Exam Photo Rules & Dimensions
Exam Photo Specifications for SSC, UPSC, RRB, IBPS & BPSC
Published August 1, 2026 | Updated August 1, 2026 | By GS DocSeva Editorial Team
Understand the exact photo dimensions, KB thresholds, background requirements, and upload preparation rules for India's major government exams.
Official Photo Size Matrix
This page owns the authoritative reference table for core Indian recruitment exams. Use the GS DocSeva Exam Prep tool to match these exact dimensions before upload.
| Exam Board |
Photo Dimensions |
File Size |
Background |
| SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable) | 200 x 230 px | 20 - 50 KB | Light/white |
| UPSC Civil Services | 350 x 350 px | 20 - 300 KB | Light/white |
| RRB Railway (NTPC, ALP, Group D) | 240 x 320 px | 30 - 70 KB | Light/white |
| IBPS / SBI Banking | 200 x 230 px | 20 - 50 KB | Light/white |
| BPSC / Bihar Police | 150 x 200 px | 20 - 50 KB | Light/white |
How to avoid upload rejection
- Use a clean light or white background with no shadows.
- Keep the face centered and sized correctly within the frame.
- Do not upload selfies with hats, spectacles, or tinted glass reflections.
- Verify the file format is JPG/JPEG unless the portal explicitly allows PNG.
Resize exam photos exactly
Open the Exam Prep Studio to crop, compress, and prepare your application photo with official board presets.
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Quick Guide to Each Board
SSC
SSC sites are particularly strict about the 200 x 230 pixel target. A slightly larger image may be downscaled incorrectly, so use the exact dimensions and confirm the final file size within the 20-50 KB window.
UPSC
UPSC accepts a square format. If your upload portal requests 350 x 350 pixels, make sure the cropping tool preserves the square aspect ratio and that the head appears centered from the chin to the top of the crown.
RRB
RRB requires 240 x 320 pixels. Many candidates upload 2:3 or 3:4 ratios by mistake. Use the GS DocSeva Exam Prep Studio to lock the correct aspect ratio before downloading.
Common Photo Rules Across Exams
- Face should be front-facing and clearly visible.
- Do not wear caps, hats, or sunglasses.
- Keep the background plain light or white.
- Ensure the final JPEG is not overly compressed or blurred.
If you need help with passport-style sizing or visa photos, see Passport Photo Guide and Visa Photo Requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo does SSC require?
SSC requires 200 x 230 px and a file size between 20 KB and 50 KB.
Is UPSC photo square?
Yes. UPSC expects a square photo with minimum dimensions of 350 x 350 px.
Can I reuse a passport photo for exam forms?
Only if the dimensions and file size match the exam portal specifications. Otherwise use GS DocSeva to resize the photo correctly.
GS DocSeva Editorial Team
GS DocSeva editorial content is researched from official exam application guides and updated regularly to keep aspirants aligned with the latest photo requirements.