Lost and Found Notice: Format and 8 Solved Samples

A lost and found notice is a short announcement on a notice board about an item that someone has lost or found. A lost notice describes the item clearly (colour, brand, marks), says when and where it was lost and whom to return it to. A found notice gives only a general description, so that the real owner can prove ownership by describing the rest. Both follow the notice format: institution name, NOTICE, date, a title such as “LOST: BLUE SCHOOL BAG”, a body of about 50 words, and the writer’s name and designation.

This guide shows the format, the key differences between lost and found notices, a fill-in version and eight solved samples.

Key Takeaways

• Title it “LOST: (item)” or “FOUND: (item)” in capital letters.
• In a lost notice, give full identifying details, the date, time and place, and a contact.
• In a found notice, hold back key details so that only the owner can claim the item.
• Ask the owner to collect it from a named person or office, with proof of ownership.
• Keep the body close to 50 words and write it inside a box.

Lost and Found Notice Format

Lost Notice vs Found Notice

Why hide details in a found notice?

If a found notice describes everything, anyone could claim the item. Therefore, mention only the type of item and where it was found. The owner then proves ownership by describing the missing details, such as the colour, contents or a name inside.

Write Your Lost and Found Notice

Fill in the fields on the right. The notice updates as you type, so you can check it before writing it in your answer sheet.

8 Solved Samples

Each lost and found notice below stays close to 50 words in the body.

1. Lost: spectacles

2. Found: bunch of keys

3. Lost: bicycle

4. Found: wireless earphones

5. Lost: school ID card

6. Lost: pet cat (society notice)

7. Found: wallet (office notice)

8. Lost: gold earring at a school function

Useful Phrases

Where to Display the Notice

Put the notice where the right people will see it. In schools, use the main notice board and the board near the office. In housing societies, use the lift lobby and the main gate. In offices, send it on the internal email group as well. Moreover, remove the notice once the item is returned, so that the board stays useful.

Common Mistakes

• Vague titles. “LOST” alone does not help; write “LOST: RED BICYCLE”.
• Full details in a found notice. This lets the wrong person claim the item.
• No date, time or place. These help others remember what they saw.
• No contact or collection point. Always name a person or office.
• Missing box. Examiners expect the notice inside a box.

Lost and Found Notice in Exams

A lost and found notice is a common short writing question. In CBSE Class 12, notices carry 4 marks and should be up to 50 words, with 1 mark for format, 2 for content and 1 for accuracy. Lower classes follow similar rules set by the school. Consequently, practise both a lost notice and a found notice before the exam.

Related Guides

Learn the complete layout in our notice writing format guide. For more practice ideas, see notice writing topics, and Class 12 students should read notice writing class 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practise Now

Write one lost notice and one found notice today, each within 50 words, and compare them with the samples above. More writing formats are in our school letters section.