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SSC Photo Requirements 2025: Complete Guide for CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD

Official photo and signature specifications for all SSC examinations with step-by-step upload guide

Updated: November 30, 202515 min read2025 Updated
By Sarvesh Kumar
SSC Photo Requirements 2025 - CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD photo specifications

SSC Photo Specifications at a Glance

Photo Dimensions:3.5 × 4.5 cm
Photo File Size:20-50 KB
Photo Format:JPEG/JPG
Background Color:White/Light
Signature Size:10-20 KB
Signature Dimensions:3.5 × 1.5 cm
Signature Ink Color:Black/Blue
Pixel Dimensions:100×120 to 200×240

1. SSC Photo Requirements Overview 2025

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts multiple examinations every year including CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable, JE, and Stenographer. All these exams require candidates to upload their photograph and signature during the online application process.

Important: SSC has strict photo guidelines, and applications with incorrect photo specifications are rejected without refund. In 2024, over 50,000 applications were rejected due to photo/signature issues.

🎯 Key SSC Photo Requirements

  • Recent passport-size photograph (taken within 3 months)
  • Clear, sharp image with proper lighting
  • White or light-colored plain background
  • Face should cover 70-80% of the photograph
  • File size between 20KB to 50KB
  • JPEG/JPG format only

2. Exam-Wise Photo Specifications

While SSC maintains uniform photo requirements across most exams, here are the specific requirements for each major SSC examination:

SSC ExamPhoto SizeFile SizeSignature
SSC CGL 20253.5 × 4.5 cm20-50 KB10-20 KB
SSC CHSL 20253.5 × 4.5 cm20-50 KB10-20 KB
SSC MTS 20253.5 × 4.5 cm20-50 KB10-20 KB
SSC GD Constable 20253.5 × 4.5 cm20-50 KB10-20 KB
SSC JE 20253.5 × 4.5 cm20-50 KB10-20 KB
SSC Stenographer 20253.5 × 4.5 cm20-50 KB10-20 KB
SSC CPO 20253.5 × 4.5 cm20-50 KB10-20 KB

✅ Photo Pixel Dimensions

  • • Minimum: 100 × 120 pixels
  • • Recommended: 150 × 180 pixels
  • • Maximum: 200 × 240 pixels
  • • Aspect Ratio: 3.5:4.5

📐 Signature Pixel Dimensions

  • • Width: 140-200 pixels
  • • Height: 60-80 pixels
  • • Aspect Ratio: ~3.5:1.5
  • • Format: JPEG/JPG only

3. SSC Signature Requirements 2025

The signature is as important as the photograph. Your signature will be verified at the examination center and during document verification. Mismatched signatures can lead to disqualification.

✍️ Signature Specifications

  • Dimensions: 3.5 cm × 1.5 cm
  • File Size: 10-20 KB
  • Format: JPEG/JPG only
  • Background: White only
  • Ink Color: Black or Blue

⚠️ Signature Don'ts

  • Do NOT use capital letters only
  • Do NOT use digital/typed signatures
  • Do NOT use pencil signatures
  • Do NOT crop signature too tightly
  • Do NOT use colored backgrounds

💡 Pro Tip: Signature for SSC CGL

Sign on a plain white paper with a black or blue ball-point pen. Take a photo in good lighting, then use our SSC Signature Resize Tool to convert it to the exact specifications. Practice your signature to ensure consistency during the exam.

4. SSC GD Photo Background Color Requirements

SSC (including SSC GD Constable, CGL, CHSL, MTS) strictly requires a white or very light gray background for all photographs. Blue, red, yellow, or any colored backgrounds will result in automatic rejection during application verification.

⚠️ SSC GD Photo Background Colour - Critical Rule

For SSC GD Constable specifically, only white background is accepted. Light gray may work for CGL/CHSL, but for GD Constable and CPO exams, use pure white background to ensure acceptance. Colored backgrounds (especially blue which is common for passport photos) cause immediate rejection.

✓ White

Best Choice

✓ Light Gray

Acceptable

✗ Blue

Not Allowed

✗ Red

Not Allowed

📸 Photo Studio Instructions

When visiting a photo studio, specifically ask for:

  • “White background passport photo for SSC exam”
  • “Digital copy in JPEG format under 50KB”
  • “Face should cover 70-80% of frame”

5. Dress Code and Appearance Guidelines

✅ Acceptable

  • Formal attire (shirt, kurta, saree)
  • Religious headwear (turban, hijab) - allowed
  • Spectacles (transparent lenses only)
  • Natural expression, slight smile okay
  • Both ears visible (if no religious headwear)

❌ Not Acceptable

  • Sunglasses or tinted glasses
  • Caps, hats (except religious)
  • Heavy makeup or filters
  • Face covered by hair
  • White clothing (blends with background)

👓 Can I wear spectacles in SSC photo?

Yes, but only with transparent/clear lenses. There should be no glare on the lenses, and your eyes must be clearly visible. Tinted glasses, sunglasses, or glasses with heavy frames are NOT allowed.

6. Top 10 Reasons for Photo Rejection in SSC

Avoid these common mistakes that lead to application rejection:

1

File Size Exceeds 50KB

Most common reason. Use our resize tool to compress to exactly 50KB.

