UPSC applications go through one-time registration and then the online application for each examination. Along the way you upload a photograph, a signature and a photo identity document, each with size limits that the site checks before it lets you continue.
These are the limits from UPSC's own FAQ and instructions, and how to prepare each file free and in your browser.
UPSC file requirements
From the FAQ on upsconline.gov.in for the one-time registration platform (checked on 10 October 2026). Always confirm against the instructions for your examination.
- Photograph and signature: JPG or JPEG, each between 20 KB and 300 KB.
- Photograph pixels: at least 550 x 550 and at most 1000 x 1000.
- Signature pixels: at least 350 x 350 and at most 500 x 500.
- Photo identity document: PDF, between 20 KB and 300 KB.
Photograph rules beyond the size
UPSC's instructions add rules that matter as much as the KB limit: the photograph should not be more than 10 days old from the start of the application, your face should occupy about three quarters of the photo, the background should be white, and your name and the date the photo was taken should be shown on the photograph. Your appearance at the examination and interview must match the photo, including beard and spectacles.
Step by step
Crop the photograph
Open Crop Image and use the 1:1 preset or Freeform so your face fills about three quarters of the frame, keeping the name and date strip visible.
Resize within the pixel limits
Open Resize Image and set the photo to a size between 550 and 1000 pixels on each side, for example 600 x 600. Set the signature to between 350 and 500 pixels on each side, for example 400 x 400 after cropping it to a square with white margins.
Bring each file into 20 to 300 KB
Open Compress Image with JPG output. A 600 x 600 photo at around 80 percent quality usually lands comfortably inside the range; raise the quality if a file is under 20 KB.
Make the photo ID PDF
Scan or photograph your ID, crop and compress the image the same way, then turn it into a PDF with JPG to PDF and check that the PDF is between 20 and 300 KB.
Why the signature needs a square
Signatures are wide, but the UPSC signature limits are square ranges (350 to 500 pixels each way). Crop your signature with white space above and below so the image is close to square, then resize. Squashing a wide signature into a square without margins distorts it.
Common problems
- Photograph without the name and date, or older than 10 days.
- Signature file swapped with the photograph file.
- Images that are hazy or not properly cropped.
- Photo ID uploaded as an image instead of a PDF.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UPSC photo size in KB?
Between 20 KB and 300 KB, in JPG format, with at least 550 x 550 and at most 1000 x 1000 pixels.
What is the UPSC signature size?
Between 20 KB and 300 KB in JPG format, with at least 350 x 350 and at most 500 x 500 pixels.
How do I make the photo ID a PDF under 300 KB?
Crop and compress the scanned image first, then convert it with JPG to PDF. Starting from a small image keeps the PDF small.
Are my files uploaded when I use these tools?
No. Crop, Resize, Compress Image and JPG to PDF all run in your browser, so your photo, signature and ID stay on your device.
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