What is the UPSC photo size and how do I resize it?
Recent UPSC notices ask for a JPG photograph of 20KB to 200KB, with each side at least 350 pixels and not more than 1000 pixels, and your face covering about three-fourth of the frame. This UPSC photo resizer crops your face to that ratio, sets a safe 413 × 531 px size and keeps the file inside the KB limit with a pass/fail check. If your notification asks for name and date on the photo, add them first. The same photo is used in your One Time Registration (OTR) profile and compared with a live photo.
UPSC photo requirements
| Rule | Recent UPSC notices |
|---|---|
| File size | 20KB – 200KB (older cycles: up to 300KB) |
| Format | JPG only |
| Pixels | Each side between 350 and 1000 px |
| Face | About 3/4 of the photo, looking straight |
| Background | Plain white or light |
| Name and date | Required in some cycles – check your notice |
UPSC repeats these rules in every examination notice. Read the photo section of your notice on the official UPSC website and apply on upsconline.gov.in.
Why UPSC is strict about the photo
The photo you upload is printed on your e-admit card and attendance sheet, and it follows you from Prelims to the Interview. Invigilators compare it with your face, and recent cycles also take a live photo through webcam or mobile that must match the upload. A photo where your face is small, tilted or covered by hair can lead to extra verification, so UPSC insists that the face fills most of the frame. Use the same appearance, especially spectacles and beard, that you will have on exam day.
How to resize a photo for UPSC
- 1Upload a recent front photo
Taken in daylight against a white wall, with both ears visible.
- 2Keep 413 × 531 px
It is 3.5 × 4.5 cm at 300 DPI and sits safely inside the 350–1000 px rule.
- 3Zoom the crop to your face
Make your face fill about three-quarters of the box, from just above the hair to the chin.
- 4Download when ✓ Valid
The file stays between 20KB and 200KB. Upload it in your OTR or application form.
Common UPSC photo problems
- Face too small. A full upper-body photo fails the three-fourth rule. Crop closer.
- Photo too old. UPSC has asked for photos taken within days of the notice in some cycles.
- Signed or stamped photo. Do not sign on the photo or upload a scanned printed copy.
- Selfie distortion. Close-up front cameras widen the nose. Ask someone to take it from an arm's length or more.
- Different look in live photo. Keep the same spectacles and hairstyle for both.
Complete your UPSC application
Add your printed name and date with Add Name and Date to Photo, then make the signature image with the UPSC Signature Resizer. For certificates and ID proofs, use Compress PDF to 200KB. A white background can be added with the Background Remover. Your files stay on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UPSC photo size for the online form?
Recent UPSC notices ask for a JPG photo between 20KB and 200KB. Older cycles allowed up to 300KB with each side between 350 and 1000 pixels.
How much of the photo should my face cover?
UPSC asks that your face covers about three-fourth (75%) of the photo, with a plain white or light background.
Does UPSC need name and date on the photo?
Some UPSC cycles asked for the candidate name and photo date printed on the photo. Read your notification. If it is required, use the PhotoKB Add Name and Date to Photo tool first.
Does UPSC take a live photo now?
Recent cycles also capture a live photo through webcam or mobile, which must match the uploaded photo. Use the same look in both.
Which pixel size should I choose?
413 × 531 px (3.5 × 4.5 cm at 300 DPI) fits inside the 350–1000 px rule and looks sharp at 50–150KB.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser on your own 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.