UPSC Photo & Signature Upload Guidelines 2026—Complete Instructions for UPSC Form Fill Up

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The UPSC Photo & signature requirements play a critical role during the UPSC application process. The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC CSE Notification 2026 on its official website, upsc.gov.in. Aspirants who plan to appear for the Civil Services Examination 2026 must complete the UPSC Form Fill Up 2026 through upsconline.nic.in.

While filling the online form, candidates must upload their photograph and signature strictly as per the prescribed Photo & Signature guidelines. Any mistake during this step can immediately lead to rejection of the application. Therefore, every candidate must understand the size, format, clarity, and upload rules before final submission.

UPSC Form Fill Up 2026

The UPSC Form Fill Up 2026 process has started from 4th February 2026, and the application link is now active at upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must complete the form carefully because UPSC allows limited chances for correction.

To complete the form, candidates must follow these steps one by one:

Account Creation
Universal Registration
Common Application Form
Examination-specific form

During the Universal Registration (URN) and Common Application Form (CAF) stages, candidates must upload required documents, including a photograph, signature, and photo ID proof. Additionally, candidates must complete fee payment before final submission.

Importantly, the application window will close on 24th February 2026 at 6:00 PM. After this deadline, UPSC will not accept any form under any condition.

UPSC Form Fill Up 2026

To complete the form, candidates must follow these steps one by one:

Account Creation
Universal Registration
Common Application Form
Examination-specific form

During the Universal Registration (URN) and Common Application Form (CAF) stages, candidates must upload required documents, including a photograph, a signature, and photo ID proof. Additionally, candidates must complete fee payment before final submission.

Importantly, the application window will close on 24th February 2026 at 6:00 PM. After this deadline, UPSC will not accept any form under any condition.

What is the UPSC Photo Size Requirements & Format

The UPSC photo & Signature size rules remain strict, and UPSC does not resize images automatically. Candidates must ensure compliance before uploading.

UPSC Photo Guidelines
Requirement	Specification
File Format	JPG / JPEG only
File Size	20 KB–300 KB
Pixel Dimensions	Min – 350 × 350Max – 1000 × 1000
Background	Plain white only
Visibility	Face must be fully visible

Uploads outside these limits will fail or get rejected later.

What are the UPSC Signature Guidelines 2026

Along with the photograph, candidates must upload a handwritten signature as part of the UPSC Photo & Signature guidelines. UPSC treats the signature as an identity proof and verifies it during later stages.

Candidates must sign three times, one below the other, on plain white paper using black ink only.

Signature Upload Guidelines

Sign clearly using a black ink pen
Use a plain white sheet
Scan the signature with good clarity
Save the file in JPG or JPEG format
Keep the signature centred without touching edges
Do not upload digital or typed signatures

UPSC immediately rejects digital or edited signatures.

What is the UPSC Signature Size Requirements & Format

Candidates must match the exact size and format requirements given below.

Requirement	Specification
File Format	JPG / JPEG only
File Size	20 KB–300 KB
Pixel Dimensions	350 × 350 min – 1000 × 1000 max
Background	Plain white only
Ink	Black ink only

Following these UPSC photo & signature size rules ensures smooth form submission.

Live Photo Capture for Common Application Form (CAF)

For UPSC Form Fill Up 2026, UPSC has introduced a live photo capture option inside the CAF. This feature uses the webcam or mobile camera to capture a fresh image during the form-filling process.

This live capture ensures that the uploaded image matches the candidate’s current appearance. Candidates must carefully follow the on-screen instructions while capturing the photo.

Once confirmed, the live photo cannot be changed during that session. Therefore, candidates must check lighting, background, and clarity before confirmation.

Points to Remember While Uploading Photo & Signature in UPSC Form 2026

Correct uploads reduce rejection risk and save correction time. Therefore, keep these points in mind:

Check pixel size and file size strictly
Preview images before final confirmation
Re-scan images if the quality looks poor
Use a consistent signature style
Use updated Chrome or Firefox browsers
Avoid mobile browsers if possible

Following these steps improves success during UPSC Photo & Signature upload.

UPSC Form Fill Up 2026 Last Date

The UPSC online application process remains open until 24th February 2026 at 6:00 PM. Candidates must complete every step, including uploads and fee payment, before this deadline.

Missing this date means losing the chance to appear for UPSC CSE 2026.

Conclusion

The UPSC Photo & Signature upload step decides whether your application moves forward or gets rejected. Therefore, candidates must strictly follow the size, format, clarity, and upload instructions while filling out the UPSC Form 2026. Careful preparation, correct uploads, and timely submission ensure a smooth start to your UPSC journey.

In which format does UPSC accept the photo and signature files?

UPSC accepts only JPG or JPEG format for both photographs and signatures. The online system does not support PNG, PDF, or any other file format for these fields. If you try to upload files in unsupported formats, the system will immediately show an error, and your form will not move to the next stage. Therefore, before uploading, candidates must check the file extension and convert the image to JPG or JPEG using a basic image editor if required.

Can I upload a photo from the past year for UPSC CSE 2026?

No, UPSC clearly expects a recent photograph for the 2026 application cycle. The uploaded image must reflect your current appearance because UPSC uses the photo for identity verification at the exam center and during document verification. Old photographs, especially those used in previous years or taken several years ago, may lead to rejection or create verification issues later. Therefore, candidates should always upload a fresh, clear photo taken recently under proper lighting conditions.

What should I do if the photo upload shows an error during form submission?

If the photo upload shows an error, candidates should first verify the file size, pixel dimensions, and format as prescribed by UPSC. Even a small deviation from the given specifications can cause upload failure. If the image meets all requirements and the error still appears, candidates should re-scan the photograph or try uploading it using a different browser. During peak hours, server load may also cause temporary upload issues, so retrying after some time can help.

Do I need to write my name and date on the photograph?

No, UPSC does not require candidates to write their name or date on the photograph for UPSC CSE 2026. The official notification and UPSC Photo & signature guidelines do not mention any such requirement. Candidates should focus only on uploading a clear, recent photo with a plain white background and proper visibility of the face. Adding extra text or markings on the photograph is unnecessary and should be avoided unless UPSC explicitly instructs otherwise.

What happens if my photo or signature is unclear or blurred?

If the uploaded photo or signature appears blurred, dark, cropped, or unclear, UPSC may reject the application during scrutiny. Since the photograph and signature serve as identity proof, clarity is extremely important. Candidates should always scan images under good lighting conditions and preview them carefully before final submission. If clarity is not satisfactory, re-scanning the image before submission is strongly recommended.