Applying for government recruitment exams like SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS), UPSC (Civil Services, NDA, CDS), State PSCs, and Railway (RRB) often requires submitting a single merged image containing both your recent passport photograph and signature. Doing this incorrectly can lead to application rejection. In this guide, you will learn the exact official specifications and how to create a compliant merged image in under 60 seconds without software installation.
- Background: Clear white or light off-white background behind photograph.
- Signature: Black or dark blue ink written clearly on clean, unruled white paper.
- Format: JPG / JPEG format with file size strictly between 20 KB and 50 KB (or 100 KB depending on board).
- Visibility: Both ears, forehead, and natural expression must be clearly visible.
Official Dimension Specifications by Exam Board
Different examination boards mandate specific pixel or centimeter dimensions for merged photo-signature cards. Here is the reference chart for 2026:
| Exam Body | Layout Style | Recommended Dimensions | Target File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS) | Stacked (Photo top, Sign below) | 350 × 520 px (3.5 × 4.5 cm) | 20 KB â 50 KB |
| UPSC (IAS, IFS, NDA) | Standard Square / Stacked | 350 × 350 px min (1000 × 1000 max) | 20 KB â 300 KB |
| Railway (RRB NTPC, Group D) | Stacked with Name/Date Strip | 35 × 45 mm (DPI 300) | 20 KB â 50 KB |
| State Police & PSCs | Stacked or Overlay on bottom | 350 × 450 px | 30 KB â 100 KB |
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating a Compliant File
Step 1: Prepare Your Passport Photograph
Make sure your photograph has good lighting, neutral background, and face centered properly within the frame. Avoid wearing spectacles or caps.
Step 2: Sign on Clean White Paper
Take a clean white sheet of unruled paper and sign clearly with black or dark blue ink. Ensure there are no shadows or paper creases across your signature.
Step 3: Align & Check File Constraints
Align the signature neatly below the photograph or along the bottom band. Confirm the final exported image file size is within the required 20 KB to 50 KB range.
Common Mistakes That Cause Exam Rejection
- × Wearing spectacles or sunglasses: Glare on lenses or colored glasses often trigger automatic rejection during AI validation.
- × Blurry signature in faint ink: Always use a smooth black gel or ballpoint pen with high contrast.
- × Incorrect aspect ratio: Stretching or squishing the photo distorts your facial proportion. Keep aspect ratio locked.