Are spectacles allowed in government exam photos?

Spectacles with transparent/clear lenses are allowed in most government exam photos including SSC, UPSC, and IBPS. However, RRB (Railway Recruitment Board) generally does not allow spectacles due to biometric verification requirements. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are strictly prohibited in all government exams. If you wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible.

Can I wear spectacles in RRB NTPC photo?

RRB NTPC and other railway exams generally do not allow spectacles in photos because they use facial recognition and biometric verification systems. Glasses can interfere with eye detection algorithms. For best results and to avoid rejection, remove your spectacles when taking RRB exam photos. If you must wear glasses due to medical reasons, ensure absolutely no glare is visible on the lenses.

Are spectacles allowed in SSC CGL photo?

Yes, SSC CGL allows spectacles in photos if there is no glare or reflection on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. The glasses must have transparent lenses - tinted glasses, sunglasses, or photochromic lenses are not allowed. SSC is more lenient than RRB when it comes to prescription eyewear. However, for best results, consider using contact lenses or taking photo without glasses.

Can sunglasses be worn in government exam photos?

No, sunglasses are strictly prohibited in all government exam photos including RRB, SSC, UPSC, IBPS, SBI, and any other competitive exam. This includes tinted glasses, photochromic lenses (transition lenses), or any eyewear that obscures your eyes. Only transparent prescription glasses are allowed in some exams (SSC, UPSC, IBPS) but NOT in RRB or banking exams that use biometric verification.

How to avoid glare on spectacles in exam photo?

To avoid glare on spectacles: 1) Use soft, diffused lighting instead of harsh direct light. 2) Position yourself so light comes from above and slightly behind the camera, not from the sides. 3) Tilt glasses slightly downward (very subtle, barely noticeable). 4) Use anti-reflective coated glasses if possible. 5) Clean lenses thoroughly before photo. 6) Take multiple shots and choose the one with least glare. Best solution: Use contact lenses or remove glasses for exam photos to avoid any risk of rejection.

Should I use contact lenses instead of glasses for exam photos?

Yes, using contact lenses is the safest option for government exam photos. Contact lenses eliminate all risks associated with glasses: no glare, no reflections, no frame obstruction, and your eyes are fully visible for biometric verification. This is especially important for RRB exams where spectacles are discouraged. If you are not comfortable with contacts, take photo without glasses and wear them only during the actual exam (if needed).

What if I have high power prescription and cannot see without glasses?

For government exam photos, you only need clear vision for a few seconds to look at the camera. Have someone help position you correctly, remove glasses just before the photo, look straight ahead at camera, and photo is taken. Immediately wear glasses back. Most photo studios are experienced with this process. The photo requirement is separate from the exam - you can wear glasses during the actual exam if needed (most exams allow it in the exam hall).

Will my application be rejected if I wear spectacles in RRB photo?

There is a high risk of rejection if you wear spectacles in RRB photos (NTPC, Group D, ALP, JE). RRB uses automated facial recognition systems that may flag photos with glasses. If your glasses cause any glare, reflection, or obstruct your eyes even slightly, the photo will be auto-rejected. While some candidates have successfully submitted photos with glasses, it is not worth the risk. To be safe, always take RRB photos without spectacles.

Are there any exams that strictly prohibit spectacles in photos?

RRB (Railway Recruitment Board) exams and most banking exams (IBPS, SBI) with biometric verification generally prohibit or discourage spectacles in photos. These exams use facial recognition technology that works best with unobstructed eyes. UPSC is very strict and requires spectacles only with a medical certificate. SSC is more lenient but still recommends no glasses. Pan Card, Aadhar Card, and Passport also prefer photos without glasses for biometric verification.

What type of glasses frames are acceptable if spectacles are allowed?

If an exam allows spectacles (like SSC), use thin, lightweight frames that do not obstruct your eyebrows, eyes, or face. Avoid: thick frames, oversized glasses, colored frames, designer frames with logos, reflective frames, or half-rim glasses. Best choice: simple metal or thin plastic frames in neutral colors (black, brown, silver). The frames should not cast shadows on your face. If your current glasses have thick frames, consider getting a basic pair just for document photos.

Can I Wear Glasses in Exam Photo? (SSC, RRB, UPSC Rules 2026)

Why This Confusion Exists (And Why It Matters)

Last month, I talked to a candidate who got his RRB NTPC application rejected three times. Same photo, same format, correct file size - everything looked perfect. The issue? He was wearing spectacles.

The confusing part? His friend submitted an SSC CGL application with glasses in the photo, and it got accepted. So what gives?

Here's the thing: different government exam bodies have different policies on spectacles. Some allow it, some don't, and some fall in a gray area where "technically allowed but often rejected" applies.

