UPSC Photo and Signature Guidelines 2026, Dos & Dont’s

The UPSC Photo and Signature Guidelines 2026 have been officially released along with the Civil Services Examination (CSE) notification on the official website upsconline.nic.in. Candidates who wish to appear in the UPSC CSE 2026 must complete the online application process through upsconline.nic.in by following the correct document upload rules.

Uploading the photograph and signature in the prescribed format is extremely important. Any mistake in image size, format, or clarity can lead to rejection of the UPSC application form. The Commission strictly verifies these documents during exam verification and document authentication.

This article explains the UPSC photo size, signature resize rules, upload process, live photo capture and required documents for UPSC Application Form 2026.

UPSC Photo Size & Format Requirements 2026

Candidates must follow the prescribed image specifications strictly. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in application rejection. The UPSC Photo Size & Format Requirements 2026 have been tabulated below.

Dos & Don’ts While Uploading Photographs

Candidates must upload their photograph carefully as per UPSC specifications to ensure a successful application submission and identity verification. Any mistake in photo clarity, background, or format may lead to rejection of the application form.

Dos

• Use a colour photograph in JPG format between 20 KB and 200 KB, saved with the filename ‘photo’.
• Ensure your face covers around 75% (three-fourths) of the photograph.
• Maintain a plain white background for the photograph.
• Upload a front-facing photograph with the head centered and both ears clearly visible.
• Keep eyes open and facial edges clearly visible.
• Maintain a natural facial expression without smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows.

Don’ts

• Do not upload photographs with a dark background, uniform dress, or sunglasses/coloured glasses.
• Avoid photographs with shadows on the face or background.
• Do not allow hair to cover the eyes, and avoid glare on spectacles.
• Do not upload a signed or digitally altered photograph.

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UPSC Photo Guidelines 2026

Candidates must upload a recent passport-size photograph while filling the application form. This photograph will be used for identity verification at the exam centre and document verification stage.

Photograph Upload Instructions

• Upload only JPG format image.
• The photograph must be recent and formal.
• The face should be clearly visible with a neutral expression.
• Background must be plain white without shadows or designs.
• Face must be centered and properly aligned.
• Avoid accessories or headgear except religious coverings.
• Do not upload blurred or low-quality photographs.

UPSC Signature Size & Format Requirements 2026

Candidates must ensure their signature matches the one they will use in exam documents.

UPSC Signature Guidelines 2026 (Triple Signature) Instructions

Candidates must carefully follow the UPSC Signature Guidelines 2026 while filling the UPSC Application Form 2026, as incorrect or unclear signatures may lead to rejection of the application.

• Candidates must sign their own signature three times vertically (one below the other) on a plain white sheet using a black ink pen.
• Maintain proper spacing between each signature so that all three signatures are clearly visible.
• Scan all three signatures together and save them in one single image file.

Signature Image Quality Requirements

The scanned signature image must follow these quality standards:

• The image should be clear, sharp, and properly lit, without blur or darkness.
• The image must contain exactly three signatures.
• Signatures should be arranged vertically in proper order.
• The image must be correctly oriented and not rotated or upside down.
• The signatures must be taken on plain white paper without lines or colour background.

File Format and Size Requirements

• Save the signature file in JPG format using the filename ‘signature’.
• Upload the scanned image containing all three signatures together.
• Ensure the file meets the required specifications:
  • File Size: 20 KB to 100 KB
  • Image Dimensions: 350 to 500 pixels

Capture of Live Photograph in UPSC Apply Online 2026

UPSC has introduced a live photo capture option in the Common Application Form. This feature allows candidates to take a real-time photograph using their device camera or webcam in UPSC Apply Online 2026.

• Capturing a live photograph is mandatory for submitting the UPSC examination application form.
• Candidates can capture the live photograph using two methods:
  • Capture from Device: Use the webcam of a computer or laptop.
  • Capture from Mobile: Scan the QR code shown on the screen and take the photo using a mobile camera.
• The live photograph must be taken in good lighting conditions with the candidate’s face clearly visible.
• Candidates can use the “View Photo” option to check the uploaded image after capturing it.
• The live photograph will be matched with the uploaded passport-size photograph for verification.
• If any mismatch is found between the two photographs, the candidate will not be allowed to proceed with the application process.

Other Documents Required for UPSC Application Form 2026

Apart from photograph and signature, candidates must upload additional supporting documents for applying UPSC Application Form 2026. Candidates are advised to keep all documents ready before starting the application process.

Required Documents List

• Scanned Photo ID Proof

• • • Aadhaar Card
    • Passport
    • Voter ID
    • Driving Licence

• Educational Documents

• • 10th Marksheet
  • 12th Marksheet
  • Graduation Certificate/Marksheet
• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
• PwBD Disability Certificate (If applicable)