The UPSC online application takes a photograph and a signature, and it also captures a live photograph that has to match the one you upload.
What UPSC asks for
- Photograph: JPG, 20 to 200 KB, colour, plain white background, front-facing with both ears visible.
- Signature: JPG, 20 to 100 KB, longer side between 350 and 500 pixels, signed three times one under the other in black ink on white paper, in one image.
These figures come from public guides to the 2026 instructions. Check the current notification at the official portal before you submit.
Steps
- Take a fresh photo against a plain white wall in even light.
- Open the UPSC photo and signature resizer, choose the Photograph tab, and upload it.
- Do the same on the Signature tab with your scanned signature.
- Download both and upload them.
Why uploads get rejected
- A typed or digital signature.
- A coloured background or shadows behind the head.
- A file that is too big or too small. The resizer fixes both.
Also check your eligibility with the UPSC age limit calculator.
Taking a photograph that passes review
UPSC does not publish a pixel size in the guides we checked, so the controls that matter are the KB window and how the picture looks. Use a recent colour photograph with a plain white background, your face covering roughly three quarters of the frame, both ears visible, eyes open and a neutral expression. Avoid sunglasses, caps, heavy shadows and any editing. Because the form also takes a live photograph, a photo that looks very different from you can cause trouble later.
Why three signatures?
The instructions ask for the signature to be written three times, one under the other, on plain white paper in black ink, and photographed as one image. The point is to show your natural handwriting. Digital or typed signatures lead to rejection. Keep the three signatures similar in size, and photograph the paper straight on so none of them is cut off.
Before you submit, check
- Photograph: JPG, 20 to 200 KB.
- Signature: JPG, 20 to 100 KB, longer side between 350 and 500 pixels.
- File names follow the portal instruction, usually plain names such as photo and signature.
- The preview on the portal shows your face and all three signatures clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed pixel size for the photograph?
The guides we used do not state one. The resizer keeps your proportions and controls file size.
What happens if the file is too small?
Portals set a minimum as well as a maximum. The resizer lifts a small file into the allowed window with harmless padding.
Can I reuse last year's photo?
Only if it is recent and still looks like you. Use a fresh one when in doubt.
Where do I confirm the current rules?
In the current UPSC notification and the instructions on the online application portal.