CDS/NDA Photo: 35mm × 45mm, JPEG, max 300KB, white or light-coloured background — via the UPSC OTPR portal. Signature: approx. 35mm × 15mm, JPEG, max 300KB. Use our free resizer tool to get the correct size instantly.
About CDS & NDA and the UPSC OTPR Portal
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is the route into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is the route for candidates entering after completing 12th grade. Both are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Here's a fact that trips up a lot of candidates: CDS and NDA are both filed through the same UPSC OTPR (One-Time Registration) portal that is also used for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). Because the underlying registration system is shared, the photo and signature specification is identical across all three exams. Many candidates spend time searching for a "separate" CDS or NDA photo spec that simply doesn't exist — it's the same OTPR spec throughout.
CDS & NDA Photo Specifications 2026 (via OTPR)
Here are the complete specifications for the CDS and NDA 2026 photograph, as required by the UPSC OTPR portal:
| Parameter | Required Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph Type | Passport size, recent | Required |
| Dimensions | 35mm × 45mm (width × height) | Exact |
| File Format | JPEG / JPG only | Required |
| Maximum File Size | 300 KB | Strict |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured | Required |
| Photo Age | Recent (taken within 3 months) | Required |
| Face Coverage | 80% of the frame | Guideline |
| Glasses | Not recommended | Avoid |
CDS & NDA Signature Specifications 2026
Along with your photograph, the OTPR portal requires a scanned signature with its own separate requirements:
| Parameter | Required Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35mm × 15mm (width × height) |
| File Format | JPEG / JPG only |
| Maximum File Size | 300 KB |
| Ink Colour | Black or dark blue on white paper |
| Background | Plain white paper |
| Content | Candidate's signature only |
Resize your CDS/NDA photo now — free
Since CDS and NDA share the same OTPR spec as UPSC Civil Services, use our existing UPSC CSE preset — it loads the identical dimensions and KB limit automatically.
Open UPSC OTPR Resizer →How to Take the Perfect CDS/NDA Photo
Do's
- Take the photo against a plain white or light-coloured background
- Face the camera directly — no side angles
- Ensure your full face is clearly visible, including both ears
- Wear formal or semi-formal clothing — no sleeveless tops
- Ensure adequate, even lighting — no harsh shadows on your face
- Keep a neutral, natural expression with mouth closed
- Ensure the photo is in focus and not blurry
Don'ts
- Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses
- Do not wear a cap, hat, or headgear (exceptions for religious reasons)
- Do not use a heavily edited or filtered photo
- Do not use a photo older than 3 months
- Do not reuse a scanned copy of an old ID card photo
- Do not crop someone else out of a group photo
Candidates preparing for both CDS/NDA and the Civil Services Examination in the same year sometimes think they need two separate photos for the two applications. Since both use the same OTPR spec, one correctly-sized photo works for both — you don't need to prepare or upload a second version. That said, the photo used later at the SSB interview stage should still be recent and consistent with your current appearance, since that stage may involve its own document checks.
How to Resize Your Photo to CDS/NDA (OTPR) Specifications
The easiest and fastest way to resize your photo to the exact OTPR specifications used by CDS and NDA is to use SarkariKagaz.pro:
- Go to sarkarikagaz.pro and search for "UPSC" or "CDS" in the search box
- Select the "UPSC OTPR / CDS / NDA Photo" preset — the tool auto-loads the exact specifications
- Upload your photo by clicking the upload area or dragging and dropping
- Use the Crop tool to adjust the framing if needed
- Check the Form Readiness panel on the left — all indicators should be green
- Click "Download Photo" — the file is automatically compressed to under 300KB
The entire process takes under 60 seconds, works on any phone or computer, and your photo never leaves your device.
What Pixel Dimensions Should the CDS/NDA Photo Be?
The OTPR portal specifies the dimensions in millimetres (35mm × 45mm), but photo uploads work in pixels. The equivalent pixel dimensions depend on the resolution (DPI) used:
| Resolution | Pixel Width | Pixel Height |
|---|---|---|
| 96 DPI (standard screen) | 132 px | 170 px |
| 150 DPI (medium print) | 207 px | 266 px |
| 300 DPI (high quality print) | 413 px | 531 px |
Our tool uses 96 DPI by default, which is standard for web uploads. SarkariKagaz.pro automatically outputs the correct pixel dimensions for the OTPR preset, so you never need to calculate this yourself.
CDS/NDA 2026 — Other Important Notes
- Your OTPR profile photo carries forward across UPSC exams registered under the same profile — keep it updated and recent
- Bring printed copies of this same photo to the examination centre and, later, to the SSB interview if shortlisted
- The OTPR portal validates your photo automatically — if it fails, the error will appear immediately after upload
- Always download and save your resized photo in a clearly named folder before going to fill the form
Exam specifications may change with each new notification. Always cross-check with the latest official CDS/NDA notification on upsc.gov.in before submitting your application. SarkariKagaz.pro is not affiliated with UPSC or the Ministry of Defence.