UPSC Civil Services & NDA Photo and Signature Guidelines: Exact 20KB-300KB Specifications & Name/Date Rules

New UPSC Photo Guidelines: Candidate Name & Date

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) revised its photographic upload guidelines for all competitive examinations, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE Prelims & Mains), NDA, CDS, CAPF, and Engineering Services Examination (ESE).

Key highlights from official UPSC notices:

• Name and Date Inscription: The photograph must clearly show the candidate's name (in block letters) and the date on which the photograph was taken, inscribed on the lower portion of the photograph.
• Recency Rule: The photograph must not be more than 10 days old from the start of the online application process.
• Facial Appearance Consistency: The candidate’s appearance in the photograph (e.g., beard, mustache, clean-shaven, spectacles) must match their physical appearance on every examination day (Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test / Interview).

Exact Dimension and File Size Rules

Unlike other exams with tiny 20-50 KB limits, UPSC allows higher resolution images, but imposes strict square dimension limits:

• File Size Range: Between 20 KB and 300 KB for both photograph and signature.
• Minimum Dimensions: 350 pixels (width) × 350 pixels (height).
• Maximum Dimensions: 1000 pixels (width) × 1000 pixels (height).
• File Format: Strict JPG / JPEG format only (PNG or PDF not accepted for photo/signature).
• Aspect Ratio: Exactly 1:1 (Square). Non-square uploads will distort when parsed by the UPSC OTR engine.

UPSC Signature Guidelines

For the signature upload:

1. Sign in running hand with black ink on clean white paper.
2. The signature must be centered inside the crop box.
3. Size must be between 20 KB and 300 KB.
4. Pixel dimensions must be at least 350 × 350 pixels up to 1000 × 1000 pixels.

UPSC Resolution & Pixel Matrix

How to Prepare UPSC Compliant Photos with Name & Date

You do not need complicated software like Photoshop. Using the SolveKits Exam Photo Resizer:

1. Select the UPSC Civil Services / NDA Preset.
2. Upload your clear portrait photo.
3. Check the Add Name & Date of Photo box.
4. Type your Full Name in CAPITAL letters (as in Class 10 certificate) and select the date when the photo was clicked.
5. Click Apply: The tool renders a crisp white text banner at the bottom with high-contrast black typography, scales to 500 × 500 px, and locks the file size at ~75 KB.
6. Download the ready JPEG file directly.

Avoiding Rejection & Scrutiny at Prelims Exam Center

At UPSC exam centers, invigilators compare the biometric photo on your e-Admit Card with your face. If a male candidate uploaded a clean-shaven photo but reports to the venue with a heavy beard, or vice versa, security personnel require additional identity affidavits. Ensure your appearance remains steady throughout the exam cycle.