When you're just starting out, your degree is often the most substantial thing on your resume
For freshers, the education section often carries more weight than work experience. That’s why it needs to be crystal clear, keyword-friendly, and easy for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to parse.
What is the Purpose of the Education Section in a Resume?
Helps ATS match qualifications with job requirements
Highlights any specialization or relevant coursework
Provides context about your academic strengths (GPA, honors, etc.)
For freshers, the education section often carries more weight than work experience. That’s why it needs to be crystal clear, keyword-friendly, and easy for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to parse.
Where Should the Education Section Go?
If you're a fresher or recent graduate: 👉 Place the Education section above Work Experience (or right after your objective/summary).
If you have 1+ years of experience: 👉 It’s okay to move Education below Work Experience.
What to Include in the Education Section
Here’s what you should definitely add:
Degree Name (e.g., Bachelor of Technology, B.Com, BA)
Specialization (e.g., in Computer Science, Marketing, etc.)
University/College Name
Location (City, State)
Graduation Year (or Expected Year)
CGPA or Percentage (Optional but recommended if above average)
Relevant Courses, Honors, or Projects (Optional but helpful)
How to Format Your Education Section (ATS-Friendly Layout)
Stick to a clean and minimal format. Here’s an ideal structure:
Format 1 – Simple Chronological
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science
VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
August 2021 – June 2025 | CGPA: 8.6/10
Format 2 – With Relevant Details
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Accounting & Finance
Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce, Pune
Expected Graduation: May 2025 | CGPA: 9.1/10
Relevant Coursework: Financial Management, Cost Accounting, Business La
Format 3 – With Project/Thesis
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Savitribai Phule Pune University
Graduated: May 2024 | Percentage: 77%
Thesis: “Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health”
Note:
Use bold to highlight degree or university (optional).
No tables or graphics! ATS bots hate those.
Avoid columns or side-by-side layouts unless applying directly to a human.
Education Section Examples for Freshers
Example: Engineering Fresher
Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), Mechanical Engineering
Pune Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pune
Graduation: July 2025 | CGPA: 8.3/10
Core Courses: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Machine Design
Example: MBA Fresher (with Prior Degree)
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Marketing
MIT-WPU, Pune | 2023–2025
CGPA: 8.9/10
Bachelor of Commerce, Fergusson College, Pune | 2020–2023 | CGPA: 8.6
When you're just starting out, your degree is often the most substantial thing on your resume
Example: B.Sc Fresher with Certification
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
SPPU – Modern College, Shivajinagar, Pune
Graduation: April 2025 | Percentage: 78%
Completed Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera, 2024)
Should You Include GPA or Not?
Include if:
CGPA is 7.5/10 or higher
The employer mentions “academic excellence”
You’re applying to consulting, finance, or analyst roles
Don’t include if:
Your GPA is low
The employer didn’t ask and your skills are more important
When you're just starting out, your degree is often the most substantial thing on your resume
For freshers, the education section often carries more weight than work experience. That’s why it needs to be crystal clear, keyword-friendly, and easy for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to parse.
Should You Add Certifications Under Education?
Why the Education Section Matters for Freshers
When you're just starting out, your degree is often the most substantial thing on your resume
For freshers, the education section often carries more weight than work experience. That’s why it needs to be crystal clear, keyword-friendly, and easy for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to parse.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Why the Education Section Matters for Freshers
When you're just starting out, your degree is often the most substantial thing on your resume
For freshers, the education section often carries more weight than work experience. That’s why it needs to be crystal clear, keyword-friendly, and easy for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to parse.
Quick Tips to Make It Stand Out
Why the Education Section Matters for Freshers
When you're just starting out, your degree is often the most substantial thing on your resume
For freshers, the education section often carries more weight than work experience. That’s why it needs to be crystal clear, keyword-friendly, and easy for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to parse.