In job application class 12 English Core (CBSE), you write a formal letter of application in 120 to 150 words along with a detailed bio data, and the current sample paper marks it out of 5: format 1, organisation of ideas 1, content 2, and accuracy of spelling and grammar 1. It appears in the creative writing section as a choice with the letter to the editor, so you answer one of the two.
These numbers come from the CBSE sample question paper and marking scheme for English Core published on cbseacademic.nic.in. CBSE can change the pattern, so open the current sample paper before your exam and follow its word limit. Below is the exact layout, two solved answers and the slips that lose easy marks.
Quick answers
Where it appears
Section B, Creative Writing Skills, as one choice in the letter question.Word limit
120 to 150 words for the letter, with a detailed bio data, in the current sample paper.Marks
5 in total: format 1, organisation 1, content 2, spelling and grammar 1.Close
The marking scheme asks for Yours sincerely.Bio data
A separate enclosure: personal details, education, experience, references, other details.Source
CBSE English Core sample paper and marking scheme on cbseacademic.nic.in.
What CBSE asks for in the job application class 12 question
The current English Core sample paper gives a short situation: you are a named person at a given address, you saw an advertisement for a post, and you have some interest or experience. You then write a letter of application in 120 to 150 words along with a detailed bio data. The same question offers a letter to the editor as the other choice.
The marking scheme lists the value points examiners look for in the covering letter:
- A reference to the advertisement (where and when you saw it, and the post).
- Your suitability for the position as advertised.
- A line submitting your application.
- Bio data as a separate enclosure.
Marking scheme in a table
| Criterion | Marks | What earns the mark |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 1 | Sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, close (Yours sincerely), signature and name |
| Organisation of ideas | 1 | Clear paragraphs in a sensible order, each with one job |
| Content | 2 | Reference to the advertisement, suitability for the post, submission of the application, and a bio data with the right headings |
| Accuracy of spelling and grammar | 1 | Correct tenses, spellings and punctuation |
| Total | 5 |
In the same paper the creative writing section carries 18 marks and the whole paper 80. Check these against the paper your school uses, because the board updates the pattern from time to time.
Job application format for class 12
Write each block on its own line, all starting at the left margin, unless your teacher prefers the semi block style.
[Sender's address]
[City]
[Date]
[Designation of the receiver]
[Name of the organisation]
[Address]
Subject: Application for the post of [post]
Sir or Madam, or Dear Sir or Madam,
Paragraph 1: the advertisement, its source and the post.
Paragraph 2: why you are suitable, linked to what the advertisement asks for.
Paragraph 3: you are submitting your application and bio data, and are available for an interview.
Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name]
Encl: Bio data
For the general version used outside the exam, compare our job application format page.
Solved answer 1: letter with bio data
Question (our own practice task): You are Kunal, living at 21 Civil Lines, Nagpur. You saw an advertisement in a city daily for a computer operator at Sky Lane Travels, Wardha Road, Nagpur. Write a letter of application in 120 to 150 words along with a detailed bio data.
21 Civil Lines
Nagpur
[Date]
The Manager
Sky Lane Travels
Wardha Road, Nagpur
Subject: Application for the post of computer operator
Dear Sir or Madam,
With reference to your advertisement in a city daily dated [date] for a computer operator, I wish to offer myself as a candidate for the post.
I have passed class 12 with computer science and completed a six month course in office software and typing at a speed of forty words per minute. I am comfortable with email, spreadsheets and booking records, and I have helped at my father's office in billing during holidays. I am punctual, polite with clients and willing to work in shifts.
I am enclosing my bio data for your consideration. I would be grateful for a chance to meet you for an interview at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Kunal
Encl: Bio data
The letter body above is about 130 words. The bio data follows as the enclosure:
Bio data
Name: Kunal
Father's name: [Name]
Date of birth: [Date]
Address: 21 Civil Lines, Nagpur
Contact: [Phone], [Email]
Educational qualifications: Class 12 (Science with computer science), [School], [percentage]. Class 10, [School], [percentage].
Other qualifications: Six month certificate in office software; typing speed forty words per minute.
Work experience: Holiday billing work at a family office.
Languages known: English, Hindi, Marathi
Hobbies: Chess, reading
References: 1. [Name], Principal, [School], [Phone]. 2. [Name], Course Instructor, [Institute], [Phone].
Solved answer 2: a hotel trainee post
Practice task: You are Neha of 7 Lake Road, Bhopal. A hotel in Bhopal wants trainee front desk staff who can speak English and Hindi. Apply in 120 to 150 words.
7 Lake Road
Bhopal
[Date]
The Human Resources Manager
[Hotel name]
[Address], Bhopal
Subject: Application for the post of front desk trainee
Dear Sir or Madam,
This is in response to your notice in a local newspaper of [date] inviting applications for front desk trainees. I would like to be considered.
I recently passed class 12 in the humanities stream and I speak English and Hindi fluently. As head girl of my school, I welcomed guests at events, handled the visitors' register and managed queries from parents. These tasks taught me patience and good manners, which a hotel front desk needs every day. I am also learning basic computer skills.
I enclose my bio data and request an opportunity for a personal interview.
Yours sincerely,
Neha
Encl: Bio data
Write the bio data in the same heading style as in answer 1, but with Neha's details.
Mistakes that cost marks
Do
- Use the exact name, address and post from the question.
- Open with the source of the advertisement.
- Write Yours sincerely, as the marking scheme asks.
- Give the bio data clear headings on separate lines.
- Count your words once and stay inside the limit.
Do not
- Invent a different post or employer.
- Write your real home address or phone number.
- Leave out the subject line or the date.
- Squeeze the bio data into one paragraph.
- Write 250 words to show effort. Extra length does not earn content marks.
Questions and answers for practice
Practise with tasks like these. Each one tests the same format with a different post.
- You saw an advertisement for a lab assistant at a diagnostic centre. Write a letter of application with bio data.
- A software firm needs a data entry operator who can work evenings. Apply for the post.
- A sports academy needs a junior coach for under 12 cricket. Apply, mentioning your school team experience.
- A school needs a librarian's assistant for the summer. Apply with your bio data.
Your teacher can mark them against the four criteria in the table above. For real jobs after school, see job application letter for longer samples and job application email for applying by email.
Where to find the official sample paper
Go to cbseacademic.nic.in, open the sample question papers section, choose class XII and then English Core. Download both the sample question paper and the marking scheme, because the marking scheme shows the value points and the complimentary close examiners expect. Board circulars and results are on cbse.gov.in. This site is not connected with CBSE.
Planning a first real job after the exam? Our page on finding and applying for work walks you through it.
Questions people ask
What is the word limit for the job application in class 12?
The current CBSE English Core sample paper asks for the letter of application in 120 to 150 words along with a detailed bio data. Always check the sample paper for your exam session, as patterns change.
How many marks is the job application letter class 12?
It carries 5 marks in the current sample paper: 1 for format, 1 for organisation of ideas, 2 for content and 1 for accuracy of spelling and grammar.
Should I write Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely in the class 12 job application?
The current CBSE marking scheme notes Yours sincerely as the close for the job application. Use that in the board exam even if you start with Sir or Madam.
Is the bio data counted in the 120 to 150 words?
The question asks for the letter in 120 to 150 words along with a detailed bio data, and the marking scheme treats the bio data as a separate enclosure. Ask your teacher how your school counts words in practice tests.
What headings go in the class 12 bio data?
The marking scheme lists personal details, educational qualifications, work experience if relevant, references and any other relevant information. Many students also add languages known and hobbies.
Where can I get a job application class 12 PDF?
Download the official sample paper and marking scheme as PDF files from cbseacademic.nic.in. To save your own answer as a PDF, type it, open the print dialog and choose save as PDF.