UPSC upload sizes (Civil Services 2026)
| Upload | Size | File size | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph | No pixel size prescribed | 20–200 KB | JPG |
| Signature (signed three times, one image) | Each side between 350 and 500 pixels | 20–100 KB | JPG |
The form also takes a live photograph through your camera during submission, in addition to the uploaded one.
These figures were last checked in November 2026. Requirements can change with each notification, so confirm them in the current official notice on upsc.gov.in before you upload. All four boxes in the tool can be edited if your form asks for something different.
The triple signature
Sign three times, one below the other, on a single sheet of white paper with black ink, then scan or photograph all three as one picture. The tool's preset outputs 400 × 500 pixels so that both sides fall within the 350 to 500 pixel limit.
The photograph
Use a recent colour photo with your full face clearly visible, covering about three-quarters of the picture. UPSC asks for the file names photo and signature, so rename the downloads if needed.
Why uploads get rejected
- The file is a few KB over or under the allowed range.
- The file is PNG, HEIC or PDF when the form accepts only JPG.
- The face is too small, off-centre or in shadow, or the background is not plain and light.
- The signature is in capital letters, faint, or signed by someone else.
- A screenshot or a photo forwarded through a chat app was used, which lowers quality.
Questions and answers
Other websites say 300 KB. Which is right?
Older UPSC forms allowed up to 300 KB. The 2026 Civil Services instructions give 20 to 200 KB for the photo and 20 to 100 KB for the signature. Always follow the notice for the exam you are applying to.
Do NDA, CDS and other UPSC exams use the same sizes?
They share the same application portal, but check the instructions shown for your exam before uploading.