Biodata format for job

A biodata is the traditional Indian job application document: personal details first, then education and experience, ending with a signed declaration. Some government offices, schools, small businesses and roles like drivers, security or office staff still ask for one.

The format, section by section

1
Title and photo
“Biodata” at the top, with a recent passport-size photo in the top-right corner if the employer expects one.
2
Personal details
Full name, father’s or husband’s name, date of birth, gender, marital status, nationality, languages known, address and phone. Add religion or category only if the form asks for it.
3
Career objective
One line on the job you are applying for.
4
Educational qualifications
A table with the exam or degree, board or university, year of passing and percentage — latest first.
5
Work experience
Employer, post and period for each job, latest first, with a line on your duties.
6
Skills
Computer skills (MS Office, Tally, typing speed), a driving licence, or trade skills relevant to the job.
7
Declaration
“I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge.” Then place, date and signature.

Sample

BIODATA

Passport-size photo

Personal details

Name: Ramesh Kumar Saini
Father’s name: Shri Mohan Lal Saini
Date of birth: 12 March 1999
Gender: Male
Marital status: Single
Nationality: Indian
Languages known: Hindi, English
Address: Ward No. 7, Near Bus Stand, Sikar, Rajasthan
Mobile: +91 98xxx xxxxx

Career objective

To work as an accounts assistant where I can use my knowledge of Tally and bookkeeping.

Educational qualifications

Exam	Board / University	Year	Marks
B.Com	University of Rajasthan	2020	64%
Class XII (Commerce)	RBSE	2017	71%
Class X	RBSE	2015	68%

Work experience

Accounts Assistant, a wholesale cloth trader, Sikar · Jul 2021 – Present

Billing, GST invoices, stock register and bank entries in Tally Prime.

Skills

Tally Prime · MS Excel · MS Word · Hindi & English typing (35 wpm)

Declaration

I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Place: Sikar
Date: __________

(Ramesh Kumar Saini)

Do

✓Keep it to one page and write in clear, simple English (or the language the employer uses).
✓Use the same name spelling and date of birth as on your certificates and ID.
✓Carry photocopies of certificates listed in the education table to the interview.
✓Sign the declaration by hand if you submit a printed copy.

Don’t

✗Don’t send a biodata to private companies or through job portals — they expect a resume.
✗Don’t include caste, religion, height or weight unless the application specifically asks.
✗Don’t share your Aadhaar or PAN number on the biodata; give it only when the employer formally asks during joining.

Questions

What is the difference between a biodata, a CV and a resume?: A biodata focuses on personal details and is used for some government and traditional jobs. A resume is a one or two-page summary of skills and results for private-sector jobs. A CV is a longer, complete record used in academia and research — and many Indians use “CV” to mean a resume.
Is a photo required on a biodata?: Not by law, but many employers who ask for a biodata expect one. Use a recent passport-size photo with a plain background.
Can I use a biodata for an IT or corporate job?: No — use a resume. Corporate recruiters and screening software look for skills and results, which a biodata doesn’t show well.