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—top-20-rti-questions [2026/07/10 18:15] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(rti questions to ask, rti examples india, rti sample questions, what can i ask in rti, rti ideas, rti applications india, rti request examples, best rti questions, rti questions for passport delay, rti questions for scholarship, rti questions for road repair, rti questions for tender, rti questions for pension, rti questions for fir status, how to ask rti questions, rti act 2005 questions, sample rti application format, rti questions for government departments)
 +metatag-description=(20+ high-impact RTI questions Indian citizens can file today — copy-paste wording, real examples, question category comparison table, 5+ government citations, expanded FAQ, and the exact RTI Act section each question uses. Updated for 2026.)
 +metatag-og-title=(Top 20 RTI Questions You Can Ask the Government — With Copy-Paste Examples)
 +metatag-og-description=(20+ ready-to-file RTI questions across 7 categories — personal services, public money, local governance, contracts, environment, and more. Each with copy-paste wording, the RTI Act section, and .gov.in citations. Updated 2026.)
 +metatag-article-author=(RTI Wiki Editorial Team)
 +metatag-article-published_time=(2024-06-01T00:00:00+05:30)
 +metatag-article-modified_time=(2026-07-10T00:00:00+05:30)
 +metatag-robots=(index, follow, max-image-preview:large)}}
 +
 +<WRAP center round author 95%>
 +**Reviewed by the RTI Wiki Editorial Team** — legal researchers and RTI practitioners with 10+ years of combined experience filing and appealing RTI applications under the Right to Information Act, 2005. This page was last fact-checked against the RTI Act (as amended 14 November 2025), CIC Annual Report 2023–24, and DoPT guidelines on 10 July 2026. Sources are cited inline with direct .gov.in links where available.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +====== Top 20 RTI Questions You Can Ask Government (With Examples) ======
 +
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 95%>
 +**Need help drafting this RTI?** Use our free **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/rti-assistant-app.html|RTI Assistant]]** — describe your problem, get a ready-to-file Section 6(1) application with your name and address pre-filled. Also handles First Appeal and Second Appeal to the CIC/SIC.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +{{ :hero:top-20-rti-questions-hero.webp?direct&1200 |Top 20 RTI Questions You Can Ask Government (With Examples) — RTI Wiki}}
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**In one line:** Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, any Indian citizen can ask a government body for **copies of documents, lists, numbers, file notings, and inspection reports** on record. File an RTI in 12 minutes, pay Rs 10, and the Public Information Officer must reply in **30 days** under [[act#section-7disposal-of-request|Section 7]].
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Quick Answer: 20 RTI Questions Citizens Can Ask =====
 +
 +  * **Six categories** — governance, finance, services, your own record, infrastructure, environment.
 +  * **All are copy-paste** — reframe by inserting dates, place names, and file numbers.
 +  * **All specify a document** — the core rule: ask for records, not opinions.
 +  * **30-day reply** — §7(1) of the RTI Act.
 +  * **Rs 10 fee** — Central; Rs 20 most States; free for BPL.
 +  * **If refused** — First Appeal within 30 days under §19(1).
 +
 +
 +
 +<WRAP center round didyouknow 95%>
 +**Did you know?** In 2023-24, Indian citizens filed over 14 lakh RTI applications to the Central Government alone. More than 3 in 4 were answered in full or in part. The most successful applications asked for **one specific document per paragraph** and cited the Section of the RTI Act that compelled disclosure. Source: [[https://cic.gov.in/documents/cic-annual-report-2023-24.pdf|CIC Annual Report 2023-24]].
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== RTI Question Category Comparison Table =====
 +
 +Not sure what type of RTI to file? Use the table below to match your problem to the right category, sample question, and the RTI Act section that backs it.
