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Formal Letter Writing
1/4
Must Do·13/13 papers · 6 years
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Format of a Formal Letter

Formal letters are written to officials, newspapers, companies, or institutions. They follow a strict format and use formal language. NIOS exam allocates 5–8 marks to letter writing — one of the most scoring sections if you know the format.

Key Points

  • 1
    Sender's address (top right): Your address, 3–4 lines, no name
  • 2
    Date (below sender's address): 15 March 2026 or 15/03/2026
  • 3
    Receiver's address (left): Name/Designation, Organisation, Address
  • 4
    Subject line: "Sub: Regarding _____" (one line, underlined)
  • 5
    Salutation: "Sir/Madam," or "Respected Sir/Madam,"
  • 6
    Body: 3 paragraphs — (1) reason for writing, (2) main content/details, (3) request/action expected
  • 7
    "Yours faithfully," (for formal/official) or "Yours sincerely," (if you know the person)
  • 8
    Signature: Your Name

Pro Tip

Remember: "Yours faithfully" = formal/official (you do NOT know them personally). "Yours sincerely" = you addressed them by name ("Dear Mr. Sharma"). In NIOS, most letters use "Yours faithfully".

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