UPSC asks for two uploads: a photograph as a JPG of 20–200 KB on a plain white background, and a signature as a JPG of 20–100 KB — and the signature is the one that surprises people, because UPSC wants three signatures in one image, not one. This guide gives the exact specs, the rules that cause most rejections, and the fastest way to hit each size.
The UPSC signature is three signatures, not one
This is the single most common UPSC upload mistake. The portal's signature field expects you to sign your name three times, stacked one below the other, in black ink on plain white unruled paper, then upload the whole sheet as one JPG. A single signature is rejected. Photograph or scan the three-signature sheet, then fit it to the required size.
UPSC photo requirements
| Upload | File size | Dimensions | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph | 20–200 KB, JPG | square, 350–1000 px (we use 600×600) | Plain white background, face 75%+ of frame, both ears, eyes open, not signed |
| Signature | 20–100 KB, JPG | 350–500 px | Three signatures stacked, black ink, plain white unruled paper |
UPSC's current instructions give the photo's file size and appearance but not a fixed pixel size; older portal guidance accepted roughly 350×350 to 1000×1000 px, so a 600×600 square sits safely inside that. Treat the KB limit, the dimensions and the clarity as separate checks — a photo can be the right shape and still be over 200 KB, and a small file can still be blurred.
The live photo: your upload has to match
Recent UPSC cycles capture a live photograph by webcam or phone (via a QR code) during the application and match it against the photo you upload. A mismatch can block the application, so upload a recent photo that genuinely looks like you now — not an old or heavily edited one. This is why 'just resize an old photo' is risky advice for UPSC specifically.
Why UPSC photos and signatures get rejected
- A single signature instead of three stacked ones — the most common UPSC-specific rejection.
- Signature under 20 KB — a clean scan slips below the floor; export at higher quality instead of scaling the image up.
- Coloured or busy background on the photo — UPSC requires plain white.
- Face too small — it must fill at least 75% of the frame, with both ears visible and eyes open.
- Photo does not match the live capture — use a current photo of yourself.
- Wrong format — a PNG renamed to .jpg is read by its contents and rejected; export a true JPG.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the UPSC photo size?
- A JPG of 20–200 KB on a plain white background, with your face covering at least 75% of the frame, both ears visible and eyes open, and not signed. UPSC gives the file size, not a fixed pixel size; a 600×600 square fits its accepted range.
- What are the UPSC signature requirements?
- Sign your name three times, one below the other, in black ink on plain white unruled paper, and upload all three as a single JPG of 20–100 KB, between 350 and 500 pixels. A single signature is rejected.
- Why is my UPSC signature under 20 KB rejected?
- UPSC enforces a 20 KB minimum as well as the 100 KB maximum. A clean black-on-white signature compresses below 20 KB easily. Re-export at higher quality, or use a tool that lifts the file above 20 KB without changing the dimensions.
- Does the right size guarantee my UPSC photo is accepted?
- No. The size only makes the upload acceptable to the portal. The photo must also be recent, clear, on a white background and match the live photo UPSC captures during the application, or it can still be rejected.
- Is the UPSC photo size the same every year?
- The core spec (20–200 KB JPG, white background) is stable, but UPSC varies figures between notices — the Engineering Services 2027 notice allows up to 300 KB, for instance. Staying under 200 KB passes either. Always check your exam's current notice.
UPSC tools and related guides
- UPSC Photo Resize — 600×600, 20–200 KB, white background.
- UPSC Signature Resize — three signatures, 350–500 px, 20–100 KB.
- Compress Image to 20KB and to 50KB — for a tighter limit on any upload.
- Signature Size for Online Forms — scanning and compressing a signature in depth.
- SSC Signature & Photo Size — the SSC equivalent, for candidates sitting both.