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India SSC examination application photo requirements

The photo rules set by Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the India SSC examination application photo, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 4 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What are the India SSC examination application photo requirements?

SSC applications do not take a photo upload: the form captures your photo live with a webcam or phone camera, with no cap, mask or glasses. You upload only your signature, as a JPEG/JPG of 10 to 20 KB, about 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm. Candidates without Aadhaar authentication carry two passport-size colour photos to the exam.

These rules are from the Staff Selection Commission's notice for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026, uploaded on 7 September 2026 (applications 7 September to 7 October 2026). The Junior Engineer Examination 2026 notice (2 September 2026) and the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 notice (21 May 2026) give the same photo and signature rules.

SSC publishes a separate notice for each examination, so check the photo and signature paragraphs in the latest notice for your exam on ssc.gov.in, including the annexure with acceptable and unacceptable sample photos.

India SSC examination application photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by Staff Selection Commission (SSC):[1]

Print sizeSignature about 6.0 cm wide x 2.0 cm high (an annexure in the CHSL and CGL 2026 notices gives about 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm)
File sizeSignature: 10 to 20 KB
File formatSignature: scanned JPEG/JPG. Photo: captured live, not uploaded
Print qualityExam day, without Aadhaar authentication: at least two recent passport-size colour photographs

Key requirements

  • Live photo

    You are not required to have a pre-existing photograph. The application module captures your photo while you fill in the form. Use good light and a plain background, the camera at eye level, sit directly in front of the camera looking straight ahead, and keep your face fully inside the area marked by the camera, neither too close nor too far. The result must be clear, with a full frontal view of the face.

  • No photo of a photo

    Capturing a photo of an existing photograph leads to rejection.

  • No camera

    Candidates who cannot capture the photo with a camera can use the QR code on the Upload Documents page to download an Android app from Google Play and capture the photo on a mobile phone, or apply through the my SSC mobile application.

  • Signature

    Scanned JPEG/JPG, 10 to 20 KB, about 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm. The signature must be clear: blurred or tiny signatures are rejected. The main text of the CHSL 2026 and CGL 2026 notices says 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm while an annexure in the same notices says about 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm; the Junior Engineer 2026 notice says 6.0 cm throughout. All give 10 to 20 KB. PwD (VH) candidates may also use a thumb impression, the CGL 2026 notice says.

  • Aadhaar Based Authentication

    SSC advises choosing Aadhaar Based Authentication during One-Time Registration (OTR). The CHSL 2026 notice says applications from these candidates are not rejected because the photo or signature does not meet the standards, and they need not show recent colour photographs or a photo ID at the computer-based exam.

  • Exam day without Aadhaar authentication

    Report two hours before the exam with your admission certificate, at least two recent passport-size colour photographs and an original valid photo ID with the date of birth printed on the admission certificate.

  • Match on exam day

    Your appearance at the exam must match the photo captured in your application.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Take the live photo in good light against a plain background
  • Keep the camera at eye level and your whole face inside the frame
  • Look straight ahead with a full frontal view
  • Sign clearly and keep the signature file within 10 to 20 KB

Don't

  • Do not wear a cap, mask, glasses or spectacles
  • Do not photograph an existing printed or on-screen photo
  • Do not submit a blurred or tiny signature

Glasses

Not allowed: SSC asks candidates not to wear a cap, mask or glasses/spectacles while capturing the photo.

Headwear and religious dress

No cap while capturing the photo.

The photo is captured live in the application, with no upload. Only the signature is uploaded. Printed passport-size colour photos are needed at the exam only if you did not use Aadhaar Based Authentication.

Where to submit the photo

On ssc.gov.in or the my SSC mobile app, in the application form (photo captured live; signature uploaded).

How to get your India SSC examination application photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the India SSC examination application photo. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: live photo; no photo of a photo; no camera; signature.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. The photo is captured live in the application, with no upload. Only the signature is uploaded. Printed passport-size colour photos are needed at the exam only if you did not use Aadhaar Based Authentication.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. On ssc.gov.in or the my SSC mobile app, in the application form (photo captured live; signature uploaded).

India SSC examination application photo FAQ

No. SSC notices say you do not need a pre-existing photograph: the application module captures your photo live while you fill in the form. Capturing a photo of an old printed or on-screen photo leads to rejection.

Upload a scanned signature as a JPEG/JPG of 10 to 20 KB, about 6.0 cm wide x 2.0 cm high, according to the CHSL 2026 and CGL 2026 notices. An annexure in the same notices gives about 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm.

No. SSC asks candidates not to wear a cap, mask or glasses/spectacles while capturing the photo, and wants a full frontal view of the face.

SSC notices say candidates who cannot capture their photo with a camera can use the QR code on the Upload Documents page to download an Android app from Google Play and capture the photo on a mobile phone. You can also apply through SSC's my SSC mobile application.

If you completed Aadhaar Based Authentication, the CHSL 2026 notice says you do not need to produce recent colour photographs or a photo ID at the computer-based exam. If you did not, report 2 hours early with your admission certificate, at least two recent passport-size colour photographs and an original photo ID showing your date of birth.

It can be. SSC says applications with photos not taken as instructed, inappropriate photos or blurred or tiny signatures are liable to be rejected. Applications from candidates who used Aadhaar Based Authentication are not rejected on these grounds.

Related photo specifications

Other India documents

Exam and application photos nearby

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Official sources

  1. Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 notice, 7 September 2026 (PDF) ssc.gov.in. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Junior Engineer Examination 2026 notice, 2 September 2026 (PDF) ssc.gov.in. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 notice, 21 May 2026 (PDF) ssc.gov.in. Checked 29 October 2026.
  4. Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Staff Selection Commission ssc.gov.in. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with Staff Selection Commission (SSC) before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"India SSC examination application photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/india/ssc-photo

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