What are the parts of a formal letter in complete block format, and how is it laid out?

In one line

In complete (full) block format every part of the letter starts at the left margin with no indentation, and the parts appear in a fixed order from the sender's address to enclosures.

Explained simply

Think of the complete block format as a neat left-aligned document where everything lines up on one edge. It looks clean, is easy to type, and is the standard style for formal letters in the MU syllabus.

Technically, a formal letter in complete block format aligns all elements flush left, separates parts and paragraphs with a blank line, and usually uses open punctuation (no commas after the salutation or complimentary close, no full stops after address lines).

How it works

1. Sender's address / letterhead: organisation's name and address (no sender's name here).
2. Date: written in full, e.g. 15 November 2026.
3. Reference number (optional): Ref: ABC/Admin/2026/45.
4. Inside address: receiver's designation (and name), organisation and address.
5. Attention line (optional): Kind Attention: The HR Manager.
6. Salutation: Dear Sir or Madam / Dear Ms Rao.
7. Subject line: Subject: Request for permission for an industrial visit.
8. Body: opening paragraph (purpose), middle paragraph(s) (details), closing paragraph (action expected, courtesy).
9. Complimentary close: Yours faithfully (with Dear Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (when the reader is addressed by name).
10. Signature block: signature, full name, designation.
11. Enclosures (Encl.) and cc (copy to), if any.

Quick example

ABC College of Engineering, Sector 5, Navi Mumbai 400706 / 15 November 2026 / The Plant Manager, XYZ Engineering Ltd, MIDC Taloja 410208 / Dear Sir or Madam / Subject: Request for permission for an industrial visit / [three body paragraphs] / Yours faithfully / (Signature) / Prof. A. B. Deshmukh, Industrial Visit Coordinator / Encl.: List of students. In the real letter, each item (shown here separated by slashes) is on its own line(s) at the left margin, with a blank line between parts.

Common mistakes

• Indenting paragraphs or placing the date and close on the right; that is modified block or semi-block style, not complete block.
• Mismatching salutation and close ('Dear Mr Shah ... Yours faithfully').
• Forgetting the subject line or putting the sender's name at the top instead of in the signature block.

How MU asks it

Typical forms: 'Draw the layout of a formal letter in complete block format and explain its parts' (5 to 6 marks), and the format is checked in every letter-writing question. Draw the labelled layout with all parts at the left margin, then explain each part in one line. Mention open punctuation and the faithfully/sincerely rule.