When applying online for the UPSC prelims exam, it is important to upload your photograph, signature, and a valid photo ID on the UPSC website. The UPSC specifies strict guidelines regarding format, size, and quality. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to rejection of the application.
This article provides detailed instructions on how to ensure your photograph, signature, and photo ID meet UPSC’s specifications. For more information, refer to the UPSC Online Application guidelines.
Understanding UPSC Photo Requirements
It is important to understand the specific requirements set by UPSC for your photograph:
- File Format: The photograph must be in JPEG format. Ensure your image editing software supports JPEG format for ease of processing.
- Photo Quality: UPSC emphasizes that the photograph must be of good quality, clear, and identifiable. Whether in color or black & white, ensure the image accurately represents your current appearance.
- Size Constraints:
- Minimum Size: The photograph should not be less than 20 KB in size.
- Maximum Size: It should not exceed 300 KB. Images outside this range may lead to rejection of your application.
- Resolution:
- Minimum Resolution: 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height).
- Maximum Resolution: 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height). Ensure your photograph meets these specifications to avoid any technical issues during the application process.
- Content Restrictions:
- The photograph should only feature your face with a clear view of your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid any accessories that obscure your face, such as sunglasses or hats.
- Ensure the background is plain, preferably white or light-colored, without any patterns or distractions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Your Photo
Here is the Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Your Photo:
Step 1: Prepare Your Photograph
- Take a Fresh Photograph: Ensure your photograph is recent, preferably not more than 10 days old from the start of the application process.
- Name and Date: Write your name and the date of photograph on a paper and hold it in the photograph for clarity.
Step 2: Resize and Format
- Use Image Editing Software: Open your photograph in image editing software such as MSPaint or Irfanview.
- Resize: Adjust the dimensions to meet UPSC’s requirements (350 pixels X 350 pixels minimum to 1000 pixels X 1000 pixels maximum).
- Save as JPEG: Convert the photograph to JPEG format if it’s not already in that format.
Step 3: Check Size and Quality
- Check File Size: Ensure the file size is within the 20 KB to 300 KB range.
- Inspect Quality: Zoom in to ensure the photograph is clear and your features are easily distinguishable.
Step 4: Uploading Process
- Access UPSC Application Portal: Log in to the UPSC official website and navigate to the application section.
- Upload Section: Locate the upload section for photograph and click on ‘Upload’.
- Select Your File: Browse and select the JPEG file of your photograph from your computer.
- Preview: After uploading, preview the photograph to ensure it meets all requirements.
- Confirm Upload: If satisfied, click on ‘Confirm Upload’. If not, use the ‘Reload Photograph’ option to make necessary adjustments.
Step 5: Final Submission
- No Further Changes: Once confirmed, you cannot change the photograph. Ensure all details are correct before final submission.
- Submit Application: Complete the rest of the application process as per UPSC guidelines.
UPSC 2024 Application – Changes in Uploading Photo
“In its UPSC Notification 2024, released on February 14th, the UPSC has introduced important changes regarding the uploading of photographs for the IAS online application process. Candidates must strictly adhere to these guidelines to avoid the rejection of their applications.
The photograph uploaded should not be more than 10 days old from the start of the online application process. It must clearly display the candidate’s name and the date when the photograph was taken.
The candidate’s face should occupy 3/4th of the space in the photograph chosen for upload. Moreover, candidates are required to maintain a consistent appearance matching their photograph throughout all stages of the examination process, including the preliminary, Main, and Interview/Personality Test.”
UPSC Photo and Signature Size – IAS 2024
Here are the details regarding UPSC photo and signature requirements for IAS 2024 application:
- File Format: Both the photograph and signature must be in .jpg format.
- Photo Requirements: The photograph can be in color or black & white but must be of good quality for clear identification.
- Signature Requirements: Use a black pen on white paper for the signature scan.
- File Size: Images should not exceed 300 KB and should not be less than 20 KB in size.
- Resolution: Minimum resolution is 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height), and maximum is 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height).
- Editing: Use image editing software like MSPaint or Irfanview to adjust size and format if necessary.
- Clarity: Images must be clear and legible without any haze.
- Content Restrictions: The photo should only feature your photograph without any marks, and the signature should not include any additional elements like dates.
- Preview and Confirmation: After uploading, preview the images. If satisfied, confirm the upload; otherwise, reload and adjust until satisfied.
- Final Submission: Once confirmed, you cannot change the uploaded images. If unsatisfied, submit a fresh application with new images, requiring a fee payment again.