Form portals reject photos for two reasons: wrong dimensions and wrong file size. Exam registrations in India typically want 3.5 x 4.5 cm at 20–50 KB (SSC, UPSC, IBPS) — sometimes a signature scan under 20 KB too. Passport Seva wants 2 x 2 inches under 100 KB. Job portals and university admissions usually ask for a plain photo under 200 KB or 1 MB.
The reliable method is to work backwards from the notice: crop to the stated dimensions first, then compress to the stated KB — in that order, because resizing after compressing changes the file size again. The two tools below do exactly this: the Passport Photo Maker locks dimensions for the common specs, and Compress to Size lands any image just under a KB target you type, photo and signature in one batch.
How to do it in 3 steps
- Read your form notice and note the required dimensions and KB limit.
- Crop with the Passport Photo Maker (or set a custom size), then set the KB target.
- If you only need the file smaller, use Compress to Size with the exact KB from the notice — then upload.
FAQ
My photo is the right KB but still rejected. Why?
Probably dimensions. Many portals check pixel size as strictly as file size — crop to the exact spec, not just the KB cap.
What size is a signature scan?
Commonly 3.5 x 1.5 cm or similar, 10–20 KB, black or blue ink on white paper. Use a custom KB target of 20 and keep the scan crisp.
Which format should I upload?
JPG. Some portals say JPEG — it is the same format. Avoid WebP and HEIC for government forms.