Free Tool
Back to Blog

SSC, UPSC, IBPS: Exact Photo & Signature Sizes

📅 February 5, 2026 • 📁 Exams • ⏱ 6 min read

A cheat sheet for exam photo requirements. No searching through notifications – we've compiled the latest dimensions and file size limits for all major Indian exams.

Important Note

These requirements are based on the latest exam notifications. However, always check your specific exam's information brochure as requirements may change. Last updated: February 2026.

📊 Complete Reference Table: All Major Exams

Exam / Organization Photo Size Photo File Size Signature Size Signature File Size
SSC CGL / CHSL / MTS 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(520 x 260 pixels)		 20-50 KB 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(520 x 260 pixels)		 10-20 KB
UPSC Civil Services 2.0 x 2.0 inches
(350 x 350 pixels)		 20-300 KB 3.5 x 1.5 cm
(280 x 120 pixels)		 20-100 KB
IBPS PO / Clerk / SO 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(520 x 260 pixels)		 20-50 KB 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(520 x 260 pixels)		 10-20 KB
RRB (Railways) NTPC 3.5 x 4.5 cm
(420 x 540 pixels)		 20-50 KB 3.5 x 1.5 cm
(420 x 180 pixels)		 10-20 KB
GATE 2.0 x 2.0 inches
(600 x 600 pixels)		 5-200 KB 2.0 x 2.0 cm
(240 x 240 pixels)		 5-200 KB
NEET (UG) 4.0 x 3.0 cm
(480 x 360 pixels)		 10-200 KB 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(480 x 240 pixels)		 10-200 KB
JEE Main / Advanced 3.5 x 4.5 cm
(420 x 540 pixels)		 10-100 KB 3.5 x 1.5 cm
(420 x 180 pixels)		 10-100 KB
CTET 4.0 x 3.0 cm
(480 x 360 pixels)		 10-100 KB 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(480 x 240 pixels)		 10-100 KB
Bank (SBI PO/Clerk) 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(520 x 260 pixels)		 20-50 KB 4.0 x 2.0 cm
(520 x 260 pixels)		 10-20 KB
Indian Navy / Army 3.5 x 4.5 cm
(420 x 540 pixels)		 20-50 KB 3.5 x 1.5 cm
(420 x 180 pixels)		 10-20 KB

* Pixel dimensions calculated at 300 DPI for reference. Always verify with official notification.

📌 Detailed Exam-by-Exam Breakdown

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) CGL, CHSL, MTS, JE

Photograph

Dimensions: 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm

Pixels: 520 x 260 (approx)

File Size: 20 KB to 50 KB

Format: JPG only

Background: White / Light color

Signature

Dimensions: 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm

Pixels: 520 x 260 (approx)

File Size: 10 KB to 20 KB

Format: JPG only

Use black ink on white paper

📝 Note: For SSC exams, both photo and signature must be in JPG format. Name and date should be written below the photo for some posts.

UPSC Civil Services IAS, IPS, IFS

Photograph

Dimensions: 2.0 x 2.0 inches

Pixels: 350 x 350 (exact)

File Size: 20 KB to 300 KB

Format: JPG/JPEG

Background: White / Light grey

Signature

Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm

Pixels: 280 x 120 (approx)

File Size: 20 KB to 100 KB

Format: JPG/JPEG

Full signature (not initials)

📝 Note: UPSC allows slightly larger file sizes compared to other exams. Photo should be recent (within 30 days).

IBPS & Banking Exams PO, Clerk, SO, RRB

Photograph

Dimensions: 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm

Pixels: 520 x 260 (approx)

File Size: 20 KB to 50 KB

Format: JPG only

Background: White

Signature

Dimensions: 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm

Pixels: 520 x 260 (approx)

File Size: 10 KB to 20 KB

Format: JPG only

Between 1-20 KB exactly

📝 Note: Banking exams are strict about file size limits. Use our Image Compressor to hit exact 20KB target.

RRB (Railways) NTPC, Group D, ALP

Photograph

Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm

Pixels: 420 x 540 (approx)

File Size: 20 KB to 50 KB

Format: JPG

Background: White / Light

Signature

Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm

Pixels: 420 x 180 (approx)

File Size: 10 KB to 20 KB

Format: JPG

Black ink only

📝 Note: For Railways, photo should be without spectacles if possible. Signature must be in running hand.