The reason behind these varying policies? Biometric verification systems. Exams using facial recognition technology (like RRB and banking exams) need your eyes fully visible. Glasses - especially with glare - mess with these systems. SSC and UPSC, on the other hand, rely more on human verification, so they're more lenient.

Reality Check: Even if an exam "allows" spectacles, you're taking a risk. The safest bet? Don't wear glasses in any government exam photo. Your application is too important to gamble on a policy gray area.

Exam-Wise Spectacles Policy (2026 Updated)

Let's break down the spectacles policy for each major government exam. I've included the official stance, the practical reality, and what actually gets rejected.

Exam	Official Policy	Practical Reality	Recommendation
RRB NTPC	Not recommended, may cause issues	High rejection rate with glasses	❌ Don't wear
RRB Group D	Not recommended	Often auto-rejected by system	❌ Don't wear
SSC CGL/CHSL	Allowed if no glare	Accepted if lenses are clear	⚠️ Risky, avoid if possible
SSC GD/MTS	Allowed if no glare	Usually accepted	⚠️ Allowed but not recommended
UPSC CSE	Only with medical certificate	Strict verification, needs proof	❌ Don't wear (unless medically certified)
IBPS PO/Clerk	Discouraged due to biometrics	May cause issues at exam center	❌ Don't wear
SBI PO/Clerk	Not recommended	Biometric mismatch risk	❌ Don't wear
Pan Card	Discouraged	Sometimes accepted	⚠️ Better without
Aadhar Card	Not allowed	Rejected due to biometric system	❌ Never wear
Passport	Only if worn daily	Accepted but can cause visa issues	⚠️ Avoid for international travel

Universal Rule: Sunglasses, tinted lenses, photochromic glasses (transition lenses), and reflective glasses are NEVER allowed in any government exam photo. This includes Pan Card, Aadhar, Passport, or any competitive exam.

The Glare Problem (Why Most Spectacle Photos Get Rejected)

Even if an exam technically allows spectacles, here's the catch: any glare or reflection on your lenses will get your photo rejected.

What's glare? Those white shiny spots on your glasses in photos. It happens because light reflects off the lens surface, obscuring your eyes. Automated photo verification systems can't "see" your eyes through glare, so they auto-reject the photo.

Common Glare Causes

❌ Direct overhead lighting (common in studios)
❌ Flash photography
❌ Window light coming from the side
❌ Glossy/shiny lens coating
❌ Tilted glasses (not straight on face)
❌ Large lenses (more surface for glare)

How to Minimize Glare

✓ Use soft, diffused lighting
✓ Natural daylight (cloudy day is best)
✓ Light source above and behind camera
✓ Anti-reflective (AR) coating on lenses
✓ Tilt glasses very slightly downward
✓ Take 10+ photos, choose best one

Real Example: What Rejection Looks Like

Candidate: Rahul, SSC CGL 2024 applicant

Issue: Uploaded photo with spectacles showing slight glare on left lens

Result: Application status showed "Photo under review" for 2 weeks, then rejected with message: "Unable to verify facial features - please upload photo without spectacles or with clear visibility of eyes"

Solution: Resubmitted photo without glasses → Accepted within 24 hours

Lesson: Even SSC, which "allows" spectacles, had issues with a photo that looked perfectly fine to the human eye.

Contact Lenses vs. Spectacles: Which is Better?

If you wear glasses regularly, you have three options for exam photos:

Option 1: Contact Lenses (BEST)

Wear contact lenses when taking the photo. This eliminates all risk of glare, reflection, or biometric mismatch.

Pros: No rejection risk, eyes fully visible, works for all exams
Cons: Need to buy contacts if you don't use them

Option 2: Remove Glasses for Photo (SAFEST)

Take off your spectacles just for the photo. Have someone help position you, remove glasses, look at camera, photo taken in 3 seconds. Wear glasses back immediately.

Pros: Zero cost, 100% compliant, works even if you have high power
Cons: Need someone to help (can't do selfie)

Option 3: Photo with Spectacles (RISKY)

Wear glasses in the photo and hope for the best. Only consider this for SSC exams, NOT for RRB or banking exams.

Pros: None really (convenience is minimal)
Cons: High rejection risk, may need to retake photo, delays application

💡 Smart Strategy:

Get ONE photo taken without spectacles and use it for all government exams (RRB, SSC, UPSC, Pan Card, Aadhar, Passport). This photo will be universally accepted. You can still wear glasses during the actual exam if needed.

What About During the Actual Exam?

Important clarification: The spectacles policy for your application photo is different from what you can wear during the actual exam.

