UPSC application photo requirements
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) requires specific photo and signature files for its online application portals (Civil Services, NDA, CDS, and other exams):
- Photo: typically 20KB-300KB, JPG
- Dimensions: 350×350px minimum recommended
- Signature: 20KB-300KB, JPG
The exact limits vary by exam year and are listed in each notification. Unlike SSC, UPSC is generally more generous with file sizes, though dimensions are still enforced.
Why dimension matters more than file size for UPSC
The UPSC portal requires photos that are clearly identifiable. Because the photo will be used on admit cards and verification documents, the image needs enough resolution to be recognisable at print size. This is why UPSC recommends a minimum of 350×350px.
At 350×350px, a JPG photo compresses to well under 50KB at high quality. There is no need to aggressively compress — 50KB is comfortable and produces a clean result.
Recommended approach
- Use a clear, well-lit photo with a plain background
- Crop to a square aspect ratio (UPSC prefers square)
- Resize to at least 350×350px
- Compress to 50KB or a size that fits the notification's limit
FITLY handles the resize and compress in one step. Set a max dimension of 350-600px, choose 50KB as the target, and drop your photo in.
Privacy for UPSC photos
Your application photo is a personal document. FITLY processes everything locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded.