Direct tool links (tap and go)
- Launch Toolkit (choose NTA (NEET/JEE/CUET))
- Enhance Lab (clean scans, improve contrast)
- Image Resize Tool (signature/photo sizing + padding)
- Compression Lab (hit KB limits for JPG/PNG; for PDFs use the PDF → Image loop)
- Images → PDF (make one certificate PDF from photos)
Fast workflow (Signature + Category Certificate)
- Signature: sign on clean white paper using black ink, take a clear photo/scan.
- Open Image Resize Tool (or Toolkit → NTA preset) and set your signature to the portal's required cm dimensions.
- If the KB is still high, use Compression Lab and target a safe margin below the limit (example: if 30KB max, aim ~25KB).
- Category certificate: if you have images (JPG/PNG) of pages, combine them using Images → PDF.
- If the PDF is still too large, use PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF to reduce size while keeping text readable.
- Re-upload and verify the portal preview (some portals show blurred PDF warnings).
Why JEE Main uploads fail (and how to prevent it)
Most form errors are not about your document being wrong • they're about it being technically incompatible with the portal: wrong dimension ratio, too many pixels, or a file size that crosses the KB limit by a few kilobytes.
For JEE Main 2026, the two biggest pain points are:
- Signature: candidates upload a full-page scan, which becomes a 300 KB image when the portal needs a small signature file.
- Category certificate: the certificate is uploaded as a phone photo or a heavy PDF, and the portal rejects it due to size/format.
1) Signature rules: what NTA typically expects
Across many NTA forms, signatures usually follow a similar pattern: black ink on white paper, high contrast, and a small cm dimension with a low KB cap.
Signature scan checklist
- Sign on plain white paper; avoid lined paper.
- Use black ink and keep the stroke thick enough to survive compression.
- Capture in good light; avoid shadows from your phone.
- Crop tight around the signature area before resizing (or rely on padding in Resize Lab).
2) Category certificate: best format strategy (PDF-first)
Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD as applicable) are often multi-page and better handled as a single PDF. PDFs also preserve layout and are easier for verification staff to read.
If you only have photos of the certificate pages, convert them into one PDF using Images → PDF. If the final PDF still crosses the portal limit, use PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF to reduce size without destroying stamp/signature readability.
3) Technical specifications table (JEE Main 2026 • common NTA patterns)
| Document Type | Typical Requirement | Common KB Range | Best practice | SarkariPixel workflow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | Small cm dimensions (portal-specific) | Often ~4–30 KB | Black ink on white; sharp edges | Resize → Compress |
| Category Certificate | PDF (sometimes JPG) | Often = 300 KB or = 500 KB | Keep text readable (don't over-compress) | PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF |
| Candidate Photo (if needed) | Passport style (portal-specific) | Often 10200 KB | White background; face/ears visible | Toolkit (NTA) + optional Name/Date stamp |
This table summarizes common NTA patterns, not a guarantee. Always follow the exact dimension + KB limits shown in your JEE Main 2026 application portal.
4) Bonus: Name & Date stamp on your photo (studio-style)
Some NTA workflows (especially across NEET/JEE/CUET) may ask for a Name & Date stamp on the photograph. If your portal demands it, you can add it without Photoshop.
- Open Image Resize Tool.
- Enable Text overlay and select Below photo (white band) (studio print style).
- Enter your Name (CAPS) and the required date format, then download.
5) Privacy: why SarkariPixel is safer for certificates
Category certificates include personal details. Many online tools upload your files to servers. SarkariPixel is designed to be privacy-first for aspirants.
- On-device processing: resizing/compression happens in your browser.
- No storage by default: your signature and certificates aren't saved on our server.
6) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My signature upload says invalid dimensions. What should I do?
A: In Image Resize Tool, set the exact width/height required by the portal and keep preserve aspect ratio + padding on. Then compress to a safe KB (example: if 30KB max, target ~25KB) using Compression Lab.
Q: How do I reduce category certificate PDF size to 300 KB without making it unreadable?
A: Use the safe loop: PDF → Image → Compress images (target slightly below the limit, e.g., 2–80 KB for a 300 KB cap) → Images → PDF. This keeps stamps and certificate numbers readable.
Q: Should I upload a screenshot of a PDF?
A: Avoid it. Screenshots reduce text clarity and often create larger files. Prefer a proper PDF export (or Images → PDF). If size is still too high, use the PDF → Image → Compress images → Images → PDF loop.
Q: Can I add my Name and Date below the photo like studio prints?
A: Yes. Use Image Resize Tool → enable Text overlay → choose Below photo (white band) → enter Name & Date → download the stamped photo.
Final word from the founder
JEE preparation is hard enough • your upload workflow shouldn't be another full-length test. Keep a dedicated folder like JEE_MAIN_2026_UPLOADS, save your signature, photo, and certificate PDFs there, and re-check the portal limits once before final submission.
If you get stuck, start with the NTA Toolkit and follow the simple Resize → Compress steps. You'll finish this technical part in minutes and get back to what matters: practice and revision.