Got the "photo not as per specification" error while filling your SSC CGL form? You are not alone — it is the single most common reason candidates fail to submit their application. The SSC portal gives almost no error detail, so candidates are left guessing what went wrong.
This guide lists all six official reasons SSC rejects photos, with a specific fix for each. Use the tool above to compress your photo to the correct size before reading further — that solves roughly 70% of cases.
The 6 Official SSC CGL Photo Rejection Reasons
According to the SSC CGL official notification, photographs are rejected for the following reasons:
- File size exceeds the limit — Photo must be between 20 KB and 100 KB. Any file over 100 KB is automatically rejected by the portal.
- Resolution too low — Minimum 100 DPI required. Screenshots and compressed-twice images often fail this check.
- Background is not white or off-white — Coloured backgrounds, patterns, and dark walls are rejected. Light grey is sometimes accepted.
- Photo is older than 3 months — SSC specifies a recent photograph. The portal cannot verify this automatically, but it can be flagged during document verification.
- File format is not JPEG — Only JPG/JPEG is accepted. PNG, WebP, HEIC, and PDF are not supported.
- Face does not occupy 70–80% of the frame — Group photos, photos with excessive background, or photos taken from a distance are rejected.
Fix 1 — File Too Large (Most Common)
The most common reason for rejection is a file that exceeds 100 KB. Phone cameras and WhatsApp forwards often produce 1–4 MB files. The tool above compresses your photo to exactly 100 KB in one click — use it, then re-upload.
Target: Compress to 80–95 KB to leave a safety margin. The tool lets you set a custom target if you want to go lower.
Fix 2 — Wrong Format
If your photo is a PNG, convert it to JPEG first. The compression tool above always outputs JPEG, so running your photo through it also fixes the format automatically. If you are on iPhone, HEIC photos need to be converted to JPEG — use the HEIC to JPG converter first, then compress.
Fix 3 — Low Resolution or Blurry
Start from the highest quality version of your photo. Do not screenshot a photo from WhatsApp or a PDF — this degrades resolution. Ask your photographer for the original file, or re-take the photo with your phone set to maximum resolution.
The SSC portal renders a small preview after upload. If that preview looks blurry, the photo will likely fail resolution checks. Upload a sharper source file.
Fix 4 — Background Is Not White
SSC requires a plain white or off-white background. If you do not have a studio-quality photo available:
- Stand against a white wall in a well-lit room
- Face a bright window for natural even lighting — this eliminates shadows on the background
- Avoid wearing white or off-white clothing, as it blends with the background
If your photo has a non-white background and you cannot re-take it, you will need to use a background removal tool and replace it manually before uploading.
Official SSC CGL Photo Specifications
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG / JPG only |
| File size | 20 KB – 100 KB |
| Minimum dimensions | 200 × 230 pixels |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Age of photo | Taken within last 3 months |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open, facing camera |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
SSC CGL Signature Specifications
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG / JPG only |
| File size | 10 KB – 20 KB |
| Minimum dimensions | 140 × 60 pixels |
| Background | White |
| Ink colour | Black or dark blue |
For your signature, use the compress to 20 KB tool — it targets exactly the right range without guessing.
Step-by-Step Upload Checklist
Before opening the SSC application portal, complete this checklist to avoid mid-form errors:
- Compress your photo to between 80–95 KB using the tool above and save it to your desktop.
- Open the saved file and verify: it is a .jpg file, the file size shown in Properties is under 100 KB, and the image looks sharp when you zoom in.
- Open the SSC CDGE portal, log in, and navigate to the upload section.
- Upload the compressed photo and wait for the portal to show a preview. If the preview appears, the file has been accepted.
- Repeat for the signature using a 10–20 KB compressed file. Do not upload the same file for both photo and signature slots.
Same Rules Apply to SSC CHSL, MTS, and GD Constable
The photo and signature specifications above are identical across all SSC examinations including CHSL, MTS, CPO, and GD Constable. If you are filling multiple SSC forms, compress your photos once and reuse the same files. See also our guide on 20 KB vs 50 KB for exam forms to understand how to pick the right target for any portal.