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UPSC IAS 2026: Official Marksheet PDF Size & Category Certificate Upload Guide
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is often called the toughest exam in the world. For an IAS aspirant, every mark counts, and every detail matters. However, before the battle of Prelims begins, there is a technical hurdle that causes significant anxiety: The Application Form.
In the 2026 recruitment cycle, UPSC has further tightened its digital standards for the One Time Registration (OTR) and the Detailed Application Form (DAF). One small error in your Category Certificate (EWS/OBC/SC/ST) or a blurry marksheet PDF can lead to years of legal trouble or, worse, the cancellation of your hard-earned selection.
As a fellow Bank Exam aspirant, I understand the "Form-Filling Anxiety" that comes with handling official documents. At SarkariPixel.in, we have built a "Gold Standard" technical ecosystem to ensure your UPSC documents are portal-ready in seconds.
1. UPSC IAS 2026: Technical Specification Overview
UPSC is unique because it requires a mix of Images for your profile and PDFs for your certificates. Using the wrong format is the #1 reason for "Application Rejected" status.
Document Specifications Table
| Document Type | Required Format | File Size Range | Specific Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Photograph | JPG / JPEG | 20 KB - 300 KB | Min 350x350 pixels |
| Official Signature | JPG / JPEG | 20 KB - 300 KB | Min 350x350 pixels |
| Photo ID (Aadhar/PAN) | PDF Only | 20 KB - 300 KB | Must be legible |
| Category Certificate | PDF Only | 20 KB - 300 KB | Latest valid version |
| Academic Marksheets | PDF Only | 20 KB - 300 KB | Standard scan |
2. Preparing Category Certificates (EWS, OBC, SC, ST)
Your reservation category certificate is your most sensitive document. For UPSC 2026, it must be in PDF format and strictly under 300 KB.
The "Sarkari" Hack for Large Certificates:
Most students have a high-resolution scan of their certificate that is 2MB or larger. If you use a low-quality compressor, the official "Stamp" or "Digital Signature" of the Tehsildar becomes blurry.
The Fix: Use our PDF to Image Tool to turn the PDF into a JPG. Then, use our Image Compression Lab to hit a target of 2–50 KB. Finally, use our Image to PDF Tool to turn it back into a high-quality, sharp PDF.
This "SarkariPixel Loop" ensures that the text remains crisp even at a small file size.
3. Merging Multiple Marksheets into a Single PDF
Many UPSC candidates need to upload their graduation marksheets. If your university provides semester-wise marksheets, you might have 6 to 8 separate pages. UPSC often requires these to be in a single file.
How to use the Merge PDF Tool:
- Go to the SarkariPixel Merge PDF Tool.
- Upload all your semester marksheets in chronological order (Sem 1 to Sem 8).
- Click "Merge."
- Our tool will combine them into one professional document.
Important: After merging, if the file exceeds 300 KB, follow the "SarkariPixel Loop" mentioned above to compress it.
4. The SarkariPixel Launch Toolkit: The UPSC Preset
We built the SarkariPixel Launch Toolkit to be the fastest way to handle the UPSC OTR process.
Why use the UPSC Preset?
Pixel Logic: UPSC requires a minimum of 350x350 pixels. If you resize to 349 pixels, the portal will reject it. Our toolkit locks the minimum dimensions to 350px, so you can't make a mistake.
Color Optimization: UPSC prefers a white background. Our Image Enhance Tool (inside the toolkit) automatically removes shadows from your face, giving you a studio-quality look from a mobile photo.
5. Privacy: The Gold Standard for IAS Aspirants
Future IAS and IPS officers should be the most concerned about digital privacy. When you upload your Aadhar Card, Date of Birth, and Degree Certificates to "Free Cloud Sites," you are risking your personal identity.
SarkariPixel.in is 100% Client-Side.
- Your Aadhar Card never leaves your browser.
- Your Caste Certificate is processed in your RAM, not on our server.
- We have no database of your personal documents.
This is the privacy and security that a UPSC candidate deserves.
6. Common UPSC Application Pitfalls
- Uploading JPG instead of PDF: UPSC will NOT accept your ID proof or certificates in JPG format. Use our Image to PDF tool to fix this.
- Blurry Name on Marksheet: If the file size is low but the name is unreadable, the officer will reject your DAF. Always use SarkariPixel's Image Enhance before converting to PDF.
- Old Photograph: UPSC now mandates that the photograph must not be more than 10 days old from the date of the application window. Ensure you take a fresh photo.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I merge my Degree and Marksheet into one PDF?
A: Yes. Many candidates do this for the DAF stage. Use our Merge PDF Tool and ensure the total size is under 300 KB.
Q: My OBC-NCL certificate is in Hindi. Is that okay for UPSC?
A: UPSC accepts certificates in Hindi or English. However, they must follow the "Central Government" format. Use our Image Enhance Tool to ensure the seal/stamp is dark and visible.
Q: How do I sign my PDF digitally?
A: Use our Sign PDF Tool. It allows you to draw or upload your signature and place it on any official form without printing.
Final Word from the Founder
To my fellow UPSC warriors: Your mind should be focused on the Polity, History, and Ethics, not on "PDF size errors." I built SarkariPixel.in to ensure that your technical registration is the smoothest part of your journey.
Take 5 minutes to organize your documents with our Launch Toolkit today. Get it done, get it right, and get back to your Laxmikanth and Spectrum. The nation needs you in the LBSNAA!