UPSC Photo & Signature Size in KB and Pixels
The UPSC Common Application Form asks for an uploaded photo JPG of 20-200 KB, a single JPG containing three signatures at 20-100 KB, and a live photo step. This page explains each requirement and how to prepare the files correctly.
These figures come from the UPSC CAF photo and signature specifications. Always confirm with your current examination's official instructions - limits differ between exams and cycles.
The exact UPSC CAF specifications
- Uploaded photo: JPG, 20-200 KB, file named photo.
- Signature: three signatures scanned into one clear, correctly oriented JPG, 20-100 KB, file named signature. Leave space between the three signatures when signing.
- Live photo: a separate live-capture step during the application - follow the portal's on-screen process.
- Pixel wording: the signature instruction mentions "Image dimensions: 350 - 500 pixels" without clearly labelling width and height. Do not guess axes; follow any more specific wording in your own form.
Prepare the three-signature JPG
- Sign three times on white paper with comfortable spacing between the signatures.
- Scan or photograph all three together into one straight, well-lit image.
- Open Photo / Sign KB, select the image, and set minimum 20 KB and maximum 100 KB.
- Export the JPG and check: actual KB inside range, all three signatures complete and readable, correct orientation.
- Name the files as the form instructs (photo / signature) before uploading.
Before you submit
Open both JPGs in a separate viewer. The photo must be recent and clear; the signature strip must show all three signatures fully. A file inside the KB range can still be rejected for blur or wrong orientation. Full walkthrough: UPSC photo & signature guide.