About SSC Examinations & Why Photos Matter
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts some of India's most sought-after government job recruitment exams — SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level), SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level), SSC CPO, SSC MTS, SSC GD, and more. With lakhs of applicants every year, SSC's online registration portal uses strict automated verification for all uploaded documents.
Getting your photo and signature specifications right is especially critical for SSC exams because:
- SSC applications involve multiple stages (Tier 1, Tier 2, Interview, Document Verification). An error at the application stage can haunt you at document verification even after months.
- The SSC portal has one of the strictest file size limits — 20 to 50 KB — which is tighter than most NTA exams.
- Physical verification happens at each stage, and your photograph is printed on the admit card, interview call letter, and eventually your appointment letter.
This guide covers all major SSC examination photo requirements in one place.
SSC Photo Specifications
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pixel Dimensions | 100 × 120 pixels (width × height) |
| File Format | JPG / JPEG only |
| File Size | 20 KB to 50 KB |
| Background | Plain white only |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Face Coverage | Full face clearly visible, both ears showing |
| Photo Recency | Taken within the last 3–6 months |
| Spectacles | Preferred without; allowed if worn regularly (no tinted/dark lenses) |
| Cap/Hat | Not allowed (religious headwear exempt if face fully visible) |
| Lighting | Even, no shadows on face or background |
⚠️ Note: The 100×120 pixel requirement is significantly smaller than NTA exams. Do not simply crop an NTA-sized photo — use the SSC-specific preset on MyExamPhoto to resize correctly. Submitting a photo at 200×230 px will distort the image when displayed in the 100×120 space.
SSC Signature Specifications
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pixel Dimensions | 140 × 60 pixels (width × height) |
| File Format | JPG / JPEG only |
| File Size | 10 KB to 20 KB |
| Background | White paper |
| Ink Color | Black ink preferred |
| Style | Running handwriting — NOT all capital block letters |
| Consistency | Must match your signature at document verification |
Exam-wise Requirements Summary
| SSC Exam | Photo Dimensions | Photo Size | Signature Dimensions | Signature Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL | 100 × 120 px | 20–50 KB | 140 × 60 px | 10–20 KB |
| SSC CHSL | 100 × 120 px | 20–50 KB | 140 × 60 px | 10–20 KB |
| SSC CPO | 100 × 120 px | 20–50 KB | 140 × 60 px | 10–20 KB |
| SSC MTS | 100 × 120 px | 20–50 KB | 140 × 60 px | 10–20 KB |
| SSC GD Constable | 100 × 120 px | 20–50 KB | 140 × 60 px | 10–20 KB |
ℹ️ Note: SSC maintains broadly consistent photo requirements across all its examinations. However, always download and read the specific notification for your exam cycle, as SSC occasionally updates these specs.
Step-by-Step Photo Preparation
- Take a fresh passport photo: Use a rear camera against a plain white wall. Ensure good, even lighting (natural daylight from a window is ideal). Have someone take the photo — do not take a selfie. Keep your expression neutral, mouth closed, both ears visible.
- Transfer the original file to your computer: Use USB or email — not WhatsApp, as it compresses images heavily. Use the original JPG file from your camera app.
- Resize using MyExamPhoto: Go to MyExamPhoto with SSC preset. Upload your photo, select the SSC CGL exam, and the tool will automatically resize to 100×120 px and compress to the 20–50 KB range. Download the result.
- Prepare your signature: Sign on white A4 paper with a black ballpoint pen. Make sure the signature is in cursive/running style — not block capitals. Photograph it clearly, then use the Signature Resizer to crop to 140×60 px and compress to under 20 KB.
- Verify file sizes: Right-click each file → Properties → check the size. Photo: must be 20–50 KB. Signature: must be 10–20 KB.
Before You Upload Your Photo
Don't risk application rejection! Use our free tool to resize your photo to exact exam specifications.
Create Perfect Exam Photo →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the photo size for SSC CGL?
The SSC CGL photo should be 100 × 120 pixels (width × height) with a white background. The file must be in JPG format and between 20 KB and 50 KB in size.
Can I wear glasses in an SSC photo?
SSC prefers photos without spectacles. However, if you wear them regularly, you can include them. There should be no glare or reflection on the lenses.
What should the SSC signature look like?
Your SSC signature should be in running handwriting (not all caps) on white paper using black ink. The file should be JPG, 140 × 60 pixels, 10–20 KB.
Is a date stamp required on SSC photos?
Some SSC notifications require you to write your name and date on the reverse side of the printed photograph. The digital upload typically does not require a visible date stamp on the photo itself.
What is the difference between SSC CGL and CHSL photo requirements?
SSC CGL (Tier 1) and SSC CHSL (Tier 1) have the same photo requirements — 100×120 px, JPG, 20–50 KB, white background. Always confirm against the specific notification as minor variations can occur.