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UPSC photo and signature size, and how to fix upload errors

By the Fusion Office team · Updated

Quick answer

UPSC online applications ask for a recent colour photo with your name and the date it was taken printed on it, and one image showing your signature three times, one below the other. Both are JPG files, generally between 20 KB and 300 KB according to recent notices. Check the notice for your exam, then size the files with Resize image.

Photograph rules

  • A recent colour photo, taken within the period the notice gives (recent notices say within 10 days of applying).
  • Your name and the date the photo was taken printed clearly at the bottom.
  • Plain white background, face looking straight at the camera and filling about three quarters of the photo, both ears visible.
  • JPG format, within the KB range shown on the form.

If your studio didn't print the name and date, add them yourself with the Text tab of the Image editor: a white strip at the bottom with black text is enough.

Signature rules

  • Sign three times on white paper with a black pen, one signature below the other.
  • Scan or photograph the sheet so all three signatures are in a single image.
  • JPG format, within the KB range shown on the form.

Prepare both files

  1. 1Crop the photo and the signature sheet with Crop image, leaving only a small margin.
  2. 2Open Resize image and set a size the form accepts in pixels.
  3. 3Turn on Limit the file size and enter the maximum the form allows, for example 300 KB.
  4. 4Download and check that the result is above the minimum (for example 20 KB). If it's too small, resize to slightly larger dimensions.

Common upload errors

  • File size out of range: make it larger by increasing the pixel size, or smaller with Compress image using a KB limit.
  • Wrong format: the form wants .jpg or .jpeg. PNG and HEIC files need converting first.
  • Blurred or dark image: retake it in daylight; compression can't fix a blurry original.
  • Photo without name and date: add them before uploading, as described above.

UPSC changes details between notices. The notice for your exam, and the hints on the OTR and application pages, always take priority over any guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my name and date on the UPSC photo?

Recent UPSC notices require the candidate's name and the date of taking the photo to be printed on it. Check your notice to confirm.

Why three signatures?

UPSC asks for the signature to appear three times in one image so it can be checked for consistency. Sign three times, one below the other, on the same sheet.