 +
 +| Category | What You Can Ask | Sample Question Focus | RTI Act Section | Difficulty | Typical Response Time |
 +|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 +| **A. Personal Services** | Application status, answer sheets, benefit stops | "Copy of file noting on my passport application" | [[act#section-6request-for-obtaining-information|§6(1)]] | Easy | 30 days |
 +| **B. Money & Benefits** | Scholarships, EPF, pension, scheme benefits | "List of beneficiaries who received PM-Kisan instalment" | [[act#section-4suo-motu-disclosure-obligations-of-public-authorities|§4(1)(b)(xii)]] | Easy | 30 days |
 +| **C. Local Governance** | MPLADS/MLALADS, roads, schools, health centres | "Tender and completion certificate for road repair in ward X" | §2(f) | Medium | 30 days |
 +| **D. Transparency of Officers** | MP/MLA questions, minister travel, recruitment | "Total expenditure on minister's foreign travel" | [[act#section-4suo-motu-disclosure-obligations-of-public-authorities|§4(1)(b)]] | Medium | 30 days |
 +| **E. Public Money & Contracts** | Tenders, subsidies, equipment purchases | "Bid evaluation sheet and award reasons for project X" | §2(f), §4(1)(b) | Medium | 30 days |
 +| **F. Policy & Circulars** | Office memoranda, transfer policies, standing orders | "Copy of latest transfer-and-posting policy" | §4(1)(b)(iii), (xvii) | Easy | 30 days |
 +| **G. Records You Didn't Know** | File notings, PSU/regulatory records, court admin | "Complete file noting behind order no. X" | §2(f), §2(j) | Hard | 30–40 days |
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 80%>
 +**Tip:** If your question spans two categories (e.g., a delayed scholarship is both "Personal Services" and "Money & Benefits"), file a single RTI listing all your numbered requests. The PIO must respond to each one individually under [[act#section-7disposal-of-request|Section 7(8)]].
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== The copy-paste RTI format (use this first) =====
 +
 +<code>
 +To,
 +The Central/State Public Information Officer,
 +[Department / Ministry / Office],
 +[Full address].
 +
 +Sir/Madam,
 +
 +Subject: Request for information under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
 +
 +Under Section 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, I request the following information:
 +
 +1. [One specific document, list, or fact, with exact date/year/subject].
 +2. [Second request, separate from the first].
 +3. [Third request].
 +
 +I enclose an Indian Postal Order of Rs 10 payable to the Accounts Officer, [department], towards the application fee under Rule 3 of the RTI Fees Rules.
 +
 +Kindly send the reply to the address below.
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +[Full name]
 +[Address]
 +[Phone and email]
 +Date:
 +</code>
 +
 +Now pick any of the **20 questions below** and paste it as your numbered request.
 +
 +===== The 20 questions (by category) =====
 +
 +==== A. Services that affect you personally ====
 +
 +=== 1. Status of your own application ===
 +
 +Use this when your passport, PAN, ration card, caste certificate, scholarship, or pension application is stuck.
 +
 +> //"A copy of the file noting, movement history, and the current status of my application no. [application number] dated [date] in the matter of [subject], including the name and designation of the officer currently in seisin of the file."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-passport-delay|RTI for Passport Delay]] and [[rti-for-ration-card-status|RTI for Ration Card Status]] for department-specific wording.
 +
 +=== 2. Your own evaluated answer sheet ===
 +
 +Legally unlocked by the Supreme Court in [[important-decisions:cbse-and-anr-vs-aditya-bandopadhyay|CBSE and Anr. v. Aditya Bandopadhyay]] (2011).
 +
 +> //"A certified copy of my evaluated answer sheet of [subject/paper code] in the examination held in [month, year], roll number [XXXX]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-answer-sheet-evaluation|RTI for Answer Sheet Evaluation]] and [[rti-for-cbse-re-evaluation-records-2026|RTI for CBSE Re-evaluation Records 2026]] for detailed templates.
 +
 +=== 3. Reason your benefit was stopped ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the order, the file noting, and the rule or circular under which pension, ration, or scholarship payment to the undersigned (PPO or card number [X]) was discontinued in [month, year]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-pension-delay-2026|RTI for Pension Delay 2026]] and [[rti-for-ration-card-cancelled|RTI for Ration Card Cancellation]].
 +
 +=== 4. Status of your police complaint or FIR ===
 +
 +> //"A certified copy of the daily diary entry and the final order on my written complaint dated [date] at [police station], along with the present status of FIR no. [number, if issued]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-fir-status-2026|RTI for FIR Status 2026]] for the full format.
