Key takeaways
- Run this checklist one week before submission—not on submission day.
- Formatting errors cause mark deductions even when content is strong.
- Print one test copy before binding all required copies.
Use this comprehensive checklist to verify your project report meets university formatting standards before submission. Tick every item against your institution's specific guidelines—adjust where your university differs.
Front matter checklist
- Title page with all required fields (title, name, roll number, guide, department, year).
- Bonafide certificate with guide and HOD signatures.
- Declaration of originality signed and dated.
- Acknowledgements page present.
- Abstract within word limit with keywords listed.
- Table of contents with correct page numbers.
- List of figures with figure numbers, titles, and page numbers.
- List of tables with table numbers, titles, and page numbers.
Body formatting checklist
- Font: Times New Roman 12pt (or as specified) throughout body text.
- Line spacing: 1.5 for body, single for footnotes and long quotes.
- Margins: 2.54 cm all sides (or as specified).
- Chapter headings: consistent style, new page for each chapter.
- Page numbers: Roman for front matter, Arabic from Chapter 1.
- All figures and tables numbered, captioned, and cross-referenced in text.
- No widows or orphans at page breaks.
References and back matter checklist
- Reference list in required citation style (APA/IEEE/MLA).
- Every in-text citation has a matching reference entry.
- Every reference entry is cited at least once in the text.
- Appendices labelled A, B, C with descriptive titles.
- All appendices referenced in the main text.
Pre-submission final checks
- Plagiarism/similarity check completed and score within acceptable range.
- Guide approval obtained on near-final draft.
- Correct number of copies prepared.
- Binding type and cover colour match department requirements.
- Spine lettering includes title, name, and year.
- Digital copy submitted to portal if required.