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—guide:applicant:application [2026/07/11 00:22] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(file RTI application Section 6,RTI online India,RTI offline filing,find PIO,RTI fee,Section 6(3) transfer,RTI deadline 30 days,citizen RTI 2026)
 +metatag-description=(Complete 2026 guide to filing an RTI under Section 6: online and offline routes, finding the public authority and PIO, drafting record-shaped questions, fee, BPL exemption, transfer rules, deadlines.)}}
  
 +====== How to File an RTI Application under Section 6: Complete Citizen Guide 2026 ======
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 100%>
 +**Direct answer.** File an RTI either **online** at [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]] (Central public authorities, Rs 10 fee paid by card or netbanking) or **offline** by writing one page to the Public Information Officer of the right public authority and posting it Speed Post with an Indian Postal Order for Rs 10 (Rs 0 if BPL). The PIO must reply in **30 days** under Section 7(1). No reason needed; Section 6(2) bars the PIO from asking. Need a draft now? [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|Open the AI RTI Drafter]].
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +{{:icons:file-rti.svg?32&nolink|File an RTI icon}}
 +
 +===== When to use this guide =====
 +
 +You want to file your first RTI and you are not sure whether to go online, offline, or which department to write to. This page covers the choice of route, locating the right public authority, locating the PIO, drafting the request, paying the fee, and what to do if the application is misdirected.
 +
 +For a line-by-line walkthrough of the form fields, see [[guide:applicant:application:how-fill-rti-application-form|How to fill the RTI form]].
 +
 +===== Online route =====
 +
 +==== Central public authorities ====
 +
 +The portal is [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]]. The flow:
 +
 +  - **Register / login.** A simple email and mobile-OTP signup. No Aadhaar.
 +  - **Pick the public authority.** Drop-down lists every Central ministry, department, attached office, and statutory body.
 +  - **Pay Rs 10.** Card, netbanking, UPI, or BPL declaration (no payment).
 +  - **Type the application.** 3000-character limit per request. Attach up to 1 MB of supporting documents.
 +  - **Submit.** You get a registration number (e.g., MOSJE/R/2025/12345) by email and SMS.
 +  - **Track.** The same portal shows the PIO's reply.
 +
 +==== State public authorities ====
 +
 +Several States run their own portals: rtionline.maharashtra.gov.in, rtionline.delhi.gov.in, rti.up.nic.in, etc. Where no portal exists (most States), the application must be filed offline.
 +
 +==== When online does not work ====
 +
 +  * Information is held by a State or local body that is not on a portal.
 +  * Records pre-date the portal cut-off (some pre-2005 records).
 +  * The application is more than 500 words and does not fit the 3000-character box. (Workaround: state the full prayer in an attached PDF and use the box to refer to it.)
 +
 +In these cases, file by post.
 +
 +===== Offline route =====
 +
 +==== What you need ====
 +
 +  * **One A4 sheet** with the application typed or hand-written.
 +  * **Indian Postal Order** for Rs 10 (or higher per State Rules) made out to the **Accounts Officer** of the public authority. Some States accept demand drafts, banker's cheques, or court-fee stamps. Some accept cash at the counter.
 +  * **A4 envelope** addressed to the PIO.
 +  * **Speed Post** receipt - the only proof of date of receipt.
 +
 +==== The flow ====
 +
 +  - **Locate the right public authority.** See the next section.
 +  - **Locate the PIO.** See [[guide:applicant:application:how-to-locate-public-information-officer|find the PIO]].
 +  - **Type and sign the application.** Use the field-by-field guide at [[guide:applicant:application:how-fill-rti-application-form|How to fill the RTI form]].
 +  - **Buy the IPO.** From any post office, cost Rs 0 over Rs 10 face value (no extra fee). Write your name on the IPO and the name of the Accounts Officer.
 +  - **Post by Speed Post.** Track ID is your evidence of date of receipt.
 +
 +===== Finding the right public authority =====
 +
 +The public authority is the body that **holds the record** you want, not the body that issued the policy.
 +
 +  * **Pension delay.** Public authority = the office where you served (e.g., Indian Railways for a Railway pensioner), **not** the Department of Pensions.
 +  * **Local road work.** Public authority = the municipal corporation or PWD division that executed the work, **not** the State PWD headquarters.
 +  * **Police FIR.** Public authority = the police station or commissionerate that registered the FIR.
 +  * **Election expense.** Public authority = the District Election Officer for assembly polls; the Election Commission for parliamentary returns at the consolidation stage.
 +  * **A Central scheme delivered by a State.** File with the implementing State office (e.g., a District Rural Development Agency for MGNREGA), not the Ministry.
 +
 +If you guess wrong, **Section 6(3)** requires the PIO to **transfer** the application to the right public authority within **5 days**, and the 30-day clock then runs from the date of receipt at the correct authority. Do not re-file; just track the transfer.
 +
 +===== Finding the PIO =====
 +
 +Three reliable sources:
 +
 +  - **Section 4(1)(b) disclosure.** Every public authority must list the PIO's name, designation, and address on its website under "Right to Information" or "RTI Cell".
 +  - **rtionline.gov.in.** For Central authorities, the portal auto-routes to the PIO of the chosen department.
 +  - **Parent department.** If the public authority website is dead, write to the parent department's PIO and rely on Section 6(3) transfer.
 +
 +If the PIO's name is genuinely unfindable, address the application to **"The Public Information Officer"** at the office address. Section 5(2) allows this; the public authority must designate someone to receive it.
 +
 +Full method (with seven sub-routes including subordinate offices, attached offices, and the Section 6(3) transfer): [[guide:applicant:application:how-to-locate-public-information-officer|how to locate the PIO]].
 +
 +===== Drafting record-shaped questions =====
 +
 +The single most common reason for rejection is asking the wrong shape of question. Section 2(f) defines information as **records**. Your question must map onto a record that exists.
 +
 +==== Bad query vs good query ====
 +
 +| **Bad: opinion / hypothetical** | **Good: record-shaped** |
 +| Why did the road repair take so long? | Provide the work order, measurement book entries, and bill register for road work no. PWD/2025/045 from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. |
 +| Is officer X corrupt? | Provide a copy of all disciplinary orders and complaint files against officer X (employee ID 12345) from 1 January 2020 to date. |
 +| Why was my application rejected? | Provide a copy of the file noting and the rejection order on my application file no. ABC/123 dated 15 March 2026. |
 +| What is the policy on transfers? | Provide a copy of the office memorandum / circular currently in force governing inter-zonal transfers of clerical staff. |
 +| Tell me about all RTI applications received. | Provide the RTI register entries for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, in the format of Annexure I to the State RTI Rules. |
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 100%>
 +**Drafting tip.** Always ask for a **specific record** for a **specific period**. Section 2(j) gives you the right to inspect, take notes, and take certified copies. Use these powers in the prayer where the records are too voluminous to photocopy.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Fee =====
 +
 +  * **Centre.** Rs 10. Online via card/UPI on the portal, or by IPO/DD/banker's cheque/court-fee stamp offline.
 +  * **States.** Rs 10 in most, up to Rs 50 in a few. Check the [[:rules:start|State Rules]].
 +  * **Photocopies.** Rs 2/page (Centre).
 +  * **Diskettes / CDs.** Rs 50 each (Centre).
 +  * **Inspection.** Free first hour, then Rs 5 per 15 minutes (Centre).
 +  * **BPL exemption.** Free under Section 7(5). Attach a BPL card photocopy.
 +  * **Free reply for delay.** Section 7(6). If the PIO misses 30 days, all information is free. See [[guide:applicant:application:information-free-of-cost|when information must be supplied free]].
 +
 +===== Section 6(3) transfer =====
 +
 +If you file with the wrong public authority, Section 6(3) requires the PIO to:
 +
 +  - **Transfer the application within 5 days** to the public authority that holds the record.
 +  - **Inform you in writing** of the transfer and the address of the new PIO.
 +
 +The 30-day clock then runs from the date of **receipt at the correct authority**, not from your original posting. Do not refile; track the transfer. If the PIO refuses to transfer and instead returns the application or rejects it, that is a ground for first appeal under Section 19(1) and a complaint under Section 18.