 +
 +==== B. Money that should have reached you ====
 +
 +=== 5. Scholarship disbursement ===
 +
 +> //"A list of students of [college or scheme] who received the [scheme name] scholarship in the financial year [X], along with the date and amount credited. A copy of the sanction order and the utilisation certificate."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-scholarship-delay|RTI for Scholarship Delay]] and [[rti-for-nsp-scholarship-not-credited|RTI for NSP Scholarship Not Credited]].
 +
 +=== 6. EPF or pension transfer ===
 +
 +> //"The current stage, file noting trail, and expected disposal date of my EPF transfer-in claim or pension commencement under PPO [X] dated [date]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-stuck-pf-withdrawal|RTI for Stuck PF Withdrawal]] and [[rti-for-epf-withdrawal-delay-2026|RTI for EPF Withdrawal Delay 2026]].
 +
 +=== 7. Government scheme benefit you did not receive ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the list of beneficiaries under [scheme name] in [panchayat or ward] for the financial year [X], along with the criteria used and the sanctioning authority."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-pm-kisan-installment|RTI for PM-Kisan Installment]], [[rti-for-pmay-status|RTI for PMAY Status]], and [[rti-for-mgnrega-wages|MGNREGA Wages]].
 +
 +==== C. Local governance ====
 +
 +=== 8. MPLADS or MLALADS spending ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the sanction order, utilisation certificate, and photograph-based inspection report for [specific work, e.g. boundary wall, streetlight installation] under MPLADS or MLALADS in [constituency or ward] during [financial year]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-mp-mla-fund-utilization|RTI for MP/MLA Fund Utilisation]] and [[rti-for-utilization-certificate|RTI for Utilisation Certificate]].
 +
 +=== 9. Road and civic works ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the tender document, contract award, estimated and actual expenditure, and completion certificate for [specific road, drain, park, or streetlight work] in [ward or locality] in the financial year [X]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-road-repair-delay|RTI for Road Repair Delay]] and [[rti-for-streetlight-non-functional|RTI for Streetlight Non-Functional]].
 +
 +=== 10. School or health centre audit ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the last three inspection reports of [government school or Primary Health Centre], along with the attendance register of teachers or doctors for the month of [month, year]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-government-schools|RTI for Government Schools]] and [[rti-for-teacher-attendance|RTI for Teacher Attendance]].
 +
 +==== D. Transparency of officers and politicians ====
 +
 +=== 11. Your elected representative's record ===
 +
 +> //"A list of starred and unstarred questions asked by [MP or MLA name, constituency] in [House] between [date range], along with the subject of each question and the minister to whom it was addressed."//
 +
 +=== 12. Minister's travel expenditure ===
 +
 +> //"The total expenditure incurred on domestic and foreign travel of [minister name] between [date range], along with dates, destinations, and the purpose of each visit."//
 +
 +=== 13. Recruitment or transfer orders ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the merit list, cut-off marks, and the selection committee's minutes for [post name] advertised under notification no. [X] dated [date]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-recruitment-merit-list|RTI for Recruitment Merit List]] and [[rti-for-recruitment-cutoff|RTI for Recruitment Cut-Off]].
 +
 +==== E. Public money and contracts ====
 +
 +=== 14. Tender and contract award ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the tender document, the list of bidders, the evaluation sheet, and the reasons for awarding the contract to [firm name] for [project name] under notification no. [X]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-tender-evaluation|RTI for Tender Evaluation]] and [[rti-for-government-contract-award|RTI for Government Contract Award]].
 +
 +=== 15. Subsidy or loan waiver beneficiaries ===
 +
 +> //"A list of beneficiaries of the [scheme name] subsidy or loan waiver in [district or block] for the financial year [X], with name, village, and amount credited."//
 +
 +=== 16. Purchase of government equipment ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the purchase order, technical specifications, rate contract, and the utilisation report for [equipment, e.g. laptops for municipal schools] bought in the financial year [X]."//
 +
 +==== F. Policy, circular, and rule ====
 +
 +=== 17. Circular or standing order ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the latest office memorandum, standing order, or circular issued by [department] regarding [subject], including all amendments up to [date]."//
 +
 +See [[rti-for-transfer-policy|RTI for Transfer & Posting Policy]] for the format.
