Notice writing is a common question in CBSE and state board English exams from Class 6 through Class 12. Unlike a message (which is for one person), a notice is a public announcement displayed on a school notice board. Learning the correct notice writing format and practising with examples helps you score full marks in this section.
After drafting your notice, check it with a free grammar checker to eliminate spelling and punctuation errors.
What Is Notice Writing?
A notice is a formal, brief announcement written to inform a group of people about an event, meeting, competition, holiday, or important instruction. Notices appear on:
- School notice boards
- Club bulletin boards
- Community centres
- Office pin-up boards
In exams, you are usually asked to write a notice as a school secretary, captain, prefect, or event organiser.
Notice Writing Format: Standard Structure
NAME OF INSTITUTION
NOTICE
Date: ___________
[Heading / Title]
[Body — what, when, where, who to contact.
Usually 40–50 words.]
Name
Designation
Required Elements
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution name | School, club, or organisation (centred) |
| "NOTICE" | Centred heading |
| Date | Date of issuing the notice |
| Title/Heading | Brief subject line (often bold or underlined) |
| Body | Essential details: what, when, where, who |
| Signature | Name and designation of the writer |
Notice Writing Format vs Message Writing Format
| Notice | Message |
|---|---|
| Public — for everyone | Private — for one person |
| Displayed on a board | Handed to a specific person |
| Issued by an authority (secretary, captain) | Written by anyone passing information |
| Slightly more formal | Can be formal or informal |
| Word limit: ~50 words | Word limit: ~50 words |
Both formats are tested in CBSE English papers. For message writing, see our CBSE Class 10 message writing guide.
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Notice
Step 1: Identify Your Role
The question tells you who you are — Secretary of Drama Club, School Captain, Sports In-charge. Write from that role.
Step 2: Write the Institution Name and "NOTICE"
Centre both at the top of the box.
Step 3: Add the Date
Use the date given in the question or a reasonable exam date.
Step 4: Write a Clear Heading
One line summarising the subject: "Inter-School Debate Competition" or "Holiday for Diwali."
Step 5: Include All Key Details
Answer: What? When? Where? Who should attend? Whom to contact?
Step 6: Sign With Name and Designation
Example: "Rahul Sharma, Secretary, Cultural Club"
Step 7: Check Grammar and Word Count
Run through a free grammar checker during practice. Stay within 50 words.
Example 1: Event Notice (CBSE Class 10)
Question: You are the Secretary of your school Cultural Club. Write a notice informing students about an inter-school singing competition on 25 June in the school auditorium. Interested students should contact you by 18 June.
Answer:
GREENFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
Date: 9 June 2026
Inter-School Singing Competition
All students are invited to participate in the
inter-school singing competition on 25 June in
the school auditorium. Interested students must
register with the undersigned by 18 June.
Priya Nair
Secretary, Cultural Club
Example 2: Meeting Notice
Question: You are the Head Boy of your school. Write a notice for a meeting of all class monitors on 12 June at 2 PM in the conference room to discuss the upcoming Annual Day programme.
Answer:
GREENFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
Date: 9 June 2026
Meeting of Class Monitors
All class monitors are requested to attend a
meeting on 12 June at 2 PM in the conference
room to discuss preparations for the Annual
Day programme. Attendance is compulsory.
Arjun Mehta
Head Boy
Example 3: Lost and Found Notice
Question: You lost your water bottle in the school playground during lunch break on 8 June. Write a notice for the school notice board.
Answer:
GREENFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
Date: 9 June 2026
Lost: Water Bottle
A blue Milton water bottle with a "Spider-Man"
sticker was lost in the school playground during
lunch break on 8 June. The finder is requested
to hand it over to the undersigned.
Karan Singh
Class X-A
Example 4: Holiday Notice
Question: You are the school office clerk. Write a notice informing students and staff that the school will remain closed on 15 June for a public holiday.
Answer:
GREENFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
Date: 9 June 2026
School Holiday
This is to inform all students and staff that
the school will remain closed on 15 June on
account of a public holiday. Regular classes
will resume on 16 June.
Office Clerk
Notice Writing Tips for School Exams
- Use a box — Draw a rectangular box around your notice in the answer sheet.
- Centre the institution name and "NOTICE" — Format marks depend on this.
- Keep the body factual — No flowery language; include only exam-relevant details.
- Do not exceed 50 words in the body — Practise counting.
- Use present or future tense — "The competition will be held on…"
- Include a contact or action — "Contact the undersigned," "Register by…"
- Check grammar — A free grammar checker catches errors you miss.
Common Mistakes in Notice Writing
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Writing "Dear Students" (letter style) | Notices do not use salutations |
| Missing institution name | Always include the school/club name |
| Forgetting designation | Sign with role: Secretary, Captain, etc. |
| Too many unnecessary details | Stick to what the question asks |
| Wrong format (paragraph without box) | Use the standard boxed layout |
| Spelling errors in key words | Check with a free grammar checker |
Notice Writing Topics for Practice
Write 50-word notices for these situations:
- Annual sports day on 30 June — all students to attend opening ceremony at 8 AM
- Science exhibition on 5 July — participants to submit models by 1 July
- Tree plantation drive on 10 July at 9 AM in the school garden
- Lost: a black geometry box in Room 12 on 7 June
- Parent-teacher meeting on 20 June from 10 AM to 1 PM
Notice Writing Marking Scheme (CBSE)
| Area | Marks | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 2 | Institution, NOTICE, date, signature |
| Content | 3 | All question details present |
| Expression | 2 | Clear, concise, grammatically correct |
Full marks require perfect format and zero missed details from the question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the word limit for notice writing in school exams?
The body is typically 40–50 words. Including the heading and signature block, the total notice is slightly longer.
What is the correct notice writing format for CBSE?
Institution name (centred), NOTICE (centred), date, heading, body (50 words), name and designation. Use a box around the entire notice.
What is the difference between a notice and an advertisement?
A notice informs about events or instructions. An advertisement promotes a product or service. Notices are more formal and factual.
Can I write a notice without a box?
In CBSE exams, the boxed format is expected for full format marks.
How do I improve my notice writing?
Practise one notice daily, compare with sample answers, and check grammar with a free grammar checker.
Conclusion
The notice writing format for school exams is simple once you learn the structure: institution name, NOTICE, date, heading, body, and signature inside a box. Practice with the examples above, avoid common mistakes, and verify your grammar with a free grammar checker.
For related exam writing formats, read our guides on message writing for CBSE Class 10 and grammar tips for CBSE students.