Will Format in India: A Free Sample Will Template

There is no single legally-mandated "form" for a Will in India, but a good Will follows a clear, conventional structure. Getting that structure right — and executing it correctly — is what makes it valid and hard to challenge. Here is the format, clause by clause, followed by a sample template.

The structure of a valid Will

• Declaration — your name, age, address and a statement that you are of sound mind, acting freely, and that this revokes all earlier Wills.
• Executor — the person you appoint to carry out your wishes (and a backup).
• Beneficiaries & distribution — who inherits what, ideally by percentage share.
• Guardian — for any minor children.
• Special clauses — specific gifts, charitable bequests, residue clause.
• Attestation — your signature, plus two witnesses who are not beneficiaries.

Free sample Will template

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

I, [Full Name], aged [Age] years, son/daughter/wife of [Name], residing at [Address], holding PAN [PAN], being of sound mind and acting of my own free will and without any coercion, declare this to be my last Will and testament, and I revoke all earlier Wills and codicils.

1. Executor. I appoint [Executor Name] as the executor of this Will, and [Backup Name] as alternate executor.

2. Distribution. I bequeath my assets as follows: [Asset] to [Beneficiary] (100%); [Asset] to [Beneficiary A] (50%) and [Beneficiary B] (50%).

3. Guardian. Should any of my children be minors at my death, I appoint [Guardian Name] as their guardian.

4. Residue. Any assets not specifically mentioned shall pass to [Beneficiary].

5. Attestation. Signed by me in the presence of the two witnesses below, who signed in my presence and in the presence of each other.

Testator: __________   Date/Place: __________
Witness 1: __________ (name, address)
Witness 2: __________ (name, address)

Making it valid

Print it, sign before two witnesses who are not beneficiaries, and initial every page. Stamp paper is not required and there is no stamp duty. Registration is optional. OnlineWILL's guided builder produces this exact structure for you, filled with your own details.

This article is general information, not legal advice. For complex estates or specific cases, consult a qualified professional.