Why your exam photo or signature gets rejected, and how to fix it
Online exam forms check your photo and signature automatically, and the error messages are often vague. Almost every rejection comes from one of the reasons below.
1. The file is too big, or too small
Each form gives a range, for example 20 to 50 KB for a photo and 10 to 20 KB for a signature. A file straight from a phone is usually 2 to 5 MB, far above the limit. Less obvious: a file can also be below the minimum, which many forms reject too.
Fix: Resize photo to KB lets you set both a minimum and a maximum KB. There are also ready pages for common limits, such as 20 KB and 50 KB.
2. The width and height in pixels are wrong
Many forms ask for an exact size, such as 200 × 230 pixels for a photo or 140 × 60 pixels for a signature. Some reject anything else.
Fix: type the width and height into Resize photo to KB. It crops the picture to fill that shape instead of stretching your face.
3. The background is not white or light
Most notices ask for a white or light background. A coloured wall, a pattern or a dark shadow behind you can get the photo rejected, at the form or later at document checking.
Fix: the Exam photo kit finds your face, crops it and makes the background white.
4. The wrong file type
Nearly all forms want JPG (also written JPEG). A PNG, HEIC (the default on iPhones) or PDF will be refused even if the size is right. Every tool mentioned here saves JPG.
5. The signature is unclear
A signature in pencil, on lined paper, or photographed at an angle often fails. Sign on plain white paper with a black or blue pen, photograph it from straight above in good light, and let the tool crop away the rest of the paper. Railway forms, for example, ask for a joined-up signature, not capital letters.
6. A missing name and date on the photo
Some exams ask for your name and the date the photo was taken to be printed under the photo. In the Exam photo kit, tick Print name and date on the photo and type both in.
Do it all at once
The Exam photo kit knows the rules for SSC, UPSC, SBI, IBPS, RRB, NEET, JEE, CUET and more. Pick your exam, add your photo and signature, and download every file at the right size and KB in one ZIP. Rules change with each notification, so check your notice as well.