Indian Resume Format (2026): For Freshers and Experienced Candidates
In India both resume and CV are used. Modern Indian resumes are one to two pages and look much like international ones. Recruiters (and portals like Naukri) always ask about notice period and CTC, so be ready with both.
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India resume format at a glance
| Name | Resume / CV |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 page for freshers, up to 2 pages with experience |
| Paper | A4 |
| Photo | Optional; not needed for multinationals and IT companies |
| Personal details | DOB, marital status, father's name and "Declaration" are outdated; leave them out unless asked |
| Address | City (and state) |
| Spelling | British-based Indian English |
| Dates | Mon Year – Mon Year |
| Notice period | Often included in the header or summary |
Section order
- Header: Name, +91 phone, email, city, LinkedIn; notice period.
- Professional summary: 2–3 lines with title, years and top result.
- Key skills: Tools and skills from the job description.
- Work experience: Reverse-chronological with results.
- Education: Degree, college, university, year, CGPA/percentage for freshers.
- Projects & internships: Important for freshers and tech roles.
- Certifications: NPTEL, AWS, Google, etc.
Header example
+91 98765 43210 · rahul.verma@email.com · Pune, Maharashtra · linkedin.com/in/rahulverma
Notice period: 30 days (negotiable)
Include
- Notice period
- Results with numbers (₹, %, volumes)
- CGPA/percentage and projects for freshers
- Certifications relevant to the role
Leave out
- "Declaration: I hereby declare…"
- Father's name, religion, caste
- Date of birth and marital status (unless an employer form asks)
- Aadhaar or PAN numbers
- Long career objectives
Work rights and visa status
For roles abroad, add your relocation intent and passport readiness in one line (without the passport number). Within India, state whether you are open to relocate.
Cover letters
Cover letters are less common for portal applications but useful for direct emails, startups and roles abroad. Try the free cover letter generator.
Where to find jobs
- Naukri
- Indeed India
- foundit
- Instahire / Apna (entry-level)
- company career pages
Common mistakes
- A three-page resume with a declaration and personal details.
- Objective statements instead of a summary of results.
- Not tailoring skills to each job description.
- Listing every school mark for experienced roles.
Check your resume before you apply
Pick India in the free ATS checker to test length, spelling, personal details and keywords against a real job ad, or use Job Match for bullet rewrites and a cover note.
Other countries
FAQ
What is the best resume format for freshers in India?
One page: header, summary, education (with CGPA), projects, internships, skills and certifications. Put projects above education if they are stronger.
Should I add a photo to my resume in India?
It is optional. Most IT companies and multinationals don't need one. If you add one, keep it small and professional.
Is the declaration needed at the end?
No. It is an old convention and takes space. Leave it out unless a specific employer or government form requires it.
Should I mention CTC on my resume?
Usually no. Put current and expected CTC in application forms or tell the recruiter when asked.