SSC changed how CGL photos work, and much of the advice online hasn't caught up. In the 2026 notice, the photo is captured live during the application and only the signature is uploaded. This page resizes your signature to the official 10–20 KB JPG at 6.0 × 2.0 cm, and explains the live photo rules so your capture isn't rejected. Everything stays on your phone.
Is there a photo upload in SSC CGL 2026?
No. The 2026 notice says the photograph is captured live through the application module using your webcam or mobile camera. You don't upload a photo file at all.
Many websites still quote a '20–50 KB photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm' requirement for SSC CGL. That spec isn't in the 2026 notice. Don't waste time resizing a photo — focus on getting the live capture right.
Live photo rules: how to get it accepted
- Sit in good, even light — face a window or a bright lamp, not with light behind you.
- Use a plain, light background with nothing behind your head.
- Keep the camera at eye level and look straight into it.
- Your face must sit fully inside the marked area on screen.
- No cap, mask or spectacles.
- Don't point the camera at an existing photo — photographing a photo leads to rejection.
- Carry two recent passport-size colour photographs to the exam, unless your application is Aadhaar-authenticated.
Why 472 × 157 pixels for the signature?
SSC gives the signature size in centimetres (about 6.0 × 2.0 cm) and KB (10–20 KB), not pixels. At 200 DPI, 6.0 cm is 472 px and 2.0 cm is 157 px (1 inch = 2.54 cm). The tool writes 200 DPI into the JPG, so it measures 6.0 × 2.0 cm.
If the file comes out under 10 KB, which is common for a clean signature, it is padded safely to the minimum without changing the image.
Common SSC signature mistakes
- A miniature signature — tiny in the middle of a large white image. Crop so the signature fills the box.
- A blurred photo taken in dim light or with a shaking hand.
- Signing on ruled or coloured paper.
- A file over 20 KB from a phone camera uploaded as-is.
- A signature that differs from how you'll sign at the exam.