Memorandum
1. What a Memorandum (Memo) Is
Memorandum (memo) = brief, formal internal written communication within an organization (between departments, colleagues) for information, request, or record. More direct and concise than letter, less formal than report, but still structured.
Memos are internal (within organization); letters are external (outside).
2. Format of Memo (exam expects 6 parts — memorize header)
MEMORANDUM
To: [Recipient Name, Designation]
From: [Sender Name, Designation]
Date: [15 Oct 2026]
Subject: [Concise subject line]
Body: (1-2 paras, direct, purpose in first sentence, details, action required)
Signature / Initials
Enclosure / CC (if any)
No salutation (Dear Sir) or close (Yours faithfully) — just header.
3. Characteristics
- Concise: one page, to the point (unlike report).
- Objective: factual.
- Informal vs formal: less formal than letter but still professional.
- Record: filed as evidence of decision/communication.
4. Types
- Informative memo: to inform (e.g., change in lab timing).
- Request memo: to ask (e.g., request for equipment).
- Confirming memo: to confirm oral decision in writing.
5. Worked Example
MEMORANDUM
To: All Faculty, CSE Dept
From: HOD, CSE
Date: 15 Oct 2026
Subject: Submission of Lab Manuals
Please submit Lab Manuals for Sem 1 by 20 Oct 2026 to the office. Manuals should include 10 experiments with viva questions.
Sd/- HOD
6. Memo vs Letter vs Notice (exam distinction)
| Feature | Memo | Letter | Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audience | Internal (within org) | External (outside) | All concerned (display) |
| Formality | Less formal, concise | Formal, detailed | Formal, brief announcement |
| Header | To/From/Date/Subject | Sender, Receiver, Salutation, Close | NOTICE + Date + Signature |
7. Exam Points
- Define memo as internal brief communication — 3-5 marks, frequent.
- Give format (To, From, Date, Subject) — 5 marks, very frequent (almost certain to ask to write a memo).
- Distinguish memo vs letter vs notice — 5 marks, very frequent.
- Write a memo (e.g., to inform about meeting) — 7 marks, very frequent.