What "signing a PDF" means for govt forms
Most government exam and recruitment portals do not ask for a cryptographic digital certificate signature. They simply want a PDF that includes your handwritten signature in the required place - usually on a declaration/undertaking page, self-attestation sheet, or a downloaded application form.
On mobile, the goal is simple: place a signature neatly, at the correct spot, with good contrast and without bloating the file size.
One-click tool link
Open Sign PDF and sign your PDF in minutes.
Fast method: sign a PDF on mobile in 4 steps
- Open the tool: Sign PDF
- Select your PDF: Choose the document from your phone
- Add signature type: Draw, type, or upload your signature image
- Place and export: Position it correctly, then download the signed PDF
Which signature method should you use?
Mobile signing tools usually offer three options. Choose based on what the portal expects and how strict the verification team is.
| Method | Best for | Common mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Draw signature | Quick undertakings and self-declarations | Too thin lines, shaky strokes, wrong placement |
| Type signature | Low-stakes internal documents | Looks less authentic; some portals reject |
| Upload signature image | Most exam portals (clean, consistent) | Background not white, low contrast, heavy file size |
Create a clean signature image (recommended)
If you want the most professional result, create one good signature image once and reuse it whenever you sign PDFs.
- Sign on plain white paper using black/blue pen.
- Take a sharp photo in good light (no shadows).
- Crop tightly around the signature and keep the background white.
Common problems and fixes (mobile-friendly)
Problem 1: My signature background looks gray or dirty
This usually happens when the photo is taken in low light. Use Enhance Lab to improve contrast, or reshoot the signature with brighter light and a flat paper.
Problem 2: The signed PDF becomes too large
Signing can increase size (especially if your signature image is big). If the final PDF is too large, use the safe loop: PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF.
Problem 3: The signature covers text or goes out of the box
Zoom and place carefully. If the PDF is a scanned page, use a slightly smaller signature and place it on a clean area. Always preview before exporting.
Problem 4: I have photos, but the portal needs a signed PDF
Convert images to PDF first, then sign the PDF:
Workflow for exam submissions (fast + safe)
Here is the fastest sequence that avoids rework:
- Combine pages (if needed): Merge PDFs
- Sign: Sign PDF
- Reduce size if needed: PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF
- Final check: Confirm the signature is visible and pages are in correct order
Our USP: Launch Toolkit (opens the right tool instantly)
When portals are slow and deadlines are close, time matters. SarkariPixel's Govt Exam Toolkit is built to cut the "where is that tool" delay and open the correct workflow in one tap.
Direct links (tap and go)
- Sign PDF - add a signature to a PDF
- Merge PDFs - combine documents before signing
- PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF - reduce PDF size safely
- Images → PDF - create a PDF from photos
- Launch Toolkit - our USP for exam workflows
FAQ
Can I sign a PDF on my phone for free?
Yes. Open Sign PDF, choose your PDF, add a drawn/typed/image signature, place it correctly, and download the signed file.
Is a pasted signature valid for govt exam portals?
For many portals, yes - they want a PDF that visibly contains your handwritten signature. If a portal specifically demands a DSC (digital signature certificate), follow that instruction instead.
How do I keep the signed PDF under the upload size limit?
Use a smaller, clean signature image. If the file is still too large, use PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF.
What is the best signature color for scanning?
Black or dark blue ink on clean white paper gives the best contrast and avoids faint signatures.