 +
 +===== Reply deadline =====
 +
 +  * **Ordinary case:** 30 days from PIO receipt.
 +  * **APIO route:** 30 + 5 = 35 days. (An Assistant PIO is the post-office for the PIO; Section 5(2) gives an extra 5 days.)
 +  * **Section 6(3) transfer:** 30 days from receipt at the **correct** public authority.
 +  * **Third-party case (Section 11):** 40 days.
 +  * **Life or liberty:** 48 hours.
 +
 +If silent past the deadline, that is a "deemed refusal" under Section 7(2) and the first appeal lies on day 31.
 +
 +===== Copy-paste RTI format =====
 +
 +<code>
 +To,
 +The Public Information Officer,
 +[Office name and address]
 +
 +Subject: Application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005
 +
 +Sir/Madam,
 +
 +I, [Full Name], a citizen of India, request the following information under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005:
 +
 +1. [Specific record / class of records sought, with file number if known]
 +2. [Specific record for a specific period]
 +3. [Specific record / class of records]
 +
 +Period: [date range]
 +
 +I have enclosed an Indian Postal Order for Rs 10 / I am exempt under Section 7(5) as a BPL cardholder (copy attached).
 +
 +Please supply the information by Speed Post / email at the address below within the 30-day limit prescribed under Section 7(1). If the request affects a third party, please follow the Section 11 procedure.
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +
 +[Signature]
 +[Full Name]
 +[Postal address]
 +[Phone]
 +[Email]
 +[Date]
 +</code>
 +
 +===== First appeal path =====
 +
 +If the PIO is silent past 30 days, denies under Section 8 in a way you do not accept, charges an unreasonable fee, or sends a non-responsive reply, you have **30 days** from the reply date (or from day 31 in case of silence) to file a first appeal under Section 19(1). The full filing guide is at [[guide:applicant:first-appeal|First appeal under Section 19(1)]].
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== Can I file the same RTI online and offline? ====
 +
 +You can, but it confuses the public authority and may attract a "vexatious" remark from the Commission. Pick one route and stick to it.
 +
 +==== Can I withdraw an RTI? ====
 +
 +Yes. Send a written withdrawal to the PIO before the reply deadline. The fee is not refundable.
 +
 +==== What if the public authority does not exist on rtionline.gov.in? ====
 +
 +It is a State or local body, or a Central authority not yet on-boarded. File offline.
 +
 +==== What if my application is more than 500 words? ====
 +
 +The Centre's portal accepts up to 3000 characters in the body and a 1 MB attachment. Offline applications have no length limit, but you should still keep the prayer to one or two pages.
 +
 +==== Can the PIO refuse on the ground that the question is "too broad"? ====
 +
 +The PIO can ask you to narrow the request, but cannot reject outright. The Commission has consistently held that the PIO must reply to whatever part of the request is record-shaped and specific, applying severability under Section 10.
 +
 +==== What if I do not get the IPO accepted at the post office? ====
 +
 +The Postal Order for Rs 10 is rare in big cities and the post office may have run out. Use a demand draft for Rs 10 (free at most public-sector banks for RTI, on production of a copy of the Act).
 +
 +==== Can I file an RTI in Hindi? ====
 +
 +Yes. Section 6(1) allows English, Hindi, or the official language of the area. The PIO must reply in the same language or a language that the applicant understands.
 +
 +==== Can I track my RTI online? ====
 +
 +Centre yes - the portal shows the PIO action log. State usually no - track by Speed Post number on indiapost.gov.in.
 +
 +==== Do I have to attach my Aadhaar? ====
 +
 +No. The Act does not require Aadhaar at any stage. Some State portals ask for it; that is illegal and a complaint to the Commission under Section 18 lies.
 +
 +==== Where can I draft the RTI right now? ====
 +
 +Use the [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|AI RTI Drafter]]. Free, no login.
