UPSC: photo and signature guide

UPSC application modules take a scanned photo of 20-200 KB and a signature of 20-100 KB, and recent forms also include a live photo step. Read your exam's instructions document before applying.

Official size and format

PhotographJPG, 20-200 KB. Recent, clear, plain white background, face covering about three fourths of the frame.

SignatureJPG, 20-100 KB. UPSC instructions also ask for three signatures in one image for some forms; follow your exam's instruction document.

Live photoRecent UPSC forms include a live photo capture step in addition to uploaded files.

How to prepare the files with PDF Saathi Hub

Take a passport style photo against a white background, or scan a printed one at moderate resolution.
Crop the face area in the Photo Editor if needed.
Open Photo / Sign KB: use the UPSC photo preset (20-200 KB) for the photo and the UPSC sign preset (20-100 KB) for the signature.
Check both files in the upload preview of the UPSC form before submitting.

The same photo should be usable for your identity through the exam stages. Do not upload an old or heavily edited photo, and do not skip the live capture step where the form asks for it.

Note for this cycle

UPSC publishes a separate instruction set for each examination (Civil Services, NDA, CDS and others) on upsconline.nic.in. The KB ranges above come from UPSC's own photo-signature upload instructions; open the document linked against your exam before preparing the files.

Official sources

These rules change between recruitment years and notices. The current official notice and the upload screen of your form are the final word; this guide is only a helper, not an official recruitment page.

Frequently asked questions

What photo size does UPSC need?

JPG between 20 KB and 200 KB, recent and clear, with the face covering about 75 percent of the frame against a plain white background.

What signature size does UPSC need?

JPG between 20 KB and 100 KB. Some UPSC forms ask for three signatures on one image; check your exam's instruction document.

Can I reuse an old signature scan?

Yes, if it is your current signature, sharp and readable after cropping. Create the final file at 20-100 KB and verify it in the form's upload preview.