There is no compulsory format for an RTI application under the central Act. A plain written application containing the required elements is valid. A few states prescribe forms in their rules, so check the applicable state RTI rules. The template below contains the core elements a valid application needs.

The template

To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Name of the public authority / office],
[Full address]

Subject: Application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005

Sir/Madam,

I request the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:

1. [First point of information - be specific: application number,
   date, subject, period]
2. [Second point]
3. [Third point]

I state that I am a citizen of India.

The application fee of Rs. 10/- is enclosed by [Indian Postal Order
no. ______ / court-fee stamp / demand draft / online payment reference
______] (fee as prescribed by the applicable RTI rules).

If any part of this information is held by another public authority,
kindly transfer that part under Section 6(3) of the Act and inform me.

Name:      ______________________
Address:   ______________________
Phone/Email (optional): _________
Date:      ______  Place: _______
Signature: ______________________

How to fill the information points

The quality of an RTI reply depends heavily on how the questions are framed. Ask for records, with identifiers:

• Good: "The current status of my application no. 12345 dated 01-03-2026 for an income certificate, as on record."
• Weak: "Why has my certificate not been issued? When will I get it?"

Useful record-based phrasings:

• "the current status of ... as on record"
• "a copy of the noting/report/order recorded on my application"
• "the date-wise movement of the file between sections, as on record"
• "a copy of the relevant entry in the [register name]"
• "the time limit, if any, prescribed under the applicable rules or citizen's charter"

Notes

• Below Poverty Line (BPL) applicants are exempt from the fee under Section 7(5). Attach proof of BPL status instead of the fee.
• Identity proof is generally not required with the application; a citizenship declaration ordinarily suffices. Where you seek your own personal records, the authority may ask you to confirm identity.
• Keep the application to one subject and number every point.