Applying for competitive exams in India can be stressful, and one of the most common reasons for application rejection is an incorrect photograph or signature upload. Each exam authority—NTA, UPSC, SSC, state PSCs—has its own specific rules regarding photo dimensions, file size, background color, and date stamping.
This comprehensive guide covers every major Indian competitive exam and gives you the exact specifications you need, organized in one place.
Why Photo Specifications Matter
Exam authorities use automated software to scan and verify all uploaded documents. If your photo doesn't meet the exact pixel dimensions or file size limits, the system may reject it instantly — without any human review. Even if it uploads successfully, a blurry or non-compliant photo can lead to disqualification at the exam center.
The consequences escalate: a wrong photo on the admit card → exam hall staff questioning you → needing to produce additional ID → stressful situation on exam day. None of this is necessary if the photo is prepared correctly the first time.
Quick Reference Chart: Top Exams
| Exam |
Dimensions |
File Size |
Special Rules |
| NEET UG |
Passport: 2.5×3.5 in
Postcard: 4×6 in |
10–200 KB |
White bg, 80% face, no date stamp. NEET Guide → |
| JEE Main |
3.5 × 4.5 cm |
10–200 KB |
White background. JEE Guide → |
| CUET |
3.5 × 4.5 cm |
10–200 KB |
White background, JPG only (NTA standards apply) |
| GATE |
3.5 × 4.5 cm |
10–200 KB |
White/light background. Name on reverse of physical print. GATE Guide → |
| UPSC Civil Services |
350 × 350 px (square) |
20–300 KB |
Square format; name & date often required |
| SSC CGL/CHSL |
100 × 120 px |
20–50 KB |
White background; no spectacles preferred; clear ears visible |
| IBPS PO/Clerk |
200 × 230 px |
20–50 KB |
White background; signature 140×60 px, 10–20 KB |
| SBI PO/Clerk |
200 × 230 px |
20–50 KB |
White or light background; signature 140×60 px |
| Kerala PSC |
150 × 200 px |
Max 30 KB |
Name + Date stamp at bottom required. PSC Guide → |
| KEAM |
150 × 200 px |
15–30 KB |
Similar to Kerala PSC; check CEE prospectus. KEAM Guide → |
| RRB (Railways) |
200 × 230 px |
20–50 KB |
White background; recent photo (within 3 months) |
| NDA / CDS / AFCAT |
150 × 200 px |
20–100 KB |
White background; no facial hair for male candidates |
Detailed Guidelines by Exam Type
1. Engineering & Medical Entrance (NTA)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET, JEE Main, and CUET. Their guidelines are generally
consistent:
- Format: JPG/JPEG only.
- Background: White background is mandatory for NEET and highly recommended for others.
- Glasses: If you wear spectacles regularly, you can keep them on, but there must be no
reflection or glare. Dark sunglasses are strictly prohibited.
2. Government Recruitment (UPSC, SSC, Railways)
These exams often have stricter rules regarding the 'freshness' of the photo.
- Date of Photo: Many forms (like SSC) ask you to confirm that the photo was taken within
the last 3 months.
- Date Stamp: Some exams require the date of the photograph to be printed on the image
itself. You can use our Date Stamp Tool to add this easily.
3. State Level Exams (Kerala PSC)
Kerala PSC is unique because it requires specific pixel dimensions (150w x 200h) and a mandatory text band at
the bottom containing your name and the date of the photo.
How to Resize Your Photos Correctly
You don't need to be a Photoshop expert. Here is the safest workflow:
- Take a High-Quality Photo: Use a good camera or phone. Stand against a plain white
wall. Ensure even lighting.
- Use MyExamPhoto Tool: Go to the MyExamPhoto Homepage.
- Select Your Exam: Choose from the dropdown list (e.g., 'NEET UG', 'Kerala PSC').
- Upload & Crop: The tool will lock the aspect ratio for you. Just frame your face.
- Download: Get the perfectly sized JPG file instantly.
Common Questions
JPG vs PNG?
Always use JPG (or JPEG). It is the standard format for almost all online applications
because it offers good quality at smaller file sizes. PNGs are often too large and not accepted. Learn more about formats.
What if my file size is too big?
Our tool automatically compresses the image to fit within the allowed range (e.g., under 50KB) without making
it blurry. Read about quality resizing.
💡 Pro Tip: Before starting your application, download and read the official information bulletin for your specific exam. Requirements can change year to year, and the information here reflects the standard specifications that have been consistent across recent cycles.
Common Errors by Exam Type
NTA Exams (NEET, JEE, CUET)
- Using HEIC format from iPhone — convert to JPG first
- Forgetting the postcard photo for NEET (needed on exam day)
- Signature in all capital block letters — use cursive/running style
- File too large — compress using Image Compressor
Kerala PSC (Thulasi Portal)
- Missing the name and date stamp band at the bottom — most common Kerala PSC rejection
- Photo too large (max 30 KB is strict) — compress aggressively
- Using a photo that doesn't show the face in the top 70% of the frame
Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI)
- Wrong pixel dimensions — 200×230 px is different from the NTA standard 3.5×4.5 cm
- Signature written with thin pen — use a medium or thick ballpoint for better scan quality
UPSC
- Square format not maintained — the 350×350 px requirement is unusual; don't use portrait cropping
- File too small — UPSC allows up to 300 KB; use at least 100–200 KB for best quality
✅ Universal Pre-Upload Checklist
Before clicking submit on any exam application, verify all of these:
- ☐ Photo is in JPG/JPEG format (not PNG, HEIC, or BMP)
- ☐ File size is within the exam's specified range
- ☐ Background is plain white
- ☐ Face is centered, both ears visible, neutral expression
- ☐ No sunglasses, hat, cap, or face-obscuring accessories
- ☐ Photo taken within the last 6 months
- ☐ For Kerala PSC/KEAM: name and date stamp added at bottom
- ☐ For UPSC: square format (350×350 px) used
- ☐ Signature is in cursive/running handwriting (not all caps)
- ☐ All images previewed in the portal before final submission
- ☐ Backup copies saved to cloud storage
Conclusion
Photo preparation is a small task that carries disproportionate consequences if done wrong. With the reference table and checklist in this guide, you have everything you need to prepare correctly for any major Indian competitive exam. Bookmark this page and return whenever you're filling a new application.
Explore our exam-specific guides for more detail: NEET guide, JEE Main guide, Kerala PSC guide, and GATE guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard passport photo size for Indian exams?
The most common standard is 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, but many online forms specify pixel dimensions (e.g., 150x200 px).
Do I need a date stamp on my photo?
It depends on the exam. Kerala PSC and SSC often require it. NTA exams (NEET/JEE) usually do not, but check the current year's bulletin.
Can I use a selfie?
No. Selfies distort facial features due to the wide-angle front camera. All major exam authorities explicitly prohibit selfies. Use the rear camera, have someone else take the photo, and stand against a plain white background.