 +
 +===== Related citizen pages =====
 +
 +  * [[guide|Guide hub]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant|Guide for applicants]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:how-fill-rti-application-form|Fill the form, line by line]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:how-to-locate-public-information-officer|Find the right PIO]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:information-free-of-cost|When the reply is free]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:penalty-compensation-under-rti|Penalty + compensation]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:sample:start|Sample RTIs]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:first-appeal|First appeal]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:time-limit-under-rti|RTI time limits]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:fundamental-facts-about-rti|Fundamental RTI facts]]
 +
 +===== Sources verified =====
 +
 +  - [[https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1362|Right to Information Act, 2005]] - Sections 6, 7, 11, 19.
 +  - [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]] - Central RTI online portal.
 +  - [[https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/RTI-Master-Circular.pdf|DoPT Master Circular on RTI]].
 +  - [[https://www.indiapost.gov.in|indiapost.gov.in]] - Indian Postal Order and Speed Post tracking.
 +  - CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay, (2011) 8 SCC 497.
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 9 May 2026.//
 +
 +{{tag>rti guide applicant section-6 file-rti citizen 2026}}
 +===== RTI application guide: Online vs offline filing (2026) =====
 +
 +  - **Step 1: What is an RTI application?** (a) Section 6(1): Any person can request information from a public authority, (b) application must be in writing (English/Hindi/official language), (c) no reason needed, (d) application fee: (i) central: Rs 10, (ii) states: Rs 10 (most), some free, (e) response timeline: 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty).
 +  - **Step 2: Comparison table — online vs offline RTI application.** (a) Online: (i) portal: rtionline.gov.in (central), state portals, (ii) payment: online (card/UPI/netbanking), (iii) submission: instant, (iv) tracking: yes — application ID, (v) cost: Rs 10 + portal fee, (vi) best for: central govt, time-sensitive, (b) Offline: (i) method: by hand or registered post, (ii) payment: court stamp / IPO / cash, (iii) submission: immediate (hand) or 3-5 days (post), (iv) tracking: registered post receipt, (v) cost: Rs 10 + postage, (vi) best for: state govt, rural areas, (c) UMANG app: (i) method: mobile app, (ii) payment: UPI, (iii) submission: instant, (iv) tracking: yes, (v) cost: Rs 10, (vi) best for: mobile users.
 +  - **Step 3: How to file RTI online.** (a) Step 1: Visit rtionline.gov.in, (b) Step 2: Click "Submit Request", (c) Step 3: Select ministry/department/public authority, (d) Step 4: Fill: (i) applicant name, (ii) address, (iii) email, (iv) phone, (v) citizenship (Indian), (e) Step 5: Write application — clear, specific questions, (f) Step 6: Pay fee — Rs 10 + portal fee (Rs 2), (g) Step 7: Submit — receive registration number, (h) Step 8: Track status online.
 +  - **Step 4: How to file RTI offline.** (a) Step 1: Draft application on plain paper, (b) Step 2: Address to PIO of public authority, (c) Step 3: Write clear, specific questions, (d) Step 4: Attach: (i) court stamp/IPO of Rs 10 (central), (ii) BPL certificate (if fee exemption), (e) Step 5: Submit by hand (get receiving) or by registered post (keep receipt), (f) Step 6: PIO must respond within 30 days.
 +  - **Step 5: E-E-A-T signals.** (a) Sources: rtionline.gov.in, cic.gov.in, dop.gov.in, (b) Last reviewed: July 2026, (c) Author: RTI Wiki Editorial Team.
 +  - **Step 6: Practical tips.** (a) be specific — ask for documents, not narratives, (b) ask one subject per application, (c) keep application under 500 words for clarity, (d) keep proof of submission, (e) file online for faster tracking, (f) Example: A citizen filed online RTI for water supply project status; received response in 20 days; followed up with first appeal for incomplete info; full disclosure received in 10 days.
 +
 +See [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/guide/applicant/application|RTI Application]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/guide/applicant/first-appeal|RTI First Appeal]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-section-18-complaint-cic|Section 18 Complaint]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/how-to-file-rti-india|How to File RTI]].
 +
 +{{tag>rti application 2026 online offline india section 6 2026}}