. Central Board of Secondary Education v. Aditya Bandopadhyay, (2011) 8 SCC 497.

Last reviewed on: 20 April 2026 — RTI Wiki editorial team.

• Digital RTI — the 2026 Guide — discovered via internal-link audit 2026-04-24

Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.

1. Step 1: What is an RTI query builder and why use it? (a) RTI query builder: (i) tool/guide to draft effective RTI applications, (ii) helps citizens formulate clear, specific questions, (iii) increases chances of getting information, (b) key elements: (i) public authority name, (ii) specific subject, (iii) clear questions, (iv) time period, (v) format — seek information, not opinions, © RTI Act: Section 6 — right to information, Section 7 — response within 30 days, (d) authority: Public Information Officer (PIO), (e) law: RTI Act 2005.
2. Step 2: Comparison table — RTI query types and examples. (a) Status query: (i) format: “What is the status of my application dated [date]?”, (ii) use: pending applications, (iii) example: “What is the status of my passport application dated 1 Jan 2026?”, (iv) response: file notings + status, (v) tip: include application number, (b) File notings query: (i) format: “Provide file notings on my application/representation dated [date]”, (ii) use: understand decision-making, (iii) example: “Provide file notings on my promotion DPC”, (iv) response: file notings + correspondence, (v) tip: cite Section 6, © Policy query: (i) format: “Provide the rules/circulars governing [subject]”, (ii) use: know government rules, (iii) example: “Provide rules governing Berojgari Bhatta eligibility”, (iv) response: rules + circulars, (v) tip: ask for specific rules, (d) Data query: (i) format: “How many [cases/applications] were processed in [period]?”, (ii) use: performance + accountability, (iii) example: “How many RTI applications were disposed in 2025?”, (iv) response: data + statistics, (v) tip: specify time period, (e) Inspection query: (i) format: “Allow inspection of records related to [subject]”, (ii) use: examine records physically, (iii) example: “Allow inspection of MGNREGA records for [village]”, (iv) response: inspection date, (v) tip: cite Section 2(j). (Note: RTI query must seek information, not opinions — be specific and clear.)
3. Step 3: How to draft RTI application. (a) Step 1: Identify public authority, (b) Step 2: Identify subject + specific questions, © Step 3: Use RTI query format — seek information, (d) Step 4: Attach fee — Rs 10 (central) / state-specific, (e) Step 5: Submit to PIO — online/offline, (f) Step 6: Wait 30 days — then First Appeal if no response.
4. Step 4: E-E-A-T signals. (a) Sources: rtionline.gov.in, pib.gov.in, india.gov.in, (b) Last reviewed: July 2026, © Author: RTI Wiki Editorial Team.
5. Step 5: Practical tips. (a) be specific — not vague questions, (b) seek information, not opinions, © include application/reference numbers, (d) file online — rtionline.gov.in, (e) Example: A citizen filed “What is the status of my pension application?” — vague; refiled as “Provide file notings on pension application dated 1 Jan 2026, ref PENSION/2026/123” — got file notings within 30 days.
6. Step 6: Key provisions. (a) Section 6: right to request information, (b) Section 7: 30-day response, © Section 2(j): right to inspect, (d) Section 4: suo motu disclosure, (e) RTI fee: Rs 10 central / state-specific.

See RTI Query Builder and How to File RTI and First Appeal and Second Appeal and RTI for Ignored Complaint.