 +
 +=== 18. Transfer and posting policy ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the transfer and posting policy of [cadre or service] in force during [financial year X], along with the list of exceptions granted and the reasons recorded."//
 +
 +==== G. Records you didn't know you could ask for ====
 +
 +=== 19. File noting behind a decision ===
 +
 +> //"A copy of the complete file noting, including inter-departmental communications, leading to the order no. [X] dated [date] in the matter of [subject]."//
 +
 +Refer to [[important-decisions:court:girish-ramchandra-deshpande|Girish Deshpande]] for what survives a Section 8(1)(j) privacy test after DPDP 2025.
 +
 +=== 20. Public bodies you may not have considered ===
 +
 +The RTI Act reaches **every** public authority substantially financed or controlled by the government. Examples that many applicants do not try: **Reserve Bank of India** (on policy, regulation, and supervisory action), **UGC-funded universities**, **IITs and IIMs**, **ONGC, IOC, SBI and other PSUs**, **Election Commission of India**, **Supreme Court and High Court registries** (on administrative matters, not judicial proceedings), and **regulators** like SEBI, TRAI, IRDAI, CAG.
 +
 +> //"A copy of [specific order, report, circular, or inspection note] issued by [public authority] in the matter of [subject] during [date range]."//
 +
 +See [[important-decisions:thalappalam-coop-vs-state-of-kerala|Thalappalam Co-op Bank]] (SC, 2013) for the "substantially financed" test.
 +
 +===== How to Choose the Right RTI Question for Your Situation =====
 +
 +Choosing the right question is the single biggest factor in whether your RTI succeeds. Follow these steps:
 +
 +  - **Start with a document, not a complaint.** If you cannot name the specific record you want (file noting, sanction order, beneficiary list, inspection report), the PIO can lawfully say the information is not available in the form you seek. See [[why-rti-gets-rejected|the 6 top rejection reasons]].
 +  - **Match the authority to the subject.** Federal subjects (defence, passport, income tax, railway) go to the **Central** PIO. State subjects (police, land, revenue, school) go to the **State** PIO. See [[state-vs-central-rti|Central vs State RTI]].
 +  - **Check if the information is already public.** Many departments proactively publish data under [[act#section-4suo-motu-disclosure-obligations-of-public-authorities|Section 4(1)(b)]] — check the department's website first. The DoPT maintains a [[https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/RTI%20Act%202005.pdf| consolidated RTI Act reference]] and [[https://dopt.gov.in/guidelines-and-circulars|DoPT RTI guidelines]].
 +  - **Frame one subject per RTI.** If your questions span multiple departments, file separate applications. Each costs Rs 10 but you avoid the "multiple subjects" rejection.
 +  - **Use the RTI Assistant tool** at [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/rti-assistant-app.html|RTI Assistant]] to auto-draft your application based on your situation.
 +
 +===== What Questions Can You Legally Ask Under RTI? =====
 +
 +The RTI Act defines "information" very broadly under [[act#section-2-definitions|Section 2(f)]]:
 +
 +  * Documents, records, and files
 +  * File notings and internal communications
 +  * Circulars, memoranda, and press releases
 +  * Contracts, tenders, and purchase orders
 +  * Data held in electronic form
 +  * Samples of materials
 +
 +**You cannot ask for:**
 +
 +  * **Opinions or advice** — "Do you think the road will be built?" is not a document.
 +  * **Answers to hypothetical questions** — "What would happen if I filed a complaint?" is not on record.
 +  * **Information exempt under Section 8** — including national security, Cabinet deliberations, trade secrets, fiduciary records, and personal information of third parties (unless public interest overrides under the [[act#section-8exemption-from-disclosure-of-information|Section 8(1)(j)]] test).
 +  * **Information that would require the PIO to create new records** — e.g., "Analyse whether this policy is effective." You can ask for the policy document, not an analysis.
 +
 +See [[important-decisions:court:girish-ramchandra-deshpande|Girish Deshpande (SC, 2013)]] and [[important-decisions:k-s-puttaswamy-vs-union-of-india|K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India]] (Privacy, 2017) for the privacy boundary.
 +
 +===== What Happens After You File an RTI Question? =====
 +
 +Once you file, the RTI Act sets a strict legal timeline:
 +
 +  - **Day 0:** You file the RTI (by post, or online at [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]]).
 +  - **Days 1–5:** If the information is held by a different public authority, the PIO must **transfer** your application under [[act#section-6request-for-obtaining-information|Section 6(3)]] and inform you.
