UPSC photo and signature size: how to get them right

UPSC application forms ask for a photo and a signature file, and they reject files that are too big, too small or in the wrong format. This guide shows you how to make both files fit in a few minutes, using only your phone.

What recent UPSC notices ask for

As an example, the official UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 notice says:

• Photo: JPG file, between 20 KB and 200 KB.
• Signature: JPG file, between 20 KB and 100 KB.
• Sign three times, one below the other, on plain white paper with black ink, and upload that one image.
• Besides the photo you upload, the form also takes a live photo of you, and there is a face check at the exam centre.

Each UPSC exam has its own notice, and rules can change from one year to the next. Before you start, open the notice for your exam on upsc.gov.in and search for the words "photograph" and "signature". If your notice says something different from this page, follow your notice.

Step 1: Take a clear photo

1. Stand in front of a plain white or light wall.
2. Face a window or a bright light so your face has no dark shadows.
3. Hold the phone at eye level and look straight at it.
4. Do not wear a cap or dark glasses.

Use a recent photo that looks like you today. Since the form also takes a live photo and checks your face at the exam, an old photo can cause trouble.

Step 2: Make the signature sheet

1. Take a plain white sheet of paper.
2. With a black pen, sign three times, one signature under the other. Keep them the same as you normally sign.
3. Place the paper on a flat table in good light and take a photo from straight above.
4. Crop the photo so only the three signatures and a little white space are left.

Step 3: Bring the photo into the KB range

A phone camera photo is often 2 MB or more, which is far too big. To bring it down:

1. Open the Photo & Signature Resizer.
2. Choose Custom size.
3. Type the minimum and maximum KB from your notice. For the example above, that is 20 and 200 for the photo.
4. Add your photo and download the result. Check the size shown before you save.

If you only need the file under a limit, the Resize image to 100 KB tool is a quick choice, since 100 KB sits safely inside a 20 to 200 KB range.

Step 4: Do the same for the signature

Repeat the steps with the signature photo, this time with 20 and 100 KB (or the range in your notice). The Resize image to 50 KB tool also works, as 50 KB is inside the 20 to 100 KB range. Make sure all three signatures are still sharp after resizing.

Step 5: Check before you upload

• Both files should end in .jpg. If your phone saved a PNG or HEIC file, change it with Convert images.
• Open each file and zoom in. Your face and every signature should be clear.
• Give the files simple names, such as photo.jpg and sign.jpg, so you do not mix them up.
• Keep a copy of both files. You may need them again for the next stage or another UPSC exam.

The notice warns that uploading a wrong or unrelated photo or signature can lead to action against the candidate, so take a minute to check you picked the right files.

Your photo stays with you

Luvkaam resizes pictures on your own phone or computer. Your photo and signature are not sent to Luvkaam.

Looking for the latest exam and job notices? Our sister site SarkariPatra lists new government jobs every day.

Frequently asked questions

My photo is only 15 KB. What do I do?

The file is below the minimum. In the Photo & Signature Resizer, set the minimum KB from your notice. The tool can raise the file size without changing how the picture looks.

Do I need to sign once or three times?

Recent UPSC notices ask for three signatures, one below the other, on one sheet. Check your own exam notice to be sure.

Can I use the same photo for SSC or bank forms?

Not always. Each exam body sets its own size. Bank forms, for example, often need a much smaller file. Keep your original photo and make a fresh copy for each form. Our guide on photo and signature size for exam forms explains more.

The form says my file is the wrong type. Why?

UPSC wants JPG files. Photos saved as PNG or HEIC are rejected even if the size is right. Convert them to JPG first.