Government Exam Photo & Signature Specifications
A comprehensive reference matrix comparing verified photo dimensions, signature bounding boxes, file size limits in KB, and format constraints across major Indian entrance and recruitment examinations.
Requirements can vary by recruitment cycle and session. While these specifications are cross-referenced with public information bulletins, candidates should always verify exact thresholds against the active notification brochure published on the conducting authority's official portal.
Master Exam Specifications Matrix
The table below outlines technical criteria across major central recruitment commissions, national entrance testing agencies, banking boards, and engineering institutes:
| Examination | Photo Specs | Photo KB | Signature Specs | Signature KB | Ink Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, CPO) | Live Camera Capture (ssc.gov.in) / 3.5×4.5 cm | 20–50 KB (static backup) | 6.0 × 2.0 cm | 10–20 KB | Black or Dark Blue |
| UPSC (CSE, NDA, OTR) | 1:1 Square (350×350 to 1000×1000 px) | 20–300 KB | Min 350 × 350 px (Square) | 20–300 KB | Dark Ink (Black preferred) |
| NEET UG (NTA) | Passport (3.5×4.5 cm) & Postcard (4"×6") | 10–200 KB | Rectangular running hand | 4–30 KB | Black Ink Only |
| JEE Main (NTA) | 3.5 × 4.5 cm (80% face coverage) | 10–200 KB | 3.5 × 1.5 cm | 10–100 KB (verify session bulletin) | Black or Blue |
| GATE (Organizing IIT) | 3.5 × 4.5 cm (200×260 to 530×690 px) | 5–600 KB | 2.0 × 7.0 cm Box (250×80 to 580×180 px) | 3–300 KB | Black or Dark Blue |
| IBPS (PO, Clerk, SO) | 4.5 × 3.5 cm (200 × 230 px) | 20–50 KB | 140 × 60 px | 10–20 KB | Black Ink Only |
| SBI PO | 4.5 × 3.5 cm (200 × 230 px) | 20–50 KB | 140 × 60 px | 10–20 KB | Black Ink Only |
| CTET (CBSE) | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 10–100 KB | 3.5 × 1.5 cm | 3–30 KB | Black or Blue |
| AFCAT (Indian Air Force) | 3.5 × 4.5 cm (White background) | 10–50 KB | 3.5 × 1.5 cm | 10–50 KB | Black or Blue |
Physical Dimensions vs. Digital Pixel Resolution
Many candidate guidelines express photograph size in centimeters (such as 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm), while online web forms parse the upload in pixel dimensions and Dots Per Inch (DPI). The formula to translate physical dimensions to digital pixels is:
For instance, at 200 DPI:
- Width: (3.5 cm / 2.54) × 200 ≈ 276 pixels
- Height: (4.5 cm / 2.54) × 200 ≈ 354 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 3.5 : 4.5 = 0.777 (roughly 7:9)
Key Commission-Specific Rules & Nuances
1. Staff Selection Commission (SSC Live Capture)
SSC now requires live camera capture on ssc.gov.in. Ensure you sit in a brightly lit room facing the camera directly with no spectacles or headgear. Static resizing tools apply to candidate signatures (6.0 × 2.0 cm, 10–20 KB).
2. Union Public Service Commission (10-Day Recency & 1:1 Ratio)
UPSC requires square images (minimum 350 × 350 px up to 1000 × 1000 px). The photo must be taken within 10 days of application start with Candidate Name and Date of Photograph clearly printed at the bottom.
3. National Testing Agency (NEET Dual Photo & Black Ink)
NTA mandates both a Passport photo and a Postcard (4" × 6") photo on pure white backgrounds with Name and Date stamps. Signatures must strictly use black ink pen (4–30 KB).
4. Banking Examinations (IBPS & SBI 140×60 px Signature)
IBPS and SBI PO require 200 × 230 px photos (20–50 KB) and 140 × 60 px signatures (10–20 KB) in black ink only. Blue ink signatures are disqualified.
Prepare Your Documents with Dedicated Client-Side Utilities
Use our browser-based tools to calibrate dimensions, lock aspect ratios, and compress files into official KB ranges with zero server uploads: