CV conventions in South Asia

These 8 countries follow broadly the same CV conventions: a photo is common, date of birth is usually included, 2–3 pages, and referees are listed with contact details. The table below shows where individual countries differ.

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At a glance

CV conventions in South Asia
What it is called	Curriculum Vitae
Length	2–3 pages
Paper size	A4
Layout	Single column
Order	Most recent first
Dates	Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023)
Photo	Usually included
Date of birth	Usually included
Nationality	Usually included
Marital status	Usually included
Right to work / visa status	Optional
References	List two or three referees with contact details
Explain gaps longer than	6 months
At the end	A signed declaration

Tips

A personal details block (date of birth, nationality, languages) is common.
A declaration with place and date at the end is customary.
Freshers lead with education, academic projects and internships.
Multinationals increasingly prefer the international style without personal details.

Countries in this group

Country	Called	Usual language	Paper	Local differences
Afghanistan	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4
Bangladesh	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4
Bhutan	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4
India	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4	India: multinationals and most private employers don’t expect a photo; government and some local employers still ask for one.
Maldives	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4
Nepal	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4
Pakistan	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4
Sri Lanka	Curriculum Vitae	English	A4

Other regions

Guidance checked October 2026. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.