Why portals reject "resized" photos
Many candidates resize a photo by simply changing width and height, which stretches the image. Stretching makes faces look unnatural and changes proportions. Portals also reject photos if the face is too small/too large, if the background is not plain, or if the file size (KB) is outside the allowed range.
The correct way is: keep aspect ratio, then fit into the required pixel box using white padding if needed. This keeps the photo natural and upload-friendly.
Direct tool link
Open Resize Lab to resize with correct aspect ratio + white background padding.
Fast workflow (recommended): Resize → Compress → Submit
- Resize: Use Resize Lab to set exact pixels and add padding without distortion.
- Compress: If the portal has KB limits, use Compression Lab to hit a safe target.
- Final check: Preview the image: face centered, background clean, no blur, no over-sharpen.
What to set in Resize Lab (the exact settings)
You only need three things: the required width, required height, and the correct fit mode (padding). Resize Lab is designed for exam uploads, so it preserves aspect ratio and fills empty space with white.
| What to check | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Exact pixels | Enter the portal's width × height | Most portals validate pixels automatically |
| Aspect ratio | Do not stretch; use padding when needed | Prevents unnatural face proportions |
| White background | Keep background clean and bright | Matches common govt upload expectations |
| Clarity | Use a sharp original photo | Compression cannot fix blur |
Common mistakes and quick fixes
Mistake 1: "My face looks stretched"
This happens when you force the photo into a box. Fix: re-run using Resize Lab with padding. Do not manually stretch width/height.
Mistake 2: "My photo is correct pixels but KB is wrong"
Pixels and KB are different. Pixels are dimensions; KB depends on compression settings. Fix: after resizing, open Compression Lab and compress until you are safely within range.
Mistake 3: "Background is not pure white"
If your original background is off-white/gray, you can still pass if it is plain and consistent. If it looks dull, try mild improvements using Enhance Lab (do not overdo it).
Our USP: Launch Toolkit (no guessing, fastest on mobile)
Every exam portal has different requirements, and candidates lose time switching between tools and settings. SarkariPixel's Govt Exam Toolkit is built to open the right workflow instantly and keep you moving when deadlines are close.
Direct links (tap and go)
- Resize Lab - exact pixels + white padding
- Compression Lab - hit KB targets safely
- Enhance Lab - improve clarity if the photo is slightly dull
- Launch Toolkit - our USP for exam workflows
FAQ
How do I resize a photo without stretching?
Use a tool that keeps aspect ratio and adds padding. In SarkariPixel, open Resize Lab, enter the required width/height, and export with white padding.
Why is my KB not matching even after resizing?
KB depends on compression, not just pixels. Resize first, then use Compression Lab to meet the KB range.
What is a safe KB target if the portal says max 50 KB?
Target 40-45 KB. Keeping a buffer avoids failures due to metadata differences or browser export variations.
Should I use Enhance before resizing?
Only if your original photo is dull or scanned. For normal camera photos, resize first. If needed, use Enhance Lab lightly and avoid over-sharpen.