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Exam Guide

SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS Photo & Signature Sizing Guide

Exact specifications, dimension rules, Date of Photo (DOP) stamping, and signature formatting for Staff Selection Commission online application forms.

6 min read Last Verified: 2026-08-20
Quick Answer

SSC exam forms require a passport photo between 20KB and 50KB (3.5cm × 4.5cm) with clear front view, and a signature between 10KB and 20KB (4.0cm × 2.0cm) in JPEG format.

Why It Matters

Over 10% of initial SSC application rejections stem from non-compliant photo uploads—such as blurred signatures, inverted dimensions, outdated photos, or missing date caption strips when required by specific recruitment cycles.

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Check Notification Rules

Verify whether the current SSC notice mandates a Name & Date of Photo (DOP) stamp strip.

2. Resize Photograph

Use ToolMela SSC Photo Resizer to set 3.5 × 4.5 cm dimensions and 20KB–50KB target size.

3. Format Signature

Sign on white paper with dark ink, crop to 4.0 × 2.0 cm, and compress between 10KB and 20KB.

4. Final Verification

Inspect both files side-by-side before uploading to the SSC portal.

Real-World Scenario

An applicant for SSC CGL 2026 takes a smartphone portrait. Using ToolMela's SSC Photo Resizer, they add their name and today's date stamp, export a 35KB JPEG, crop their signature to 15KB, and successfully pass the portal's automated image validator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Uploading landscape-oriented photos that appear rotated on the admit card.
Using blue ink signatures with poor lighting, resulting in washed-out gray uploads.
Uploading self-taken photos with distracting background patterns.

Technical Realities & Limitations

Always check the specific notification year as SSC occasionally updates its live webcam capture or static photo upload guidelines.

Apply This Workflow With ToolMela Utilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What format should SSC photos be saved in?

The SSC portal strictly accepts JPEG/JPG file formats; PNG and PDF formats are not accepted for photo or signature fields.