BOQ Template — Free Download for Indian Builders

What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?

A Bill of Quantities is the spine of every Indian construction project. It's a line-by-line list of every measurable item of work — earthwork, PCC, RCC, brickwork, plaster, flooring, painting, MEP — with the unit (cum, sqm, kg, rmt, no.), the quantity computed from drawings, the rate quoted by the contractor, and the amount. Tenders are floated against a BOQ. RA bills are paid against a BOQ. Variations are negotiated against a BOQ. If two builders argue in court, the BOQ is the document the judge asks to see first.

In the Indian context, BOQs follow the CPWD format or the ISI standard, with item rates often referenced from CPWD DSR (Delhi Schedule of Rates) or state PWD schedules. Most private builders use a hybrid — DSR for civil items, vendor quotations for finishes and MEP. A good BOQ is detailed enough that two contractors quoting on it produce comparable numbers.

When is a BOQ used?

Five places: (1) tendering — to invite contractor bids, (2) contract signing — schedule of items and rates is part of the agreement, (3) RA bill processing — work-done % against each BOQ item determines payment, (4) variations and extras — anything outside the BOQ needs a written variation order, (5) project closure — final bill reconciles BOQ quantities vs actual executed.

Key fields in this BOQ template

• 1. Item code (1.1, 1.2 — chapter-wise)
• 2. Item description (with specs — e.g. "M25 RCC for slabs")
• 3. Unit (cum / sqm / kg / rmt / no. / lump sum)
• 4. Quantity computed from drawings
• 5. Rate (₹) — labour + material + overheads
• 6. Amount (Qty × Rate)
• 7. Section sub-totals (Civil, Finishing, MEP, External)
• 8. Abstract sheet — section-wise summary
• 9. GST 18% (CGST 9% + SGST 9% / IGST 18%)
• 10. Grand total in figures and words
• 11. Specifications / notes column
• 12. Reference drawing number per item

How to fill this BOQ — step by step

1. Break the project into chapters — Earthwork, PCC, RCC, Masonry, Plaster, Flooring, Painting, Doors & Windows, MEP, External works.
2. Compute quantities from drawings — measure from architectural and structural drawings, double-check with an independent estimator.
3. Add specifications — concrete grade, brick class, plaster ratio (1:4, 1:6), flooring type and brand. Vague specs = inflated rates.
4. Get rates — either reference DSR / state PWD schedule, or get 3 vendor quotations and use the median.
5. Add abstract sheet & GST — section-wise sub-total, then 18% GST, then grand total.
6. Get sign-off — owner signs, contractor signs, both keep a copy. Lock the file from edits.

Common mistakes Indian builders make

• Vague item descriptions like "RCC work — lump sum". Always specify grade, location and unit.
• Missing specs. A "1st quality vitrified tile" line costs you ₹40/sqft of difference. Brand and size matters.
• No abstract sheet. Without a section summary, you can't tell where the cost is concentrated.
• GST applied wrong. Composite supply for under-construction units is 5% (residential) or 12% (commercial) — not always 18%. Confirm with your CA.
• No drawing reference. Quantities must trace back to a drawing number. Without it, variations explode.

How Site Setu automates this

Once you upload the BOQ to Site Setu, every RA bill auto-pulls the item, unit, rate and quantity — your engineer just enters work-done %. The system computes amounts, deductions, GST and net payable. Variations are tracked against the master BOQ. Closure becomes a one-click reconciliation. See features · View pricing.