 +  - **Day 30:** The PIO must provide the information or refuse in writing under [[act#section-7disposal-of-request|Section 7(1)]], citing the specific exemption clause.
 +  - **Day 48 (life or liberty):** If the matter concerns life or liberty, the reply is due in **48 hours** (Section 7(1) proviso).
 +  - **Day 40 (third-party info):** If the information involves a third party, the PIO issues a notice under [[act#section-11third-party-information|Section 11]], giving the third party a chance to object — the timeline extends to 40 days.
 +  - **Day 30+1 to 60:** If the PIO refuses or is silent, you file a **First Appeal** within 30 days under [[act#section-19appeals|Section 19(1)]]. Use the [[templates:first-appeal|first appeal format]].
 +  - **Day 60+1 to 120:** If the First Appellate Authority also refuses, you file a **Second Appeal** before the CIC or SIC within 90 days under [[act#section-19appeals|Section 19(3)]]. Use the [[templates:second-appeal|second appeal format]].
 +
 +<WRAP center round important 90%>
 +**If the PIO simply does not reply**, that counts as a **deemed refusal** — you can file a First Appeal directly without waiting for a rejection letter. The 30-day clock for the First Appeal starts from the date the reply was **due**, not the date you realised it was late.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== How to file: step by step =====
 +
 +  - **Identify the right public authority.** Federal subject (defence, passport, income tax, railway) goes to the **Central** PIO. State subject (police, land, revenue, school) goes to the **State** PIO. See [[state-vs-central-rti|Central vs State RTI]].
 +  - **Draft the application** using the format above. One request per paragraph. Specific dates and subjects.
 +  - **Pay the Rs 10 fee.** Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft, or online for the Central Government at [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]]. BPL applicants pay nothing — see [[claim-rti-fee-waiver-bpl-2026|RTI Fee Waiver for BPL]].
 +  - **Send by Speed Post** (get a proof of delivery) or file online for central departments.
 +  - **Wait up to 30 days** (48 hours if a life or liberty issue is involved, per [[act#section-7disposal-of-request|Section 7(1) proviso]]).
 +  - **If the PIO refuses or delays**, file a **first appeal** within 30 days using the [[templates:first-appeal|first appeal format]]. See [[faa-first-appeal-timelines|First Appeal §19(1) — 30-day window]] for details.
 +  - **If the First Appellate Authority also refuses**, file a **second appeal** before the Central or State Information Commission within 90 days using the [[templates:second-appeal|second appeal format]].
 +
 +===== Common mistakes to avoid =====
 +
 +  - **Asking "why" instead of "what".** Do not ask //"Why was my file stalled?"//. Ask //"A copy of the current file noting on my application"//. See [[why-rti-gets-rejected|the 6 top rejection reasons]].
 +  - **Asking for an opinion.** "Do you think the road will be built?" is not a document. Ask for the //sanction order and work-completion certificate//.
 +  - **Combining an RTI with a grievance.** Keep action requests separate. See [[rti-vs-complaint|RTI vs Complaint]].
 +  - **Naming a third-party individual without cause.** Section 8(1)(j) denials follow, especially post-DPDP 2025. Anchor the request in public activity, not the individual.
 +  - **Filing the RTI with the wrong authority.** The central Ministry of Education has no files on state-run schools. The state Education Department does.
 +  - **Forgetting the Rs 10 IPO.** A missing fee is a common rejection ground, though the PIO should notify you first under Rule 6.
 +  - **Using an anonymous address.** The applicant must be a citizen of India (see [[explanations:citizen-under-rti-act|who is a citizen for RTI]]).
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== Can I ask 20 questions in one RTI? ====
 +
 +You can ask multiple questions, but each on a distinct subject with its own clear wording, in numbered paragraphs. A single application must concern //one public authority//. If your 20 questions span different ministries, file 20 separate RTIs (one fee each). If they all concern one department, file one RTI with 20 numbered requests.
 +
 +==== Does the PIO have to answer all 20 questions? ====
 +
 +The PIO must answer every request that falls within the public authority's records and is not exempt under [[act#section-8exemption-from-disclosure-of-information|Section 8]] or [[act#section-9grounds-for-rejection-to-access-in-certain-cases|Section 9]]. For each refused item, the PIO must cite the specific sub-clause and give reasons, per [[act#section-7disposal-of-request|Section 7(8)]].
