Free editable template
Black book template with title page, certificate, declaration, index, eight chapters with sub-headings, test case table and references.
Black book chapter format
| Chapter | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Preliminary pages | Cover page, title page, certificate, declaration, acknowledgement, abstract, table of contents, list of figures and tables |
| 1. Introduction | Background, problem statement, objectives, scope and limitations, report organisation |
| 2. Literature survey | Existing systems or research, comparison table, gap you are addressing |
| 3. Requirement analysis | Functional and non-functional requirements, hardware and software requirements, feasibility study |
| 4. System design | Architecture or block diagram, DFD, ER diagram, UML diagrams, database design, circuit diagram or drawings |
| 5. Implementation | Technology used, module-wise description, important algorithms or code snippets, screenshots |
| 6. Testing | Test plan, test cases with expected and actual result, bugs found and fixed |
| 7. Results and discussion | Output screens, graphs, performance figures, comparison with objectives |
| 8. Conclusion and future scope | What was achieved, limitations, realistic future enhancements |
| End matter | References in IEEE or APA style, appendices, user manual, plagiarism report, paper publication certificate if any |
Page setup
| Setting | Common requirement |
|---|---|
| Paper | A4, 80 to 100 gsm, printed one side |
| Font | Times New Roman, 12 pt body, 14 pt headings, 16 pt chapter titles |
| Line spacing | 1.5, justified |
| Margins | Left 1.5 inch, right, top and bottom 1 inch |
| Page numbers | Roman for preliminary pages, numerals from Chapter 1 |
| Figures and tables | Numbered chapter-wise with captions |
| References | IEEE style in most engineering colleges |
Binding and cover
- Black hard binding with gold embossing is the default; some universities ask for dark blue, maroon or department-specific colours
- Cover carries the project title, group members with roll numbers, guide's name, department, college, university and academic year
- Spine carries the title, year and group number
- Usually one copy per student plus one each for guide, department and library
How many pages?
Diploma black books are typically 50 to 80 pages, B.E and B.Tech 80 to 150, and PG dissertations 100 to 200. Quality of diagrams, testing and results matters far more than the count.
How to make a black book step by step
- Get your department's template and certificate format
- Freeze the chapter list with your guide
- Write chapters 1 to 3 while the project is being built
- Draw diagrams in draw.io, StarUML or AutoCAD, not as phone photos
- Add screenshots and test cases as each module is finished
- Run a plagiarism check and fix high-similarity sections
- Get a soft copy approved before printing
- Print, bind and collect signatures
Common mistakes
- Literature survey copied from the internet without citations
- Screenshots without captions or explanation
- Testing chapter with only definitions and no actual test cases
- Mismatch between the project demo and what the report describes
- Printing before the guide approves the final draft
FAQs
Why is it called a black book?
Because the final project report is traditionally hard bound in a black cover with golden lettering. The name stuck even where colleges now allow other colours or spiral binding.
What is the black book in a final year project?
It is the complete project report you submit and defend in the final viva. It is a permanent record kept by your department and library.
Is the black book format the same for every university?
The chapter flow is broadly the same, but fonts, margins, certificate wording, cover colour and reference style differ. Always follow your department's template.
How much does black book printing and binding cost?
Hard binding with embossing usually costs ₹250 to ₹600 per copy depending on the city and page count, plus printing. Project Buddyy provides the soft copy; printing and courier are at actual cost if you want us to arrange it.
Can Project Buddyy write my black book?
We prepare a black book around your own project in your college format, with diagrams, testing and screenshots, and explain it so you can answer questions on it. The soft copy starts at ₹999.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-11. Always follow the format your own department gives you.