Biodata format for government jobs: what to write in each part

Many government departments, schools and public sector offices still ask for a biodata rather than a modern resume. The format is plain on purpose: the person checking it wants to find your particulars, qualifications and declaration in the same place on every form.

If the job notification gives its own format, always use that one. Otherwise, the parts below are what most offices expect.

Photo

A recent passport size photo in the box at the top right, with a plain background. If the notification asks for a signed or dated photo, follow it exactly.

Personal particulars

• Full name, spelled exactly as in your certificates.
• Father's or mother's name, and spouse's name if asked.
• Date of birth, written the way the notification shows it, for example DD/MM/YYYY.
• Gender, nationality and marital status.
• Category, if you are applying under one, as written on your certificate.
• Languages you can read, write and speak.
• Mobile number and email address you check often.
• Permanent address and address for letters, if they are different.

Educational qualifications

Use a table, with the highest qualification first or last, as the notification shows. Common columns are the examination, board or university, year of passing, marks or percentage, and main subjects. Add technical courses, typing or computer certificates on separate rows.

Experience

Another table: the office or company, your post, from and to dates, and your main duties in one line. Leave it out if you are applying for your first job, rather than writing "nil" in every column.

Declaration and signature

End with a declaration such as: "I hereby declare that the information given above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief." Add the place and date, and sign it.

Small mistakes to avoid

• Names or dates that do not match your certificates.
• Leaving a column blank without writing "not applicable".
• Fancy fonts, colours or photos of yourself in the background.
• Forgetting to sign the declaration.

Make yours in a few minutes

The government job biodata template has the photo box, the particulars and qualification tables, and a signed declaration already in place. Fill it in on your phone, share it as a link or print a PDF. It is free, with no watermark.

Applying for a private job instead? See the one-page resume format for freshers or all CV templates.