Indian Exam Photo & Signature Size Requirements

Updated June 2026 · dimensions, file size (KB) and the right tool for each exam

Almost every Indian exam and government application rejects a photo or signature that is the wrong dimension or over the file-size limit. This guide collects the commonly required photo and signature specifications for the major exams in one place — and links each one to a free tool that resizes or compresses your image to exactly that target, right in your browser.

100% private — your files never leave your browserNo upload · No sign-up · No watermark

Quick reference table

Exam	Photo size	Photo file size	Signature	Tools
UPSCCivil Services & other UPSC exams	3.5 × 4.5 cm	20–300 KB (JPG)	20–300 KB; many forms want name + date on the photo	Resize photo for UPSC Resize to 3.5×4.5 cm
SSCCGL, CHSL, MTS, GD & other SSC exams	3.5 × 4.5 cm	20–50 KB; recent photo, usually with name + date	10–20 KB	SSC photo resizer Resize signature to 50×20 mm
NEETNEET (NTA) — also similar for JEE	Passport 2.5 × 3.5 cm + postcard 4 × 6 in	10–200 KB each	4–30 KB	Resize photo for NEET Resize to 4×6 in (postcard)
GATEGATE (IISc / IITs)	Colour, light background	Typically under ~200 KB (JPEG)	Typically under ~50 KB	Resize photo for GATE
TNPSCTamil Nadu PSC One-Time Registration	Recent colour photo	20–30 KB	≤ 20 KB	Photo compressor for TNPSC TNPSC signature compressor
State PSCState Public Service Commission exams	Colour, plain background	Varies (often 20–100 KB)	Varies (often ≤ 50 KB)	PSC photo resizer
PAN cardPAN application photo	3.5 × 2.5 cm, passport style	Small JPG; white background	Black ink on white, scanned	Resize photo for PAN card
Passport / VisaIndian passport & most visa photos	35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)	Light/white background	—	Resize to 35×45 mm Passport size photo maker

How to prepare your photo & signature

1. Resize to the right dimension — start from a clear, front-facing photo on a light background and resize it to the cm/pixel size the exam asks for.
2. Add name & date if required — SSC and UPSC commonly want these printed on the photo. Use the name & date tool.
3. Compress to the file-size limit — bring the file under the KB cap with the exam's tool above, or a general image compressor.
4. Combine if needed — some forms want the photo and signature in one image: merge photo and signature.

Always verify the official notification. Photo and signature dimensions and KB limits change with each exam cycle and notification. The figures here are the commonly published requirements — confirm the exact ones in the official information bulletin for the exam and year you are applying for before you upload.

FAQ

What is the most common exam photo size in India?

3.5 × 4.5 cm (which is the same as 35 × 45 mm) is the most widely used photo dimension across UPSC, SSC and passport applications. NEET uses a smaller 2.5 × 3.5 cm passport photo plus a 4 × 6 inch postcard photo.

How do I reduce my photo to the required KB?

First resize the photo to the right dimension, then compress it to the file-size limit. Each exam tool above is preset to the right target, and everything runs in your browser so your photo is never uploaded.

Do I need my name and date on the photo?

Several exams — notably SSC and UPSC — require a recent photo with your name and the date it was taken printed on it. Check your specific notification, then add them before uploading.

Are these size requirements official?

These are the commonly published requirements, but exact dimensions and KB limits change with every notification. Always confirm against the official information bulletin for the exam and year you are applying for.