GATE Engineering PG

Photograph

Dimensions: 2.0 x 2.0 inches

Pixels: 600 x 600 (exact)

File Size: 5 KB to 200 KB

Format: JPG/PNG

Background: White / Light

Signature

Dimensions: 2.0 cm x 2.0 cm

Pixels: 240 x 240 (approx)

File Size: 5 KB to 200 KB

Format: JPG/PNG

Square format signature

📝 Note: GATE accepts both JPG and PNG. Signature should be in a square format – unique among exams.

NEET (UG) Medical

Photograph

Dimensions: 4.0 cm x 3.0 cm

Pixels: 480 x 360 (approx)

File Size: 10 KB to 200 KB

Format: JPG

Background: White

Signature

Dimensions: 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm

Pixels: 480 x 240 (approx)

File Size: 10 KB to 200 KB

Format: JPG

Full signature

📝 Note: NEET has a wide file size range. However, aim for 20-50 KB for best compatibility.

JEE Main / Advanced Engineering UG

Photograph

Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm

Pixels: 420 x 540 (approx)

File Size: 10 KB to 100 KB

Format: JPG/JPEG

Background: White / Light

Signature

Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm

Pixels: 420 x 180 (approx)

File Size: 10 KB to 100 KB

Format: JPG/JPEG

Black ink

📝 Note: JEE often requires photo with name and date written below. Check specific year's instructions.

✅ Common Requirements Across All Exams

  • Photo Background: White or very light grey (no patterns, no shadows)
  • Photo Age: Taken within last 3-6 months (varies by exam)
  • Signature Ink: Use black pen on white paper
  • Expression: Neutral face, both eyes open, no smiling
  • Accessories: No hats, no sunglasses (prescription glasses allowed if no glare)
  • Format: Most exams accept only JPG/JPEG (some accept PNG)

❌ Top Reasons for Photo Rejection

Avoid These Mistakes

  1. Wrong file size: Photo over 50KB or under 10KB when specific limit is 20KB
  2. Incorrect dimensions: Not following exact cm or pixel requirements
  3. Wrong background: Using colored, patterned, or dark background
  4. Face covered: Hair over face, shadows, or turned head
  5. Old photo: Using photo that doesn't match current appearance
  6. Signature issues: Signature too small, too large, or on wrong background
  7. Format problems: Uploading PNG when JPG is required

🛠️ How to Get Perfect Exam Photos & Signatures

Step 1: Capture or Create

For Photo: Take a passport-style photo with white background. Use our Passport Photo Tool to auto-crop and adjust.

For Signature: Use our Signature Maker to create a clean digital signature by drawing, typing, or uploading.

Step 2: Resize to Exact Dimensions

Use our main Image Resizer to set exact dimensions:

  • Enter required width and height (in cm, inches, or pixels)
  • Maintain aspect ratio to avoid stretching
  • Preview before downloading

Step 3: Compress to Exact File Size

Use our Image Compressor to hit the exact KB limit:

  • Enter target size (20KB, 50KB, etc.)
  • Tool automatically adjusts quality
  • Download and verify file size

📱 Mobile-Friendly: Do It All on Phone

All ImResizer tools work perfectly on mobile phones. You can:

📝 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the same photo for multiple exams?

A: Yes, but you may need to resize it differently for each exam's requirements. Save the original and create copies as needed.

Q: What if my photo is exactly 50KB but requirement says 20KB?

A: Use our Image Compressor with target 20KB. The tool will reduce size while maintaining quality.

Q: Is PNG accepted for government exams?

A: Most government exams specify JPG/JPEG only. Some like GATE accept PNG. Always check your exam's notification.

Q: How recent should my photo be?

A: Most exams require photos taken within the last 3-6 months. UPSC specifically mentions "within 30 days" for some applications.

Q: Can I wear spectacles in exam photos?

A: It's better to avoid if possible. If necessary, ensure no glare and frames don't cover eyes. Some exams explicitly prohibit glasses.

Q: What if my signature is rejected?

A: Common issues: too small, too large, or not matching name. Create a fresh signature using our Signature Maker with proper dimensions.

📅 2026 Exam Calendar: Plan Ahead

Major exams and their typical application months:

🎯 Ready to Prepare Your Documents?

Quick Links to Tools:

Don't let photo issues ruin your exam application! Prepare your documents now with ImResizer – trusted by thousands of students for SSC, UPSC, Banking, and more.

Bookmark this page for quick reference. We update requirements as new notifications are released.