SSC CGL Photo, Signature & Document Upload Requirements

Photo Size Requirements for SSC CGL

SSC CGL requires a recent passport-style photograph. The official notification specifies:

• File size: 20 KB to 50 KB. Files outside this range are rejected.
• Dimensions: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm (approximately 140×180 to 275×354 pixels).
• Format: JPEG/JPG only. PNG or other formats are not accepted.
• Background: Plain, light-coloured (preferably white). No patterns or shadows.
• Other: Both ears visible, neutral expression, no spectacles or headgear. Photo should be recent (within 3 months).

Use our image resizer to set the exact KB target, or compress image to reduce size. For correct framing, use our passport photo tool first.

Signature Size Requirements for SSC CGL

Your signature image must meet these specifications:

• File size: 10 KB to 20 KB.
• Dimensions: 4 cm × 2 cm (approximately 80×200 or 236×79 pixels).
• Format: JPEG only.
• Requirements: Sign on white paper with black or blue ink. Clear and legible. No smudges.

Common mistakes: signature touching borders, using ruled paper, or scanning at too high a resolution (file exceeds 20KB). Use our signature extractor to isolate the signature, then resize to 20KB to stay within limits.

Document Upload Requirements for SSC CGL

SSC CGL requires uploading scanned certificates, caste/EWS documents, and other proofs. Typical rules:

• PDF size: Usually 200 KB to 2 MB per document. Check the notification for exact limits.
• Format: PDF for multi-page documents. Combine multiple pages into one PDF if required.
• Clarity: Scanned documents must be legible. Avoid blurry or low-resolution scans.

If your PDF is too large, use our PDF compressor. To merge multiple images into one PDF, use merge PDF or JPG to PDF.

Common Upload Errors & How to Fix Them

• "Image size exceeds limit" — Resize your photo to 45–48 KB when the limit is 50 KB. Use our image resizer with Smart Optimize. Some portals measure size slightly differently; a small buffer helps.
• "Invalid file format" — SSC accepts JPEG only. Convert PNG or other formats to JPEG using our tools. Ensure the file extension is .jpg or .jpeg.
• "Signature blurred after compression" — Use a clean scan of your signature on white paper. Resize to 15–18 KB to retain clarity while staying under 20 KB.
• "PDF file too large" — Compress the PDF with our PDF compressor. For scanned documents, use moderate compression to balance size and readability.
• "Dimensions not as per specification" — Use the passport photo tool for correct framing (3.5×4.5 cm), then resize for file size.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upload Documents Successfully

1. Read the official SSC CGL notification for the exact specs. Requirements can change slightly each cycle.
2. Prepare your photo: passport-style, plain background, recent. Use the passport photo tool if needed.
3. Resize the photo to 20–50 KB using our image resizer. Aim for 45–48 KB for a safety margin.
4. Sign on white paper with black ink. Scan or photograph clearly. Extract and resize to 10–20 KB.
5. Prepare documents: scan certificates, ensure PDFs are within size limits. Compress if necessary.
6. Before submitting, verify each file: correct size, format, and clarity. Test upload during the application window.

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