Structure & Rules of an Official Office Order
In Central and State Government secretariats, public sector undertakings, and corporate establishments, an Office Order (कार्यालय आदेश) is the authoritative instrument used to regulate personnel administration.
Unlike a conversational business letter, an Office Order is written in the third person (passive voice) and opens directly with the operative decision (e.g. "Sanction of the Competent Authority is hereby conveyed for..."). It does not include formal salutations ("Sir/Madam") or conversational closings ("Yours faithfully"), concluding instead with the issuing authority's designation and an endorsement block.
Anatomy of a Compliant Office Order
Header & File Number
Issuing Ministry/Department header with specific order serial number.
Bold Center Title
Prominent 'OFFICE ORDER' / 'कार्यालय आदेश' title centered on the page.
Direct Operative Text
No salutation; starts immediately with the sanction or transfer order.
Competent Authority Citation
Mentions prior approval from the Secretary, Director, or Board.
Issuing Officer Block
Signature, Name, Designation, and official phone/email of the officer.
Endorsement Block (पृष्ठांकन)
Numbered list of internal and external departments receiving copies.
Standard Office Order Sample
भारत सरकार / GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
कार्मिक एवं प्रशिक्षण विभाग / DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING
North Block, New Delhi - 110001
1. Consequent upon the recommendations of the Departmental Screening Committee, the Competent Authority is pleased to order the transfer and posting of Shri Amit Kumar, Section Officer (Emp ID: 4920), from Vigilance Division to Administration Division with immediate effect.
2. The officer shall report to the Under Secretary (Admin) on or before 28th September 2026 (Forenoon).
[S. K. Mukherjee]
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel: 011-23092000
Copy forwarded for information and necessary action to:
- Officer concerned.
- Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), Administration Division.
- Pay & Accounts Office (PAO), North Block.
- Personal File / Guard File.