2

Incorrect Dimensions

Photo must be 3.5×4.5 cm. Landscape or square photos are rejected.

3

Wrong Background Color

Only white or light-colored backgrounds are accepted. Blue/red backgrounds rejected.

4

Face Not Properly Visible

Face should cover 70-80% of the photograph. Too far or too close photos rejected.

5

Old/Outdated Photograph

Photo must be recent (within 3 months). Old photos may not match at verification.

6

Blurry or Low Quality Image

Photo must be sharp and clear. Pixelated images from heavy compression rejected.

7

Wrong File Format

Only JPEG/JPG format accepted. PNG, WEBP, BMP formats will cause upload errors.

8

Signature Too Small/Large

Signature must be readable and fit within specified dimensions (10-20KB).

9

Digital/Typed Signature

Only handwritten signatures are accepted. Computer-generated signatures rejected.

10

Photo with Date Stamp

Remove any date stamps or watermarks from your photograph.

7. Step-by-Step: Resize Photo for SSC 2025

Follow these steps to resize your photo to exact SSC specifications:

1

Open ResizeKB.tech

Go to ResizeKB.tech/resize-image-50kb on your browser

2

Upload Your Photo

Click “Choose File” or drag and drop your photograph. Supports JPG, PNG, WEBP formats.

3

Set Target Size to 50KB

The tool automatically sets 50KB as target. You can adjust between 20-50KB for SSC requirements.

4

Click “Resize Image”

Our smart algorithm will compress your image while maintaining quality.

5

Verify and Download

Check the preview and file size. Click “Download” to save your SSC-ready photo.

8. How to Resize SSC Photo on Mobile

You can resize your SSC photo directly on your smartphone without downloading any app:

📱 Android/iPhone

  1. Open Chrome/Safari browser
  2. Visit ResizeKB.tech
  3. Tap “Choose File”
  4. Select photo from gallery
  5. Set size to 50KB
  6. Tap “Resize”
  7. Download resized photo

✅ Mobile Advantages

  • • No app download required
  • • Works on any smartphone
  • • Processing happens on your device
  • • Photo never uploaded to any server
  • • 100% private and secure
  • • Works offline after page loads

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1.What is the exact photo size for SSC CGL 2025?

SSC CGL 2025 requires a passport-size photograph of 3.5 × 4.5 cm dimensions with file size between 20-50 KB in JPEG/JPG format. The background must be white or light-colored.

Q2.What is the signature size for SSC CHSL?

SSC CHSL signature requirements are: dimensions 3.5 × 1.5 cm, file size 10-20 KB, JPEG/JPG format, white background, and black or blue ink. The signature must be handwritten.

Q3.Can I wear spectacles in SSC photo?

Yes, you can wear spectacles in SSC photos, but only with clear/transparent lenses. Your eyes must be clearly visible without any glare on the glasses. Sunglasses or tinted lenses are not allowed.

Q4.What happens if my photo is rejected?

If your photo is rejected during SSC application, you will not be able to submit the form. SSC provides photo editing window before final submission. After submission, rejected applications may not be refunded.

Q5.Is blue background allowed for SSC photo?

No, blue background is NOT allowed for SSC exams. SSC specifically requires white or light-colored plain background. Photos with blue, red, or any dark background will be rejected.

Q6.How to reduce SSC photo size from 100KB to 50KB?

Use our free online tool at ResizeKB.tech. Upload your photo, set target size to 50KB, and click resize. The tool uses smart compression to reduce file size while maintaining photo quality.

Q7.What is SSC Group C & D photo size?

SSC Group C (CGL, CHSL, Stenographer) and Group D (MTS) both require the same photo specifications: 3.5×4.5 cm, 20-50KB, JPEG format, white background.

Q8.Can I use mobile selfie for SSC application?

Yes, you can use a mobile selfie if it meets SSC specifications. Ensure white background, proper lighting, face covering 70-80% of frame, and resize to 20-50KB before uploading.

Q9.What ink color should I use for SSC signature?

Use black or blue ball-point pen for SSC signature. Both colors are accepted. Do not use pencil, gel pen, or sketch pen as they may not scan properly.

Q10.How recent should the SSC photo be?

SSC photo should be taken within the last 3 months. The photo must match your current appearance. Old photos may cause issues during document verification.

10. Pre-Upload Checklist for SSC 2025

Before uploading your photo and signature, verify these points:

📸 Photo Checklist

  • File size between 20-50 KB
  • Format is JPEG/JPG
  • Dimensions 3.5 × 4.5 cm
  • White or light background
  • Face covers 70-80% of photo
  • Photo taken within 3 months
  • Clear and sharp image
  • No sunglasses or caps
  • Both ears visible
  • No date stamp or watermark

✍️ Signature Checklist

  • File size between 10-20 KB
  • Format is JPEG/JPG
  • Dimensions 3.5 × 1.5 cm
  • White background only
  • Black or blue ink used
  • Handwritten (not digital)
  • Clearly readable
  • Not too thick or thin
  • Consistent with usual signature
  • No smudges or overwriting

Ready to Resize Your SSC Photo?

Use our free online tool to resize your photo and signature to exact SSC specifications in seconds.

✅ Ready to Resize Your Photo?

Use our free tools to resize your photo to exact specifications in seconds:

No Upload to Server No Watermark 100% Free Forever Works Offline

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