 +
 +==== What if the information is with another department? ====
 +
 +The receiving PIO must **transfer the request** to the correct PIO within 5 days under [[act#section-6request-for-obtaining-information|Section 6(3)]] and inform you. Do not refile on your own during this period.
 +
 +==== Can I ask the RBI about a specific bank? ====
 +
 +Yes for supervisory records and regulatory actions. Note the Supreme Court's ruling in [[https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1040103/|RBI v. Jayantilal N. Mistry]] (2016) on fiduciary relationship claims. Specific depositor files may be blocked under Section 8(1)(e) fiduciary or Section 8(1)(j) privacy.
 +
 +==== How long does a reply take? ====
 +
 +The PIO must reply in **30 days** under [[act#section-7disposal-of-request|Section 7(1)]]. For matters of life or liberty, the reply is due in **48 hours**. For third-party information under [[act#section-11third-party-information|Section 11]], the timeline extends to **40 days** to allow for notice and objections.
 +
 +==== Will filing an RTI invite harassment? ====
 +
 +In practice, a citizen-driven RTI is routine and rarely attracts trouble. If there is retaliation, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 provides some cover, and a complaint under [[act#section-18powers-and-functions-of-information-commissions|Section 18]] to the Information Commission is available for the PIO's misconduct.
 +
 +==== Can I file an RTI anonymously? ====
 +
 +No. Section 6(1)(b) requires the applicant to provide their name and contact details. However, if you are concerned about privacy, you can request that the information be sent by email. Note that the applicant //must// be an Indian citizen — see [[explanations:citizen-under-rti-act|who qualifies as a citizen for RTI purposes]]. The DoPT confirms this in its [[https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/RTI%20Act%202005.pdf|official RTI Act text]].
 +
 +==== What is the Rs 10 RTI fee for — and who is exempt? ====
 +
 +The Rs 10 application fee applies to Central Government public authorities under the RTI (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005. Most States charge Rs 20. **BPL (Below Poverty Line) applicants are fully exempt** from the fee — they only need to attach a copy of their BPL certificate. See [[claim-rti-fee-waiver-bpl-2026|RTI Fee Waiver for BPL]] and the [[https://dopt.gov.in/rti-fee-and-cost|DoPT fee rules page]] for the official schedule.
 +
 +==== Can I ask for information about a private company? ====
 +
 +Generally no — private companies are not "public authorities" under Section 2(h). However, you can ask a government regulator (SEBI, RBI, IRDAI, TRAI) about its regulatory action against a private company. You can also ask a government department about its contracts with a private firm, since the contract is a government record. See [[important-decisions:thalappalam-coop-vs-state-of-kerala|Thalappalam Co-op Bank]] for the "substantially financed" test and the [[https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/RTI%20Act%202005.pdf|RTI Act, Section 2(h)(i)(d)]] for the definition of public authority.
 +
 +==== Can I inspect records before asking for copies? ====
 +
 +Yes. Under [[act#section-2-jdefinitions|Section 2(j)]], the right to information includes the right to **inspect** works, documents, and records — and to take certified samples or extracts. You can request an inspection date and then decide which pages to have photocopied (at Rs 2 per page for Central). This is often cheaper than requesting full copies blindly. See [[rti-for-personal-problems|RTI for Personal Problems]] for practical examples.
 +
 +==== What if the PIO gives partial information? ====
 +
 +If the PIO provides some information but withholds other parts, you can file a First Appeal under [[act#section-19appeals|Section 19(1)]] challenging the partial denial. The FAA must review each refused item independently and either uphold the PIO's decision or direct disclosure. See [[faa-first-appeal-timelines|First Appeal Timelines]] and [[faa-privacy-public-interest-balancing|Privacy vs Public Interest Balancing]].
 +
 +==== Is there a word limit or page limit on RTI applications? ====
 +
 +There is **no statutory word limit** in the RTI Act. However, some PIOs claim a 150-word or 250-word "guideline" (based on a 2005 DoPT OM that is advisory, not mandatory). The CIC has repeatedly held that no such limit is binding. Keep your application clear and specific — a well-drafted 500-word RTI with 5 numbered requests is better than a vague 3000-word essay.
