The UPSC CDS photo must be 400 × 400 pixels (width × height), with a file size between 20 KB and 300 KB, in JPG/JPEG format. Upload your photo in the tool below and it is resized and compressed to exactly this size in one click.
⚡ UPSC CDS Photo Resizer — 400×400px, 20–300 KB● 100% private · in your browser
UPSC CDS Photo Requirements
| Width | 400 px |
|---|---|
| Height | 400 px |
| File size | 20 – 300 KB |
| Format | JPG / JPEG |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 |
| Print size @200 DPI | 5.08 × 5.08 cm |
UPSC CDS Signature Requirements
| Width | 400 px |
|---|---|
| Height | 400 px |
| File size | 20 – 100 KB |
| Format | JPG / JPEG |
UPSC CDS Photo Guidelines — Do's & Don'ts
✅ Do
- Recent colour passport-style photo (taken within the last 3–6 months)
- Plain white or light-coloured background
- Face centred and clearly visible, covering about 50–70% of the frame
- Eyes open, neutral expression, looking straight at the camera
- Even lighting — no shadows on the face or background
❌ Avoid
- Caps, hats or dark sunglasses (religious headwear is usually allowed)
- Selfies with beauty filters, heavy edits or tilted angles
- Group photos, cropped ID-card photos or photos of a printed photo
- Blurred, pixelated or over-exposed images
How to Resize the UPSC CDS Photo (4 Steps)
- Upload your photo in the tool above (JPG, PNG, HEIC or WEBP, from gallery or camera).
- Crop — the box is locked to the 1:1 ratio required by UPSC CDS. Zoom, rotate or remove the background if needed.
- Process — the photo is resized to 400×400px and compressed into 20–300 KB automatically.
- Download the JPG and upload it on the UPSC CDS application form.
Common reasons the photo upload is rejected
- File is larger than 300 KB or smaller than 20 KB.
- Dimensions are not 400×400px, or the image is stretched.
- Wrong format — PNG, HEIC or PDF instead of JPG.
- Dark, blurred or non-white background, or face not clearly visible.
📖 How to take an exam photo with your phone · 12 reasons uploads get rejected
Other exams with the same photo size (400×400px, 20–300 KB)
A photo resized here can also be used for:
UPSC CDS Photo Size — FAQs
What is the UPSC CDS photo size in 2026-2027?
The UPSC CDS photo must be 400×400 pixels (width × height) in JPG format, with a file size between 20 KB and 300 KB.
What is the UPSC CDS photo size in KB?
Between 20 KB and 300 KB. Files below 20 KB or above 300 KB are usually rejected by the application portal.
What is the UPSC CDS photo size for 2027?
Use 400×400 pixels, 20–300 KB, JPG — the size in recent UPSC CDS notifications. It rarely changes between years; if the 2027 notification changes it we update this page, and you can edit width, height and KB in the tool.
How do I reduce my UPSC CDS photo to under 300 KB?
Upload it in the free tool on this page. It resizes the image to 400×400px and automatically adjusts JPG quality until the file is inside the 20–300 KB range. No app or sign-up is needed.
My photo is smaller than 20 KB. How do I increase the size?
The tool raises the JPG quality to bring a small file up into the 20–300 KB range without changing the 400×400px dimensions. Start from the original, un-compressed photo for the best result.
What background is required for the UPSC CDS photo?
Use a recent colour photo with a plain white or light background, face clearly visible and no cap or dark glasses. Crop it in the tool so your face is centred.
Can I resize the UPSC CDS photo on my mobile phone?
Yes. The tool works in Chrome or Safari on Android and iPhone. Pick the photo from your gallery or camera, crop it, and download the resized JPG straight to your phone.
Is it safe to resize my photo on ILoveExams?
Yes. Your image is processed entirely inside your browser and is never uploaded to any server, so nobody else can see it.
What is the UPSC CDS signature size?
The UPSC CDS signature must be 400×400 pixels, 20–100 KB, JPG. Resize your UPSC CDS signature here.
More UPSC Exams
- UPSC Photo Size
- UPSC IES / ESE Photo Size
- UPSC Geo-Scientist Photo Size
- UPSC CAPF AC Photo Size
- UPSC NDA Photo Size
All UPSC Exams photo & signature sizes → · Full exam size chart 2026-2027 → · Resize any image to 400×400px →
Specifications on this page are compiled from recent official UPSC CDS notifications and checked regularly (last review: September 2026). Always cross-check with the latest official notification before submitting — if the size has changed, you can edit width, height and KB directly in the tool.