SSC CGL 2026: New Photo & Signature Requirements • The Ultimate Guide to Date Rules

Why this matters (and why forms get rejected)

Preparing for SSC CGL is tough enough'Quant, Reasoning, English, mocks. The last thing you want is a rejection due to a photo/signature upload issue. In many competitive-exam portals, document rejections happen because of size, background, blur, glare, or wrong aspect ratio even when the file technically uploads.

The biggest change: scanned upload vs live photo capture

In recent cycles, many government portals have moved toward live photo capture (webcam/app capture) to reduce fraud and ensure a recent photograph. Some SSC flows may prompt you to capture through your laptop webcam or a mobile app, instead of uploading an older gallery image.

But many "Sarkari" forms still use traditional upload'so it's smart to keep a ready document kit (photo, signature, thumb) that matches strict KB rules.

The date on photo mystery • is it mandatory?

Many aspirants wonder if they must print a date like 05/01/2026 on the photograph. In practice, this is usually not universally mandatory, but some portals or regional notices may recommend it to avoid ambiguity.

What matters more is that the photograph should look recent and match the portal's rules. If you choose to add a date overlay, keep it clear, small, and placed in the bottom area so it doesn't cover your face.

SSC CGL 2026 document specifications (popular portal ranges)

Below is a clean ready reference table for the most common formats aspirants prepare. Always prioritize the portal's exact requirements if they differ.

Critical reasons for photo rejection (avoid these)

Even if your file size matches, your upload can still be rejected due to content quality. Here are the most common problems:

1) Spectacles & glare

If you wear glasses, consider removing them for the photo. Reflections or glare can make the image fail automated checks.

2) Caps, mufflers, heavy shadows

Your forehead, eyes, and facial outline should be clearly visible. Avoid anything that casts shadows on your face.

3) Busy or dark background

Use a plain white wall or light background. Avoid backgrounds like parks, bedrooms, or patterned curtains.

4) Side profile / wrong framing

Keep your face centered, both ears visible if possible, and make sure your face occupies roughly 7080% of the frame.

How to prepare your SSC photo in 3 steps

1. Capture/Scan: take a clear photo in natural light against a white wall.
2. Target the KB: aim for a safe middle value (for a 20–50 KB rule, ~40 KB is a good target).
3. Verify dimensions: ensure the ratio is correct (3.5:4.5). SarkariPixel pads with white background so your face is not stretched.

The signature: small but mighty

Signatures often fail because they're too light, too thick, or get over-compressed. A crisp signature is easy to verify and prints cleanly.

• Ink: black gel or ballpoint pen
• Paper: plain white A4 (avoid ruled paper)
• KB precision: for a 10–20 KB rule, ~15 KB is usually a safe clarity + size balance

Why SarkariPixel.in is built for aspirants

Many students unknowingly upload personal documents to random websites. SarkariPixel focuses on a client-side workflow: your image stays on your device and is not uploaded to a server during processing (when using the in-browser tools).