Unlike SSC, IBPS, or UPSC — which each standardize a single spec across all of their own exams — every state Public Service Commission (UPPSC, MPPSC, BPSC, RPSC, and others) is an independent body with its own IT portal, application form, and photo/signature rules. This guide explains the general pattern you'll commonly see and, more importantly, how to find your exact state's requirement.
Why State PSC Requirements Differ From Central Exams
Central government exams like SSC CGL, IBPS PO, and the UPSC Civil Services Examination are each run by a single national body, which means the photo and signature specification is consistent across every notification that body issues. State Public Service Commissions don't work that way. UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh), MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh), BPSC (Bihar), RPSC (Rajasthan), and the many other state commissions are each fully independent organisations. Each one builds and maintains its own online application portal, and each one writes its own instructions for photo dimensions, file size, and background rules.
This means two things worth understanding before you start filling any state PSC form:
- A spec that worked for one state PSC exam is not guaranteed to work for a different state's exam — even if both are "PSC" exams
- Requirements can also change between notification cycles for the same state, so a spec you used last year may no longer be current
Typical Pattern Across Most State PSCs (verify your own state)
With that caveat firmly in mind, here is the general pattern most state PSC photo and signature requirements tend to follow. Treat every row below as "commonly seen," not as a guaranteed universal rule:
| Parameter | Commonly Seen Range |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Usually around 35mm × 45mm (passport size), some states specify pixel dimensions instead |
| File Format | Almost always JPEG/JPG |
| File Size | Commonly 20KB–100KB, but this varies significantly by state — always check your specific notification |
| Background | Usually white or light-coloured; some states require the candidate's name and photo date printed at the bottom of the photo (a UPPSC-style requirement) |
The UPPSC-Style "Name and Date on Photo" Rule
One genuinely distinct rule worth calling out specifically: some states, such as UPPSC, additionally require the candidate's name and the date the photo was taken to be printed at the bottom of the photograph itself — this is different from most SSC/UPSC central exams and is easy to miss if you're used to filling central government forms.
If your state's notification mentions this requirement, it typically means the printed text needs to be part of the image itself (not a separate form field), similar in spirit to an old-style studio passport photo stamp. Always check the exact wording and sample photo provided in your notification, since the required format of the printed text can differ from state to state.
How to Find Your Exact State PSC Photo Requirement
- Download the official notification PDF from your state's PSC website — never rely on a coaching institute's summary alone
- Search the PDF for a section usually titled "Photo & Signature Specifications" or similar, typically found within the application instructions
- Note the exact dimensions, KB limit, format, and any special requirement such as printed name/date
- Keep the notification PDF saved — most state PSC portals will reject an upload at the form level with an on-screen error if your file doesn't match, and it helps to have the exact spec on hand while troubleshooting
Resize your photo for any state PSC — free
Use the Universal Image Compressor on our homepage to hit your state's specific KB limit, and the Crop tool to set the correct aspect ratio once you know your exact requirement.
Open the Universal Compressor →Common Mistakes Candidates Make With State PSC Photos
Do's
- Always read your own state's current notification in full before taking or uploading a photo
- Save the notification PDF so you can re-check the exact spec during form filling
- Use a plain white or light-coloured background unless your state's notification says otherwise
- Check whether your state requires printed name/date on the photo itself before you finalise the image
Don'ts
- Do not assume a photo prepared for one state PSC exam will automatically work for a different state's exam
- Do not reuse a photo from a previous year's application without re-checking the current notification
- Do not skip the "Photo & Signature Specifications" section of the notification — it's easy to overlook among the eligibility and syllabus details
- Do not guess at the KB limit — state PSC portals commonly enforce ranges anywhere from 20KB to 100KB, and guessing wrong causes an upload rejection
State PSC requirements vary widely and change frequently — always verify against your own state's current official notification before applying. SarkariKagaz.pro is not affiliated with any state Public Service Commission.