SSC Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, KB, Background and Rejection-Proofing
Every year, lakhs of SSC applications — CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable, Steno and others — run into trouble for one small reason: the uploaded photograph does not match the specification in the notification. The good news is that the specification is simple, and you can prepare a compliant photo on your phone in two minutes.
The standard SSC photo specification
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 276 × 354 pixels (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm) |
| File size | 20 KB to 50 KB, JPG/JPEG format |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured, no patterns or shadows |
| Recency | Recent photograph (not older than about three months) |
| Face | Full face visible, both ears showing, no cap, no sunglasses; spectacles allowed if worn regularly |
Our Passport Photo Maker has an SSC preset that crops to exactly 276 × 354 pixels and compresses the file into the KB window automatically. If your photo's background is not plain, use the built-in AI background changer to set it to white before downloading.
Why SSC photos get rejected
The most common causes are a file slightly above 50 KB, a selfie taken at an angle with part of the face cut off, a busy home background, a very old school photo, and wearing a cap or dark glasses. SSC has also introduced live-photo capture in some cycles through the OTR (One Time Registration) system — where live capture is required, follow that flow; where an upload is allowed, the prepared JPG above is what you need.
Signature, too
The signature upload has its own specification — typically 140 × 60 pixels and 10–20 KB on a white background, signed in blue or black ink. Prepare it with the Signature Resizer so both files are ready before you open the application form.
Specifications can change slightly between notifications. Always confirm the numbers in the official notification of the exam you are applying for.
Ads will appear here after Google AdSense approval