The UPSC online application portal requires a specific photo: 413×531 pixels (3.5×4.5 cm at 300 DPI), JPEG format, between 20 KB and 300 KB, with a plain white background. Upload the wrong size and the portal rejects it automatically. This tool sets all parameters for you — upload your photo, crop, and download.
The Union Public Service Commission portal validates these specifications automatically on upload:
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel dimensions | 413×531 px | 3.5×4.5 cm at 300 DPI |
| File size | 20 KB – 300 KB | Portal accepts within this range |
| Format | JPG | JPEG compression |
| Resolution | 300 DPI | Print quality standard |
| Background | Plain white | No shadows, no patterns |
| Face coverage | 70–80% | Face centred, looking directly at camera |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Remove before taking photo |
| Expression | Neutral | Mouth closed, eyes open |
⚠ Note: Write name & date on back of physical photo
On the UPSC online application, photo upload appears in Step 3. Click 'Upload Photo', select your JPEG file, and confirm the crop preview. If rejected, the most common cause is file size outside 20–300 KB — use the size slider to fix this before retrying.
Use rear camera against a plain white wall. Good natural light from the front, no shadows on face. Neutral expression, mouth closed.
Click the upload area above or drag your JPG/PNG file. Maximum 10 MB. Works on all Android and iOS phones.
Adjust the crop box so your face fills 70–80% of the frame. The live preview shows exactly what the final photo looks like.
Click Generate. Download the 20–300 KB portal version. Use the size slider if you need an exact KB target.
Photo upload in Step 3 of the online application form. If rejected, check the file size first — it is the most common cause.
UPSC requires a photo of 3.5×4.5 cm (413×531 pixels at 300 DPI) in JPEG format. File size must be between 20 KB and 300 KB. Background must be plain white and your face must cover 70–80% of the frame.
No. UPSC follows ICAO biometric standards and does not allow glasses — including prescription glasses without tint. Remove your glasses before taking the photo to avoid rejection at the portal and at the exam centre.
For the physical application form, write your name and the date the photo was taken on the back using a soft pen. For the online portal, this is not required — only the digital upload.
Yes. Use the rear camera in good natural light against a plain white wall. Avoid the front (selfie) camera — its wide-angle lens distorts the face. Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed.
Common reasons: file size outside 20–300 KB range, pixel dimensions not exactly 413×531, background not white, face coverage below 70%, or the file was WhatsApp-compressed. This tool prevents all of these issues automatically.
Need a photo for a different exam? Each page generates the correct pixel size and KB limit for that specific portal:
Help a friend preparing for UPSC:
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