DRAFT is the first systematic form of correspondence prepared to tackle official work in Government offices or in non-Government organizations.

      We are all aware that each and every work and correspondence which takes place in an office or information, order or decisions obtained from an authority whenever a file is moved has to be conveyed to the concerned person / section / party. For this purpose a rough letter is prepared by the concerned clerk in the light of previous orders or decisions which has to be got approved or checked by the officials. This rough Draft or first Draft which is then finalized and sent to the officers to get their considered opinion and signature, is known as final or fair Draft. This whole process is known as Drafting / letter Drafting / Draft writing and so on. This is the first step of any official correspondence. In other words, drafting is the raw form one party to the other. In a way it takes place after a formal nothing and before an order or notice or circular is issued.

      Drafting is not necessary in a routine official procedure and a fair draft can be sent directly to the competent officer when the actions or receipt file in conventional or clear or noting or action is sent to the higher officer for permission.

• A Draft should be clear and complete in itself.
• It should be written briefly. If it is a lengthy and a complex one, then a brief summary or an abstract is necessary.
• The ideas should be kept serially.
• Avoid long sentences.
• Don't exaggerate anything and be factual.
• Reference of a previous letter is a must such as: serial number, letters / file number, date, place, etc.
• Subject should be given in a verbless sentence.
• All the drafts of same file should be numbered.
• A Draft should make it clear as to how many enclosures are attached with the letter. The "Enclosure number" is given at the end of a letter.
• The officer who is sending the letter should mention his Name, Designation and Telephone number.
• While a Draft is written or typed, a considerable space should be given on both sides and as well as between the lines, so that necessary words or a few sentences can be inserted if necessary
• Important and necessary "flags" should be attached with the Draft as "URGENT", "TODAY", or "PREFERENCE" etc.
• Lastly, the Draft should be approved and signed.