Condensed guide. Read the full UPSC exam application photo requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 40 × 40 mm (1.57 × 1.57 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 472 × 472 px / 945 × 945 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 26–32 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last month |
| Print requirements | photo paper — Recent UPSC notices ask candidates to bring identical printed copies of the uploaded photo to the exam; check your notice. |
| Digital upload | 600×600 px JPEG, 20–300 KB (UPSC One Time Registration / exam application) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes open, mouth closed (under 1) |
| Official source | UPSC Online |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-29).
- upsconline.gov.in now points new registrations to upsconline.nic.in; the photo specification is in each examination notice and was not read on 2026-10-29. Values used here are the widely reported ones: square JPG between 350×350 and 1000×1000 px, 20–300 KB, face about three-quarters of the photo, recent (within about 10 days of the notice in recent notices), white background. Third-party sources conflict; confirm in the notice.
- Confirm limits in the current examination notice.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. UPSC expects candidates to supply the photo. It must be recent, and recent notices require it to be taken close to the date of the notice, so take a fresh one rather than reusing an old passport photo. Keep the same photo for every stage, and keep prints, because a mismatch can cause trouble at the exam centre.
Why UPSC photo photos get rejected
- Outside the pixel or KB limits. Use the 600×600 preset (20–300 KB); adjust if your notice states different limits.
- Face too small. The face should fill about three-quarters of the image; increase head size.
- Old photo. Take a fresh photo as the notice requires.
- Cap, dark glasses or face covered. Remove them; keep the face fully visible.
- Blurred or dark. Use daylight and the rear camera.
UPSC photo photo FAQ
What is the UPSC photo size?
Widely reported as a square JPG between 350×350 and 1000×1000 pixels and 20 to 300 KB. Confirm in your examination notice.
How recent must the UPSC photo be?
Recent notices require it to be taken shortly before the notice date. Check the notice for the exact rule.
Can I wear glasses?
Clear glasses are usually allowed if there is no glare; dark glasses are not.
Do I need printed copies?
Recent notices ask candidates to bring identical copies to the exam venue.
Can the background be colourful?
Use a plain white background, with no pattern or shadow.
Why is this page unverified?
The official notice could not be read when the page was written. Always follow the notice.
Related documents
SSC exam application photo
35×45 mm · head 25–34 mmPAN card photo (Form 49A / 49AA)
25×35 mm · head 16–24 mmIndian passport (Passport Seva)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmLast verified 2026-10-29 against UPSC Online. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.