In This Guide
Every year, thousands of students face application rejection because their photo exceeds the file size limit. Whether you're applying for NEET, JEE, Kerala PSC, SSC, or banking exams, understanding how to compress images correctly is essential for a smooth application process.
This guide covers everything you need to know about compressing images for exam uploads – from understanding file size requirements to using the right tools without losing photo quality.
Why Do Exam Portals Have File Size Limits?
Exam conducting bodies impose file size limits for several important reasons:
- Server Efficiency: With millions of applicants, smaller files reduce server load and speed up processing.
- Database Storage: Limiting file sizes helps manage storage costs for large-scale examinations.
- Fair Standardization: Ensuring all photos meet the same specifications creates uniformity across applications.
- Print Quality Control: Standardized sizes produce consistent results when printing admit cards and ID proofs.
Common File Size Requirements by Exam
Different exams have different file size limits. Here's a quick reference table:
| Exam | Photo Size Limit | Signature Size Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala PSC | 10-30 KB | 10-30 KB |
| SSC CGL/CHSL | 20-50 KB | 10-20 KB |
| IBPS PO/Clerk | 20-50 KB | 10-20 KB |
| UPSC Civil Services | 20-300 KB | 20-50 KB |
| NEET UG | 10-200 KB | 4-30 KB |
| JEE Main | 10-200 KB | 4-30 KB |
| RRB Railways | 15-40 KB | 10-20 KB |
Note: Always check the official notification for your specific exam, as requirements may change between application cycles.
Compress Your Photo Now
Use our free Image Compressor to reduce your photo to any target size. 100% private – your files never leave your device.
Open Image Compressor →How to Compress Images Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to compress your exam photo using MyExamPhoto's free Image Compressor:
- Open the Image Compressor: Go to myexamphoto.in/image-compressor
- Select Target Size: Choose a preset (50KB, 100KB, 200KB) or enter a custom size based on your exam requirements.
- Adjust Quality (Optional): Use the quality slider to fine-tune compression. Higher values preserve quality but result in larger files.
- Upload Your Photo: Drag and drop your image or click to browse. Supports JPG, PNG, and WEBP formats.
- Download: Once compression is complete, download your optimized image with a single click.
The entire process happens in your browser – your photos are never uploaded to any server, ensuring complete privacy.
Tips for Maintaining Image Quality While Compressing
Compression doesn't have to mean blurry photos. Follow these tips to maintain quality:
1. Start with a High-Resolution Source
Don't use low-quality WhatsApp images or tiny thumbnails. Start with a photo taken directly from your camera or scanner at the highest quality setting.
2. Use the Right Tool
Generic image editors often use aggressive compression. Our Image Compressor uses intelligent algorithms that prioritize visual quality while meeting size requirements.
3. Don't Over-Compress
If your exam allows up to 50KB, target 45-48KB rather than 20KB. This gives you extra quality headroom while staying within limits.
4. Check Before Submitting
Always preview your compressed image at 100% zoom. If text or facial features look pixelated, try a higher quality setting or larger target size.
5. Resize Before Compressing
If your photo is much larger than required dimensions, use the Exam Photo Resizer first to crop and resize, then compress. This produces better results than compressing a very large image down to a tiny file size.