Bio-data format for a job in India
JobCatch guide · 18 October 2026
A bio-data is the most traditional of the three job documents used in India. Where a resume sells your skills in a page, a bio-data records who you are — personal particulars, education and experience — in a fixed, formal order, and ends with a signed declaration that it is true. Government offices, PSUs, schools, cooperative banks and many family-run businesses still ask for one by name.
Bio-data, resume or CV?
| Bio-data | Resume | CV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used for | Government, PSU, teaching, traditional employers | Most private-sector jobs | Academic, research, medical; jobs abroad |
| Focus | Personal particulars and record | Skills and achievements | Full academic and professional history |
| Length | 1–2 pages | 1–2 pages | As long as the record |
| Photo | Usually, passport size | Optional in India | Depends on the country |
| Declaration | Yes, signed | No | No |
If an advertisement asks for a "bio-data" or "biodata in the prescribed format", send a bio-data. If it gives its own format, copy that exactly — field order included.
The fields, in order
- Heading — "BIO-DATA", and the post applied for with the advertisement number if there is one.
- Photograph — recent, passport size, top right. Many offices also want a printed copy pasted and signed across.
- Personal particulars — full name (as on your certificates), father's or mother's name, date of birth, gender, nationality, marital status, and category only when the post or form asks for it.
- Contact — address for correspondence, permanent address if different, mobile number and email.
- Languages known — with read, write and speak where the form asks.
- Educational qualifications — examination, board or university, year of passing, percentage or grade, from the highest down (or as the form orders it).
- Experience — employer, post held, from and to dates, and duties in a line or two.
- Other — computer skills, certificates, NCC or sports, if relevant to the post.
- Declaration, then place, date and signature.
Declaration wording
A standard declaration reads:
I hereby declare that the information given above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. If any of it is found to be false, I understand that my candidature may be cancelled.
Leave space beneath it for Place, Date and your signature, and sign the printed copy in blue or black ink.
Mistakes that get a bio-data sent back
- A name, date of birth or spelling that differs from your Class 10 certificate. Offices compare them.
- Marks shown as a percentage on one line and a CGPA on another without saying which.
- An old or informal photo, or one that is not passport size.
- No date or no signature under the declaration.
- A creative two-column design. A bio-data is a formal record; a plain layout is expected and easier to verify.
- Adding religion, caste or family details the form did not ask for.
Bio-data for marriage is different
The word "biodata" is also used for marriage profiles, which carry family background, height, horoscope details and so on. Do not send that kind of bio-data for a job; an employer needs your qualifications and record, not your family's.
Questions
Is a bio-data the same as a resume?
No. A bio-data records personal particulars, education and experience in a fixed order with a signed declaration. A resume is a shorter, skills-first document for private-sector jobs.
Should I put a photo on a job bio-data?
Usually yes: a recent passport-size photo at the top right, unless the advertisement says otherwise.
How long should a bio-data be?
One page for most freshers, two pages at most for experienced applicants.
More guides: ATS-friendly resume · Fresher resume format · Spot a fake job offer