During the exam (in the exam hall):

✓ You CAN wear prescription spectacles during all government exams (RRB, SSC, UPSC, banking)
✓ Exam invigilators will check your glasses for any camera or communication device (some exams)
✓ Your appearance should match your photo, but minor differences (glasses on/off) are acceptable
✓ At biometric verification (fingerprint/iris scan), you may be asked to briefly remove glasses

Bottom line: Take your exam photo without spectacles (safest), but wear them during the exam if you need them to see the question paper clearly. This is perfectly fine and won't cause any issues.

Step-by-Step: Perfect Photo Without Spectacles

"But I can't see without my glasses!" - I hear this a lot. Here's how to take a perfect photo even with high power prescription:

1
Set Up Camera Position
With glasses on, position yourself at the right distance from camera (about 4-5 feet). Adjust lighting, background, and camera angle. Take test shots until positioning is perfect.
2
Mark Your Position
Put tape on the floor where your feet are. Mark a spot on the wall behind camera to focus your eyes on. This is what you'll look at after removing glasses.
3
Remove Glasses Carefully
Keep looking at the marked spot. Remove glasses slowly without moving your head. Don't squint or close your eyes.
4
Take Photo Immediately
Have someone else click (or use timer function with remote/voice command). Take 5-10 photos in quick succession. You only need clear focus for 10 seconds total.
5
Review and Retake if Needed
Wear glasses back, check photos on computer. Are your eyes open and looking straight? Is expression neutral? If not, repeat steps 3-4. Usually takes 2-3 attempts max.

Pro Tip from a Photography Studio: Ask the photo studio to take the photo on a cloudy day (soft natural light) and use a remote shutter release. You remove glasses, they count "1-2-3" and click from distance. Zero glare, perfect clarity, no stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My exam notification doesn't mention anything about spectacles. What should I do?

A: If the notification is silent on spectacles, assume they are NOT allowed and take photo without glasses. Government bodies follow the principle: "If it's not explicitly permitted, it's prohibited." Playing it safe is always better than facing rejection.

Q: I already submitted my application with spectacles in photo. Should I worry?

A: Check your application status daily. If it shows "Photo under review" or "Pending verification" for more than 3-4 days, there may be an issue. Some exams allow photo correction through their portal - use that facility if available. If the exam allows, upload a fresh photo without glasses.

Q: Will wearing glasses in exam photo affect my chances during document verification?

A: If your photo gets accepted (with glasses), you're fine for document verification as long as you're recognizable. The bigger risk is photo rejection during the application stage itself. Once your application is accepted, minor appearance differences (glasses on/off, new hairstyle, facial hair) are usually not an issue at document verification.

Q: Can I edit my photo to remove spectacles digitally?

A: Absolutely NOT. Digitally editing exam photos is considered fraud and can lead to application rejection, ban from future exams, and even legal consequences. Government verification systems can detect edited photos. Always use an original, unedited photograph.

Q: I wear glasses for reading only (near vision). Should I wear them in photo?

A: No. Whether you wear glasses full-time, part-time, or only for reading doesn't matter - the policy applies equally. Take the photo without any glasses. During the exam, you can wear your reading glasses when solving questions and remove them during biometric verification.

Q: Are there any specific glass frame types that are acceptable?

A: For exams that allow spectacles (like SSC), thin wire frames are safer than thick plastic frames. Frames should not obstruct your eyebrows, eyes, or cast shadows on your face. Avoid: colored frames, designer brands with logos, oversized frames, or half-rim glasses. But remember, even with "acceptable" frames, no glasses is still the safest option.

Final Recommendation: Don't Risk It

After researching hundreds of rejection cases and talking to candidates who faced issues, here's my honest advice:

Just take the photo without spectacles. Yes, even for SSC. Even if the exam "technically allows" it.

Here's why: The inconvenience of removing glasses for 10 seconds during photo session is minimal. But the consequence of rejection - missing application deadline, delayed exam, or losing a year of preparation - is massive.

Government exam policies change, verification systems get updated, and what worked last year may not work this year. The one thing that NEVER gets rejected? A clear photo without spectacles showing your full face.

✅ Your Action Plan:

1. Visit a professional photo studio (or set up at home with good lighting)
2. Take photo WITHOUT spectacles (use the 5-step method above)
3. Get photo resized to exact exam specifications using our free tools
4. Use the SAME photo for all government exams (RRB, SSC, UPSC, Pan Card, etc.)
5. Wear your glasses during the actual exam if needed (this is allowed)

Your government job is too important to gamble on a "maybe acceptable" photo. Take the safe route, and you'll never have to worry about photo-related rejection.

Spectacles in Government Exam Photos 2026: Can You Wear Glasses?

Quick Answer (TL;DR)