NRI will format India

The format of an NRI will for Indian assets

There is no prescribed statutory form for an Indian will, but a settled structure has emerged over decades of practice. Following it makes the document easy for registrars, banks and courts to work with — and hard to misread.

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The clauses, in order

1. Heading and identification

Title the document 'Last Will and Testament', then give your full name, date of birth, occupation, your current address abroad and your permanent Indian address, plus passport or OCI details.

2. Declaration and revocation

State that you are of sound mind, making the will voluntarily and free of coercion, and that this will revokes all earlier wills and codicils relating to your Indian assets.

3. Family details

Name your spouse and children with their relationship to you. This establishes context for the bequests and heads off claims that an heir was overlooked by mistake.

4. Executor appointment

Appoint an executor and an alternate, giving each person's full name, relationship and address. Empower them to collect assets, pay debts and complete mutation and bank formalities.

5. Specific bequests

One clause per asset: immovable property with full description, bank accounts by bank and branch, demat and mutual-fund holdings by folio, insurance by policy number — each with named beneficiaries and percentage shares totalling 100%.

6. Residuary, guardian and attestation

A residuary clause sweeps up anything not listed. Add guardian provisions if you have minor children. Close with the attestation clause, your signature and dated signatures of two witnesses with their addresses.

Format details people commonly get wrong

No stamp paper needed — plain paper is correct
Sign every page, not only the last one
Two witnesses present together, both signing
Never use a beneficiary as a witness
Date the will clearly, in full
Include a residuary clause
State full or partial ownership for each asset
Ensure all shares add up to 100%

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Answer a guided questionnaire and we assemble every clause above in the standard Indian format, in Word and PDF.

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Common questions

Is there an official will format prescribed in India?: No statutory form exists. What matters is that the will is in writing, signed by you and attested by two witnesses. The conventional structure above simply makes it clear and easy to act on.
Should the will be typed or handwritten?: Either is valid. A typed will is easier to read and less likely to be misinterpreted, which is why it is the usual choice.
Does the will need to be on stamp paper?: No. Wills attract no stamp duty in India, so plain paper is entirely correct.
What language should I use?: Any language you are comfortable with. English is standard and universally accepted by Indian courts, banks and registrars.