Passport Photo for Indian Govt Exams
(Exact Size & Specifications 2026)
One wrong pixel and your application gets rejected.
UPSC, NTA, RRB – every exam board has strict photo specifications. Wrong size? Wrong format? Photo too old? Face not visible enough? Straight rejection. No correction window for UPSC this year [citation:2][citation:5]. Here's exactly what you need for each exam in 2026.
⚠️ CRITICAL: No Correction Window for UPSC 2026
UPSC has done away with the correction window entirely this year [citation:2][citation:5].
Errors in photographs or signatures will lead to outright rejection of the application and may invite disciplinary action [citation:5]. Verify everything before final submit – there's no second chance.
Step-by-Step: Prepare Your Exam Photo
Check your exam's specific requirements
UPSC, NEET, RRB all have different rules. See table below for exact specs.
Get a recent photo
UPSC: within 10 days. RRB: within 2 months. Print date often required on photo [citation:6][citation:7].
Follow dress code
RRB: dark dress (not white). Others: avoid uniform, no sunglasses [citation:6].
Face positioning
Face should cover 70-80% of frame. Eyes open, both ears visible, neutral expression [citation:1][citation:4].
Background
Plain white only. No shadows, no patterns, no other objects [citation:1][citation:6].
Scan and resize
Save as JPG only. Adjust file size to KB range specified for your exam. Rename if required (UPSC needs filename 'photo') [citation:4].
Live photo capture (if required)
UPSC and RBI require live photo during application. Must match uploaded photo exactly [citation:4][citation:8][citation:10].
📋 Exam-Wise Photo Specifications 2026
| Exam | Format | File Size | Dimensions | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC CSE 2026 | JPG only | 20 KB to 200 KB | Face must cover 75% of frame | Plain white, no shadows |
| NEET UG 2026 | JPG/JPEG | 10 KB to 200 KB | Passport size | White background |
| RRB ALP 2026 | JPG/JPEG | 50 KB to 150 KB | 35mm x 45mm or 240x320 pixels at 150 DPI | Plain white |
| RBI Office Attendant 2026 | JPG/JPEG | 20 KB to 50 KB | 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm (200x230 pixels preferred) | White |
UPSC CSE 2026
Authority: Union Public Service Commission
Special rules: Photo recent (within 10 days). Eyes open, both ears visible, neutral expression. No uniform, sunglasses. Must match live captured photo exactly [citation:4][citation:10].
📸 Live photo: Mandatory – live capture during application
Filename: photo
NEET UG 2026
Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Special rules: 80% face coverage, ears visible. Postcard photo (4" x 6") also required [citation:3].
RRB ALP 2026
Authority: Railway Recruitment Board
Special rules: Dark dress (not white). Photo not older than 2 months. Head 50% of image. No shadow, sunglasses. Mismatch leads to debarment [citation:6].
RBI Office Attendant 2026
Authority: Reserve Bank of India
Special rules: Recent color photo. Live photo capture also required [citation:8].
Why Photos Get Rejected (Even After Selection)
RRB warning: If photo at document verification doesn't match uploaded photo, it leads to disqualification and lifetime debarment from all RRB exams [citation:6].
📸 New in 2026: Live Photo Capture
UPSC and RBI now require live photo capture during application [citation:4][citation:8][citation:10].
How it works:
- Use webcam on computer/laptop OR scan QR code with phone
- Take photo in good lighting with face clearly visible
- System matches live photo with uploaded passport photo
- If mismatch found, application cannot proceed [citation:4]
Pro tip: Take your passport photo and live photo on the same day, with same dress and appearance. Any difference (haircut, shave, different clothes) can trigger mismatch.
👔 Dress Code & Appearance Rules
DO's
- • Dark dress for RRB (contrast with white bg) [citation:6]
- • Prescription glasses – clear, no glare [citation:1][citation:4]
- • Both ears visible [citation:3][citation:4]
- • Eyes open, neutral expression [citation:1]
- • Natural skin tone, no filters [citation:1]
DON'Ts
- • No uniforms [citation:4]
- • No sunglasses/colored glasses [citation:4][citation:6]
- • No hair covering face/eyes [citation:1][citation:4]
- • No smiling/frowning [citation:4]
- • No shadows on face/background [citation:1]
- • No digital alterations [citation:4]
💾 File Size & Format Tips
Format
JPG/JPEG only. No PNG.
File Size
UPSC: 20-200KB
NEET: 10-200KB
RRB: 50-150KB
Resolution
Minimum 150-300 DPI for clarity
Resize tip: If file too large, reduce quality slightly (JPG 80-90% usually works). If too small, ensure original photo is high resolution. Use photo resizing tools to hit exact KB range.
Questions People Actually Ask
What is the exact photo size for UPSC 2026?
UPSC specifies file size between 20 KB to 200 KB in JPG format. They don't give exact pixel dimensions, but require face to cover about 75% (three-fourths) of the photograph. Background must be plain white, eyes open, both ears visible, neutral expression. Photo must be recent and you'll also need to capture a live photo during application [citation:4][citation:10].
What are the photo requirements for NEET 2026?
NEET requires passport size photograph in JPG/JPEG format between 10 KB to 200 KB. White background, 80% face coverage, ears visible. You'll also need a separate postcard size photo (4" x 6") with same specifications [citation:3].
What happens if my photo doesn't match the live capture?
For UPSC 2026, the uploaded photograph must match the live-captured image exactly. If there's any mismatch, the candidate will not be allowed to proceed with the application process. This is a new security measure introduced to prevent fraud and impersonation [citation:4][citation:10].
Can I wear glasses in my exam photo?
Prescription glasses are allowed but must be clear and thin-framed with no flash reflection. Sunglasses or colored glasses are strictly prohibited. For RRB, ensure no glare on glasses [citation:1][citation:6]. UPSC also advises against glare on spectacles [citation:4].
What dress should I wear for RRB exam photo?
RRB specifically requires dark-colored dress (not white) with plain white background. This ensures contrast between subject and background. Other exams don't specify dress color but avoid uniforms [citation:6].
Is there a correction window if I upload wrong photo?
For UPSC 2026, there is NO correction window after submission. Errors in photographs or signatures will lead to outright rejection of the application and may invite disciplinary action. Verify everything before final submit [citation:2][citation:5][citation:10]. NEET offers a correction window in second week of March 2026 [citation:3].
What Actually Matters
- UPSC: 20-200KB JPG, 75% face, plain white bg, live photo mandatory
- NEET: 10-200KB JPG, 80% face, ears visible + postcard photo
- RRB: 35x45mm, 50-150KB, dark dress, no mismatch or lifetime ban
- No correction window for UPSC – verify before submit
- Live photo must match uploaded photo exactly
- Photo too old = rejection (UPSC: 10 days, RRB: 2 months)
Resize Your Exam Photo Now
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