UPSC Photo & Signature Size 2025 — Complete Guide
Uploading the wrong photo is one of the most common reasons UPSC applications are rejected. This guide covers the exact official photo and signature specifications for all UPSC exams including Civil Services (IAS/IPS), NDA, CDS, CMS, and ESE. Use the free resizer below to prepare your photo in seconds.
📷 Photo Specifications
| Dimensions | 350 × 350 px |
| File Size | 20–300 KB |
| Format | JPG / JPEG |
| Background | Plain white, no shadows, no objects |
✍️ Signature Specifications
| Dimensions | 350 × 150 px |
| File Size | 20–100 KB |
| Format | JPG / JPEG |
| Ink Color | Black or blue ballpoint pen |
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Important Rules & Special Requirements
- UPSC requires a SQUARE photo (350×350 to 1000×1000 px) — NOT the standard rectangular passport size.
- UPSC Triple Signature Rule: You must sign THREE times vertically on plain white paper, then scan all three together as ONE image file. A single signature will be rejected.
- Face must cover approximately 75% of the photo area.
- No spectacles, sunglasses, cap, or headgear of any kind.
- Photo must be in color — black and white photos are rejected.
- Natural expression required — no smile, no raised eyebrows.
- Both ears must be clearly visible.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
✅ Solution: UPSC requires a square photo. Use our tool to crop to 1:1 aspect ratio.
✅ Solution: Sign three times on paper, scan together, use our Triple Signature tool to generate the correct format.
✅ Solution: Remove glasses before taking the photo. UPSC strictly prohibits spectacles.
✅ Solution: Use plain white background only. Our tool adds a white background automatically.
✅ Solution: Use our resizer — it automatically compresses the file to the correct KB range.
✅ Solution: Take a fresh photo. UPSC recommends a photo taken within the recent period as specified in the notification.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Take a color photograph against a plain white background in good natural light.
- 2Ensure your face covers ~75% of the photo and both ears are visible.
- 3Remove spectacles, cap, and any headgear before clicking the photo.
- 4Select 'UPSC' from the exam dropdown in the tool above.
- 5Upload your photo, crop it to a square (1:1) using the crop tool.
- 6Click 'Process & Preview' — the tool auto-resizes to 350×350px and compresses to under 300KB.
- 7Verify all compliance checks show green, then download.
- 8For signature: sign three times on plain white paper, scan, then use our Triple Signature tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the UPSC photo size in pixels?
A. UPSC accepts photos from 350×350 pixels to 1000×1000 pixels. The photo must be SQUARE (equal width and height). The standard rectangular passport size is not accepted.
Q.What is the UPSC photo size in KB?
A. UPSC photo file size must be between 20KB and 300KB in JPG/JPEG format.
Q.Can I wear glasses in UPSC photo?
A. No. UPSC strictly prohibits spectacles, sunglasses, or any eyewear in the photograph. Remove your glasses before taking the photo.
Q.What is the UPSC triple signature rule?
A. UPSC requires you to sign your name three times vertically (one below the other) on a single sheet of plain white paper, then scan all three signatures together as ONE image file. The combined image must be 350×150 pixels, 20–100KB, in JPG format.
Q.What background color is required for UPSC photo?
A. Plain white background with no shadows, patterns, or other objects. Colored backgrounds including light blue, grey, or cream are not accepted.
Q.Can I use the same photo for UPSC Prelims and Mains?
A. Yes, if the photo meets the specifications and was taken recently. UPSC uses the OTR (One Time Registration) system where you upload once and it is used across all UPSC exams.
Q.What is the UPSC signature size?
A. UPSC signature dimensions must be 350×150 pixels, file size 20–100KB, in JPG format. Remember, it must contain three signatures stacked vertically.