Direct tool links (tap and go)
- Launch Toolkit (select GATE / JAM)
- Enhance Lab (fix dark photos, sharpen face/signature)
- Image Resize Tool (exact cm sizing with padding)
- Compression Lab (hit strict KB limits)
- Images → PDF (convert certificate photos into one PDF)
For an engineer, the GATE 2026 is more than just an entrance exam; it is a gateway to Master's programs at the IITs, IISc, and high-paying jobs in Maharatna PSUs like ONGC, GAIL, and IOCL. The competition is global, and the standards are elite. This level of excellence starts even before the exam'at the IIT GOAPS registration portal.
Unlike many other government exams, the IITs use advanced image-processing algorithms to verify candidate data. A slight blur in your signature or a photo that doesn't meet the 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm standard can result in an immediate Defective Application status. As a fellow Bank Exam aspirant, I know that your time should be spent on Engineering Mathematics and Core Subjects, not on calculating pixel aspect ratios.
At SarkariPixel.in, we have built the GATE preset inside our toolkit to handle these rigid IIT standards. In this guide, we break down the technical Gold Standard for GATE 2026.
1) The GATE 2026 Document Standards: GOAPS Requirements
The GOAPS portal is highly automated. It requires specific document formats (JPG/JPEG) and very narrow file size ranges. If you are even 1KB over the limit, the portal may lock the upload.
Official specifications table
| Document Type | Dimensions (cm) | File Size (KB) | Background / Ink | Best SarkariPixel tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Photo | 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm | 20 KB – 200 KB | White background | Toolkit (GATE Photo) + Compress |
| Official Signature | 2.0 cm × 7.0 cm | 5 KB – 200 KB | Black ink only | Toolkit (GATE Signature) + Enhance |
| Category Certificate | N/A | 10 KB – 300 KB | PDF format only | PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF |
| PWD Certificate | N/A | 10 KB – 300 KB | PDF format only | PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF |
The organising IIT may adjust limits each year. Use the exact portal text as final authority.
2) Preparing the IIT-standard photograph
GATE candidates must ensure their photograph is of studio quality.
The criteria for acceptance
- Face coverage: your face should occupy roughly 60% to 70% of the frame.
- No action shots: white background only • no shadows, no trees, and no selfies.
- The spectacles rule: guidelines often recommend taking the photo without spectacles to avoid glare obscuring the eyes (a leading cause of Defective labels).
The SarkariPixel workflow
Use our Enhance Lab first. Engineering students often take photos in hostel rooms with poor lighting. Enhance Lab uses contrast and clarity tuning to improve background whiteness and sharpen facial features • helping GOAPS checks pass on the first try.
3) The signature: a unique aspect ratio (2 × 7 cm)
GATE is one of the few exams that requires a 2.0 cm × 7.0 cm signature box. Many generic resizers stretch signatures, which makes them look unnatural and can trigger automated flags.
How to use the GATE preset
- Open Launch Toolkit.
- Select GATE / JAM and choose GATE Signature • 2×7 cm.
- Upload your scanned signature (black ink on white paper).
- Automatic lock: aspect ratio stays correct, and padding keeps it clean without distortion.
- Target KB: aim around 50KB (sweet spot for clarity while staying under limits).
4) Handling academic & category certificates (PDF)
GATE 2026 requires PWD, Category (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS), and Dyslexia certificates in PDF format and under the portal size limit (commonly 300 KB).
The engineered solution: If your certificate PDF is too large, don't use random cloud compressors. Use the safe loop: PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF. This keeps the Tehsildar signature and certificate number readable for IIT verification.
5) Why privacy matters for GATE aspirants
As a future scientist, researcher, or PSU engineer, you understand the value of data. Uploading Aadhaar, category certificates, or scorecards to cloud-based tools is a security risk.
SarkariPixel is 100% client-side
- Your data never touches our server.
- Everything is processed in your browser's memory.
- Your documents remain private and are gone when you close the tab.
6) Common Defective Application reasons in GATE
- Blue ink signature: use black ink only.
- Shadows on face: face the light source directly to avoid half-shadow.
- Incorrect certificate format: uploading JPG instead of PDF.
- Blurry thumb impression (if required): use Enhance Lab so ridges stay visible.
7) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I change my GATE photo after submission?
A: Only during the correction window provided by the organising IIT (often with a fee). It's better to use the SarkariPixel GATE preset to get it right the first time.
Q: What is the best resolution for GATE documents?
A: Aim for around 300 DPI when scanning. If your scan looks dull, run it through Enhance Lab before resizing/compressing.
Q: Does SarkariPixel work on mobile?
A: Yes. You can scan and resize your documents directly on your smartphone • often faster than using a cyber cafe.
Final word from the founder
To all the future M.Tech students and PSU officers: your journey is about solving complex problems. Let document upload not be one of them. I built SarkariPixel.in to be the most precise technical tool for the most technical students in India.
Take 5 minutes today. Use our GATE preset to organize your digital dossier. Get it done, get it right, and get back to your mock tests and core revision. IIT is waiting for you • make sure your application is as sharp as your mind.