UPSC Photo & Document Tools — Resize to 300×350px Free
Prepare your photo, signature, and certificates to UPSC's exact specifications for Civil Services (IAS/IPS), NDA, CDS, CAPF, and other UPSC exams. All processing happens in your browser — nothing is sent to any server.
UPSC Photo & Signature Requirements — All Major Exams
| Exam | Photo Size | Max KB | Signature | Spectacles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Services (IAS/IPS) | 300 × 350 px | 40 KB | 100 × 70 px, 30KB | Permitted (no tinted) |
| NDA / NA | 300 × 350 px | 40 KB | 100 × 70 px, 30KB | Check notification |
| CDS | 300 × 350 px | 40 KB | 100 × 70 px, 30KB | Check notification |
| CAPF AC | 300 × 350 px | 40 KB | 100 × 70 px, 30KB | Permitted |
| PDF Documents | N/A | 300–500 KB | — | — |
Note: Always verify with the specific notification on upsconline.nic.in before applying — requirements can differ between UPSC exams.
Specs last verified: April 2026. Always cross-check with the official notification on upsconline.nic.in before applying.
Tools for UPSC Applications
Photo Resize
Resize to exactly 300×350px and compress under 40KB for upsconline.nic.in.
Open tool →Signature Crop
Crop and resize your signature to 100×70px, compress under 30KB.
Open tool →PDF Compress
Compress certificates and degree documents to under 300KB for UPSC forms.
Open tool →PDF Merge
Combine multiple pages of a certificate into a single PDF.
Open tool →Image to PDF
Convert scanned certificate images to PDF for DAF uploads.
Open tool →Image Compress
Reduce image sizes before PDF conversion for UPSC portal uploads.
Open tool →UPSC Civil Services Application Document Guide
The UPSC Civil Services exam is one of the most competitive exams in India. The application process is done entirely on upsconline.nic.in. Document requirements are strict and non-negotiable — even small file size or format errors can prevent submission.
Photograph preparation
Get a studio photograph on white background. The photo should show your face clearly from forehead to chin, eyes open, looking straight at the camera. Casual selfies rarely meet UPSC standards. Use our Photo Resize tool to set exactly 300×350px and compress under 40KB.
Signature preparation
Sign on plain white A4 paper with a black pen. Scan or photograph in bright light. Open the Signature Crop tool, crop tightly around your signature leaving a small white border, resize to 100×70px, and compress under 30KB. Avoid touching the edges of the crop.
Certificate scanning and compression
For DAF, scan each document at 150 DPI in grayscale (unless it's a colour certificate). Keep each PDF under 300KB. Use the PDF Compress tool if any file is too large. Multi-page documents can be merged using PDF Merge before compressing.
UPSC Photo Requirements — What the Commission Actually Checks
Beyond just dimensions and file size, UPSC evaluators check several aspects of your photo at the document verification stage. Getting these right from the beginning avoids problems later.
What UPSC Wants to See
- ✓ White or very light plain background — no gradients
- ✓ Face clearly visible — forehead to chin, no hair covering face
- ✓ Eyes open and looking straight into the camera
- ✓ Natural expression — neutral, mouth closed
- ✓ Recent photo — within 6 months of application
- ✓ Formal attire recommended
What Gets Your Photo Rejected
- ✗ Tinted or dark glasses / sunglasses — always rejected
- ✗ Colored or patterned background
- ✗ Face partially obscured by hair or headwear
- ✗ Blurred or pixelated image
- ✗ File in PNG, HEIC, BMP — must be JPG
- ✗ File over 40KB — portal will not accept upload
Do's and Don'ts for UPSC Passport Photos
Do's
- DO use a plain white or off-white background
- DO take the photo in a well-lit environment — good lighting eliminates shadows
- DO look directly at the camera with a neutral expression
- DO keep hair away from your face
- DO wear your regular prescription glasses if needed (not tinted)
- DO get the photo taken within 6 months of applying
- DO save the same photo digitally — you'll need it for interview and document verification too
Don'ts
- DON'T wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or colored contact lenses
- DON'T use a photo with shadows on your face or background
- DON'T use a group photo cropped to show just your face
- DON'T wear a hat, cap, or religious headgear (unless worn daily for religious reasons)
- DON'T submit a photo that is over a year old
- DON'T submit PNG, HEIC, or any format other than JPG
- DON'T submit a file over 40KB — the portal will block it
Documents Required for UPSC DAF (Detailed Application Form)
After clearing UPSC Prelims, qualified candidates fill the DAF for the Mains exam. The DAF requires uploading several documents. Prepare these well in advance so you are not rushing at the last minute.
Check your age eligibility before applying
Use our free age calculator to verify you meet the age limit — with OBC, SC/ST, and PH relaxation included.