What is the SSC photo size and how do I resize it?
Recent SSC notices ask for a JPG photo of 20KB to 50KB, about 3.5 cm wide × 4.5 cm tall, with a plain light background and no cap or spectacles. Upload your photo here and the SSC photo resizer sets that size, lets you centre your face, and keeps the file inside 20–50KB with a pass/fail check. Some SSC exams, such as CGL, now take a live photo during the application. Use this tool where a photo upload is asked for.
SSC photo requirements at a glance
| Rule | Requirement (recent notices) |
|---|---|
| File size | 20KB – 50KB |
| Format | JPG / JPEG |
| Dimensions | About 3.5 cm (width) × 4.5 cm (height) |
| Background | Plain, light or white |
| Face | Front-facing, both ears visible, no shadow |
| Not allowed | Cap, spectacles, mask, filters |
| Photo age | Recent (commonly not older than 3 months) |
SSC can change these rules in any notification. Always read the latest notice on the official SSC website before you apply.
Live photo capture vs photo upload
In recent cycles, SSC moved some exams, including CGL, to a live photograph taken through a webcam or the mobile app while you fill the form. In those cases you cannot upload a saved photo. Prepare by sitting in front of a plain wall in good light, removing spectacles and caps, and keeping your face centred.
Many SSC-related forms still ask for an uploaded photo, as do state and other recruitment forms that follow SSC-style rules. For these, this tool gives you a correctly sized, clean JPG in one step.
How to resize a photo for SSC
- 1Upload a recent photo
Use a front-facing photo against a light wall, without spectacles or cap.
- 2Keep the SSC preset
3.5 × 4.5 cm is selected, with the KB range set to 20–50KB.
- 3Centre your face
Drag the crop box so your face fills about 70–80% of the height, with a little space above the head.
- 4Download when ✓ Valid
The file stays between 20KB and 50KB. Upload it in the photograph field.
Common reasons SSC photos are rejected
- Spectacles or cap in the photo. SSC asks for the face without them.
- Dark or patterned background. Use a plain light wall.
- Selfie at an angle. Ask someone to take the photo at eye level.
- Old photo. Your look should match what you will look like at the exam centre.
- File below 20KB. Small, plain photos can compress too much. This tool meets the minimum automatically.
- Wrong document in the photo box, such as a signature or ID scan.
Prepare everything for your SSC form
Most SSC forms also need a signature of 10–20KB. Use the SSC Signature Resizer for it. If you need a white background behind your face, first use the Background Remover with a white background, then resize the result here. For other exams, try Photo to 50KB or the Passport Photo Resizer. Your photo is processed on your device and never uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC photo size?
Recent SSC notices ask for a JPG photo between 20KB and 50KB, about 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm tall, with a plain light background.
How do I resize my photo for SSC?
Upload your photo on the PhotoKB SSC Photo Resizer, centre your face in the crop box and download when the status shows Valid (20–50 KB).
Can I wear spectacles in the SSC photo?
No. Recent SSC rules ask for photos without spectacles, cap or mask.
Does SSC CGL still need a photo upload?
Some SSC exams, including CGL, now capture a live photo during the application. Use this tool where a photo upload is asked.
What if my photo is below 20KB?
The tool raises quality and, if needed, adds a harmless padding block so the file meets the 20KB minimum.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. It is processed in your browser and never leaves your device.
About this tool
Built and maintained by the PhotoKB Editorial Team. We test every tool with real phone photos, scans and PDFs before each update. Exam and portal values are based on public official notifications. PhotoKB is not linked to any exam body, so always confirm current rules on the official website. Last updated: 8 November 2026.