What is the photo size required for UPSC Civil Services application?

UPSC requires a recent passport-size colour photograph in JPEG format, 3.5×4.5 cm (approximately 350×450 pixels), with file size between 20 KB and 300 KB. The signature must also be JPEG and 20–300 KB.

What DPI should UPSC photos be at?

UPSC does not strictly enforce a DPI value, but 200 DPI is the safest default so the photo prints clearly at 3.5×4.5 cm. ImgPace's Set DPI tool embeds 200 DPI without altering pixel dimensions.

How do I compress my UPSC photograph under 300 KB?

Open ImgPace, upload your photo, go to Compress and choose the ≤ 200 KB or ≤ 500 KB chip (select ≤ 200 KB to be safely under 300 KB), then click Apply Compression. Download and upload to the UPSC portal.

Is it safe to upload UPSC photo to ImgPace?

Yes. All image processing happens inside your own browser using the Canvas API. Your photograph and signature are never uploaded to any ImgPace server or third party.

Free · No Signup · Processed Locally

UPSC Civil Services Photo Resize & Compress

Prepare your UPSC IAS/IPS photograph and signature for the Prelims, Mains and DAF application forms — resize to 3.5×4.5 cm, JPEG, between 20 KB and 300 KB — entirely in your browser. Works for UPSC CSE, CAPF, CDS, NDA and Engineering Services forms.

Open Tool & Apply UPSC Preset →

UPSC Photo & Signature Specifications

📷 Photograph

Dimensions: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm (≈ 350 × 450 px)
Format: JPEG (.jpg)
File size: 20 KB – 300 KB
Background: Plain, preferably white
Name & date strip: Some forms require name + date printed below the photo

✍️ Signature

Dimensions: Approx 4 × 1.5 cm
Format: JPEG (.jpg)
File size: 20 KB – 300 KB
Pen: Black ink on white paper

Step-by-Step: Prepare Your UPSC Photo

Upload your photograph to ImgPace (drag & drop or Browse).
Open Resize, click the Passport preset, and click Apply Resize.
If needed, use Background Fill to replace backgrounds with solid white.
Switch to Compress, select the ≤ 200 KB chip to be safely under UPSC's 300 KB cap, and click Apply Compression.
Switch to Set DPI, enter 200, click Apply DPI (optional but recommended).
Download the processed photograph.

Common UPSC Photo Upload Issues

"Invalid dimensions" — the passport preset is 3.5×4.5 cm exactly.
"Photo too dark / too bright" — use Enhance to correct brightness and contrast.
"File exceeds 300 KB" — use the Compress tool at 200 KB target.
"Signature too light" — use Enhance (increase contrast) then Compress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum photo size for UPSC online application?

The minimum is 20 KB and maximum is 300 KB for both photograph and signature, in JPEG format at roughly 3.5×4.5 cm.

Do I need to write my name and date on the UPSC photograph?

Some UPSC DAF forms and the interview letter require a photograph with your name and photo date printed below it. You can use ImgPace's Watermark tool to add a text caption before exporting.

Can I use a mobile selfie for UPSC?

Only if it meets UPSC's background and framing rules: plain white/light background, formal head-and-shoulders framing, no filters, no sunglasses or caps. Crop tightly to 3.5×4.5 cm before uploading.

Is my UPSC photo uploaded to a server?

No. ImgPace runs every tool (compress, resize, DPI, crop, format conversion) inside your browser — your identity documents never leave your device.