UPSC photo size

Photograph requirements for the UPSC Common Application Form: plain white background, file size 20 KB to 200 KB, JPG format. Checked against the official sources in October 2026.

Select the size

UPSC413 × 531 pixels

Please select the size required by your application form. If the required size is not listed, select Custom size.

NameWidth × height (pixels)

Upload and position your photograph

You can also drag a photograph here.

  • Please use a recent front-facing photograph with your eyebrows and both ears visible.
  • A plain background gives a better result when the background is changed.

Set the background and file size

After you upload a photograph, set the background and file size here.

Check and download

After you upload a photograph, check the requirements and download it here.

UPSC photo size: requirements

The tool above is already set to these requirements.

Required size
Not specified
This tool exports
413 × 531 pixels
Print size
Not specified
Background
Plain white background
File size
20 KB to 200 KB
File format
JPG format
Other requirements
  • The photograph must be in colour.
  • The face must cover at least 75% (three-fourths) of the photograph and must look at the camera.
  • The file must be named photo.jpg.
  • A live photograph is also captured while you fill in the Common Application Form.
Source
Checked: October 2026

UPSC issues a separate notice for each examination. Please check the notice before you apply.

Questions

What should the UPSC photo file be named?
The file must be named photo, in JPG format, so the file name is photo.jpg. The file size must be 20 KB to 200 KB.
Do I need to write my name and date on the UPSC photo?
The current Photos and Signature instructions on upsconline.nic.in do not ask for a name or date on the photograph. They require a colour photograph with a plain white background, with the face covering at least 75% of the photograph.