 +
 +==== Can NRIs or foreign nationals file an RTI? ====
 +
 +No. Only **citizens of India** can file RTI applications under Section 3. NRIs holding Indian citizenship (OCI cardholders are not citizens) can file. Foreign nationals cannot. See [[explanations:citizen-under-rti-act|citizen under the RTI Act]].
 +
 +===== Call to action =====
 +
 +Pick **any one** of the 20 questions above. Paste it into the copy-paste format at the top. Post it by Speed Post with a Rs 10 IPO, or file online at [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]]. You will have an answer in 30 days.
 +
 +For state-specific filing, see our [[rules:start|state RTI rules]]. If the reply is inadequate or late, use the [[templates:first-appeal|first appeal format]].
 +
 +===== What Should You Do Next? =====
 +
 +  * **File your first RTI:** [[:file-rti-online-india|12-step online guide]].
 +  * **Pick the right wording:** [[:why-rti-gets-rejected|Why RTIs get rejected — avoid it]].
 +  * **For a personal problem:** [[:rti-for-personal-problems|Passport / pension / FIR / mutation / scholarship templates]].
 +  * **If rejected:** [[:faa-first-appeal-timelines|First Appeal §19(1) — 30-day window]].
 +  * **See landmark rulings:** [[:cases|310+ RTI rulings database]].
 +
 +===== Related =====
 +
 +  * [[act|The RTI Act, 2005 (as amended on 14 November 2025)]]
 +  * [[rti-vs-complaint|RTI vs Complaint: When to Use RTI and When Not To]]
 +  * [[file-rti-online-india|File RTI Online in India: 12 Steps (2026)]]
 +  * [[why-rti-gets-rejected|6 Reasons Your RTI Gets Rejected (And Fixes)]]
 +  * [[templates:first-rti|RTI Application Format 2026 (Copy-Paste)]]
 +  * [[templates:first-appeal|RTI First Appeal Format (30-Day Rule)]]
 +  * [[templates:second-appeal|RTI Second Appeal: CIC/SIC Format 2026]]
 +  * [[faq|25 RTI Questions Answered (2026 Update)]]
 +  * [[state-vs-central-rti|Central vs State RTI: Which Should You File?]]
 +
 +===== Also see =====
 +
 +  * [[state-rti-portal-rankings|State RTI Portal Rankings 2026]]
 +  * [[rti-fees-by-state|Fees by State]]
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +
 +  - Right to Information Act, 2005, Sections 2(f), 2(h), 2(j), 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 18, 19.
 +  - RTI (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005.
 +  - Central Information Commission, //Annual Report 2023-24//, available at [[https://cic.gov.in/documents/cic-annual-report-2023-24.pdf|CIC Annual Report 2023-24]].
 +  - Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), //Guide on the RTI Act, 2005// (updated 2013), available at [[https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/RTI%20Act%202005.pdf|DoPT RTI Act Guide]].
 +  - DoPT, //RTI Fee and Cost Rules//, available at [[https://dopt.gov.in/rti-fee-and-cost|DoPT Fee Rules]].
 +  - DoPT, //Guidelines and Circulars on RTI//, available at [[https://dopt.gov.in/guidelines-and-circulars|DoPT Guidelines]].
 +  - Government of India, //RTI Online Portal//, [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]].
 +  - Press Information Bureau (PIB), //Right to Information Act// backgrounders, available at [[https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=0|PIB RTI Releases]].
 +  - //CBSE and Anr. v. Aditya Bandopadhyay//, (2011) 8 SCC 497.
 +  - //Girish Ramchandra Deshpande v. CIC//, (2013) 1 SCC 212.
 +  - //Thalappalam Ser. Coop. Bank Ltd. v. State of Kerala//, (2013) 16 SCC 82.
 +  - //K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India//, (2017) 10 SCC 1.
 +  - //RBI v. Jayantilal N. Mistry//, (2016) 3 SCC 525.
 +
 +//Last reviewed on: 10 July 2026.//
 +//Next scheduled review: October 2026.//
 +
 +{{tag>rti examples questions sample applications practice rti questions 2026 rti sample format rti ideas rti template}}