Citizen RTI playbook — file, escalate, win (2026)

The lead. Filing an RTI is not legal work. It's 5 minutes of attention. ₹10 of fee. And the entire weight of the Right to Information Act, 2005 behind your single sheet of paper. This playbook walks you through every stage — from “I have a problem” to “I have the information / the action / the penalty on the PIO”. 100+ scenario-specific guides linked.

Watch: RTI playbook video

Book companion: Open The RTI Playbook promo page — cover, podcast video, reviews, buy links, and preview downloads.

Step 1 — Identify your need

Are you seeking information (what happened, who decided, why) or action (fix my problem)? RTI is for information. For action, file CPGRAMS in parallel. For corruption, file Lokayukta complaint alongside.

If your need is information, identify the public authority that holds it. The PIO of the wrong office will reject under §6(3) — wasting 30 days. Use RTI Research tool to find the right authority.

Step 2 — Pick your scenario

Welfare schemes:

Documents & certificates:

Property & land:

Police & justice:

Health:

Education:

Employment & service matters:

Civic services:

Trade & enterprise:

Consumer protection & online safety:

Public funds & accountability:

Infrastructure:

Step 3 — Draft the RTI

Step 4 — File

Step 5 — Day 31 if no reply

Step 6 — Day 76, file Second Appeal

  • To CIC (Central PIO) or SIC (state PIO) — see how to choose
  • Cite relevant CIC orders from our 300-decision database
  • Seek §20 penalty on the PIO if refusal was malafide

Tools for the playbook

When you should NOT use RTI

RTI is not the right tool when:

  • You need action, not information → use CPGRAMS
  • You allege corruption by a public servant → use Lokpal/Lokayukta (with RTI evidence)
  • You need a judicial remedy → file Article 226 writ
  • You want personal opinion of a judge → see Khanapuram Gandaiah 2010

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New citizen-first guides (May 2026):

Last reviewed: 5 May 2026 — RTI Wiki editorial team.

All citizen RTI templates A–Z

These are working templates for every common citizen scenario — delays, refusals, status checks, scheme grievances, civic services, education, health, employment, welfare. File the application as-is or adapt the PIO address and clauses for your case.

* Aadhaar Correction Delay — RTI to UIDAI, 2026 Guide

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New flagship guides (May 2026)

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