How to Write a CV/Resume for Government Job Applications in India
Government jobs in India are highly competitive but also highly rewarding. Whether you're applying to UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, or state government positions, your CV format matters. Government recruiters follow strict formatting guidelines, and any deviation can cost you marks or result in rejection. This guide covers the exact format, structure, and requirements for government job applications in India.
India has millions of government job vacancies annually across various departments, banks, and PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings). Popular government exam categories include UPSC (IAS, IPS, IFS), SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS), IBPS (Bank PO, Clerk), Railways, Defense (AFCAT, NDA), and State-level exams (UPPSC, MPSC, TPSC). Each has specific CV format requirements, but they all follow a standardized government format.
Government job CVs follow a strict, traditional format. Deviations can result in rejection at the screening stage. Here's the exact structure:
Name (in capitals), Date of Birth, Father's Name, Category (General/SC/ST/OBC), Domicile, Gender, Mobile Number, Email Address
Note: This is mandatory and must appear before anything else.
A 3-4 line summary of your career goals. Example: 'To obtain a position in government service where I can utilize my skills and contribute to nation-building.'
Note: Optional but recommended. Keep it concise and government-focused.
List education in reverse chronological order (latest first). Include: Degree, Subject, University/College, Year of Passing, Division/Grade, Percentage.
Note: Government jobs value academic credentials. Include all degrees from 10th standard onwards.
Job Title, Organization, Duration, Key responsibilities, and achievements. Use bullet points sparingly.
Note: Not all candidates have this section. Include only if you have relevant government or semi-government experience.
List all languages (with proficiency level: Native, Fluent, Working Knowledge). Technical skills if relevant (e.g., MS Office, Data Analysis).
Note: Language skills are crucial for government jobs, especially state-level positions.
Any national/state-level awards, scholarships, or honors received.
Note: Government sectors value recognition and achievements.
Sports, clubs, social work, volunteer activities, hobbies.
Note: Shows you're a well-rounded person. Government sectors value social commitment.
Usually 2-3 references: Name, Designation, Organization, Contact Number. Often kept blank with 'Available on Request.'
Note: For some government exams, references are not required.
Most government job CVs require a photograph. Here are the specifications:
Here's how to layout your government job CV:
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: Raj Kumar Singh
Date of Birth: 15th January, 1998
Father's Name: Ramesh Singh
Category: General
Domicile: Uttar Pradesh
Gender: Male
Mobile: +91 98765 43210
Email: rajsingh@email.com
CAREER OBJECTIVE
To secure a challenging position in government service where I can contribute my skills towards nation-building and serve the society with dedication and integrity.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Degree | Subject | University/College | Year | Division | %
M.A. | Political Science | Delhi University | 2023 | First | 72%
B.A. | Political Science, Economics, History | Delhi University | 2021 | First | 75%
12th | Science | ABC Senior School, Delhi | 2019 | First | 85%
10th | General | ABC Senior School, Delhi | 2017 | First | 92%
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Position: Research Intern
Organization: Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Duration: June 2022 – August 2022
Key Responsibilities:
• Conducted research on policy analysis
• Supported senior researchers in fact-finding
• Prepared briefs on governance issues
LANGUAGES KNOWN
Hindi – Native
English – Fluent
Sanskrit – Working Knowledge
TECHNICAL SKILLS
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Google Workspace
Data Analysis basics
AWARDS AND HONORS
• National Merit Scholarship (2021-2023)
• State-level Debate Champion (2019)
• Best Student Award, Delhi University (2022)
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
• Member, Debating Club (Delhi University)
• Volunteer, NGO XYZ (2020-2021) — Taught underprivileged children
• Sports: Cricket, Badminton
• Interests: Reading, Social Policy, Current Affairs
REFERENCES
Available on Request
For online applications (UPSC, SSC online portals), don't attach a photo unless specifically asked. Photo guidelines come later in the document upload section.
Keep CV plain and simple. Black text on white background. No colors, logos, or fancy graphics.
Aim for 1-1.5 pages maximum. Government recruiters expect conciseness and clarity. No lengthy narratives.
UPSC and some other exams ask for 'Personal Information' directly without career objectives. Check the specific notification.
Unlike private sector CVs, government applications always require Father's Name for identity verification.
Your SC/ST/OBC/General category must be mentioned. This is important for merit list preparation.
Include your domicile and permanent address. Government jobs often have domicile preferences.
Unlike private sector, government exams scrutinize academic percentages. Include them prominently.
List education and experience from latest to oldest. This is the standard government format.
Never mention salary expectations in government CVs. It's irrelevant and unprofessional.
UPSC has a standard format specified in their detailed notification. They require 'Personal Information' at top, followed by education, experience, languages, and optional interests. Photo is required for final stage (personality test). No category declaration needed in initial CV.
SSC exams don't typically ask for CV in initial stages (multiple-choice test). CV is needed for document verification after selection. Format: Personal info → Education → Experience → Languages → Additional information.
Bank PO and Clerk exams require CV after clearing written exam. Format: Personal details → Photograph → Educational qualifications → Work experience → Languages → Achievements. Photo (4x6 cm, color, passport style) is mandatory.
Defense recruitment has strict formatting. CV is compiled from application form itself. Photograph (5x7 cm) and signature (8x4 cm) are required in specific positions.
Each state has its own format. Generally follow: Personal info → Photo → Education → Experience → Languages → Interests. Check state-specific notification for exact format. Domicile certificate required.
"To secure a position in government service where I can contribute my skills and knowledge towards nation-building while serving the citizens with dedication, honesty, and integrity."
"Seeking a challenging and dynamic role to showcase my skills and grow professionally in a competitive environment."
"Worked as Assistant at District Administration, Lucknow (June 2021 – Present). Assisted in policy implementation, document verification, and citizen grievance resolution. Maintained records and files as per government protocols."
"I was responsible for several tasks and contributed significantly to the team's success while working at various organizations."
Create your government-format CV now using our government-specific template. We've built in all the requirements and formatting that government recruiters expect.