@user17553787901 while I agree with my colleague @AmeliesUncle that standard deduction is implied in computation of federal taxes withheld ( don't forget the case where for MFS filing one spouse may end up with having to use itemized deduction but of < standard ), --- the tax table used allows for filing status generally. What I mean is that the employer does not specifically deduct an amount ( because you were talking about excluding an amount ). In your case , as you have earlier mentioned and I have copied ( in one of my earlier posts) US-India tax treaty article about Indian students being treated same as US Domestic students ( i.e. for deductions / credits ), standard deduction is available to you ( unlike most international students filing 1040-NR ).
I don't know how to help you any more ( since you are still stuck between exemption and standard deduction) ---- deduction ( standard or itemized ) for your filing status is included/shown on your return.
