UPSC CSE Photo: 35mm × 45mm, JPEG, max 300KB, white background. Signature: 35mm × 15mm, JPEG, max 300KB. Use our free resizer tool to get the correct size instantly.
UPSC CSE Photo Specifications 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has strict requirements for photographs in the Civil Services Examination (CSE). A photo that doesn't meet the exact specifications will be rejected during the online application process.
Here are the complete official specifications for the UPSC CSE 2026 photograph:
| 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 |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Guideline |
| Glasses | Not recommended | Avoid |
UPSC CSE Signature Specifications 2026
Along with your photograph, you must also upload a scanned signature. The signature has its own separate set of 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 — no printed name |
Resize your UPSC CSE photo now — free
One click to load exact UPSC CSE specs. Upload, crop, and download in under 60 seconds.
Open UPSC CSE Resizer →How to Take the Perfect UPSC CSE Photo
Do's
- Take the photo against a plain white or off-white wall or 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 use a scanned copy of a photo from an old ID card
- Do not crop someone else out of a group photo
Many candidates upload photos with a grey or off-white studio background, which appears white in real life but reads as non-white to the portal's validation system. Always use a pure white (#ffffff) background. Our tool lets you set the exact background colour.
How to Resize Your Photo to UPSC CSE Specifications
The easiest and fastest way to resize your photo to the exact UPSC CSE specifications is to use SarkariKagaz.pro:
- Go to sarkarikagaz.pro and search for "UPSC CSE" in the search box
- Select "UPSC CSE Photo" from the suggestions — 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 UPSC CSE Photo Be?
The UPSC notification specifies the dimensions in millimetres (35mm × 45mm), but photo portals 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. If the UPSC portal specifically asks for a higher DPI, contact us and we'll help.
UPSC CSE 2026 — Other Important Notes
- The same photo must be used throughout the entire examination process — do not change your photo between stages
- Bring printed copies of this same photo to the examination centre
- The UPSC portal may validate 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 UPSC CSE notification on upsc.gov.in before submitting your application. SarkariKagaz.pro is not affiliated with the Union Public Service Commission.