Quick answer
Do I need to upload a photo for SSC exams?
No. The SSC application module captures your photo live through a webcam or mobile, so you do not need an existing photo, and photographing an old photo leads to rejection. You upload only your signature, as a JPEG/JPG of 10 to 20 KB, about 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm.
SSC applications do not take a photo upload. The form on ssc.gov.in or the my SSC mobile app captures your photo live with a webcam or phone camera, with no cap, mask or glasses. You upload only your signature, as a JPEG/JPG of 10 to 20 KB, about 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm. Candidates without Aadhaar authentication carry two passport-size colour photos to the exam.
Which notice these rules come from
These rules are from the Staff Selection Commission's notice for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026, uploaded on 7 September 2026 (applications 7 September to 7 October 2026). The Junior Engineer Examination, 2026 notice (2 September 2026) and the Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 notice (21 May 2026) give the same photo and signature rules.
Check the notice for your exam
SSC publishes a separate notice for each examination. Before you apply, read the photo and signature paragraphs in the latest notice for your exam on ssc.gov.in, including the annexure with acceptable and unacceptable sample photos.
How the SSC live photo works
The notices say you are not required to have a pre-existing photograph. The application module captures a photo of you while you fill in the form. When the camera opens:
| Place | Good light and a plain background |
|---|---|
| Camera | At eye level |
| Position | Directly in front of the camera, looking straight ahead |
| Framing | Face fully inside the area marked by the camera, neither too close nor too far |
| Not allowed | Cap, mask, glasses or spectacles |
| Result | Clear, with a full frontal view of the face |
| Never | Capture a photo of an existing photograph. Such applications are rejected |
If you cannot use a camera on your computer, the notices point you to a QR code on the Upload Documents page, which downloads an Android app from Google Play to capture the photo on your phone. If the photo is not as instructed, recapture it before you submit.
Look the same on exam day
SSC says your appearance at the exam must match the photo captured in your application, and venue staff are authorised not to let suspicious candidates take the exam. Avoid big changes to how you look between applying and the exam.
Signature requirements
| Format | Scanned JPEG/JPG |
|---|---|
| File size | 10 to 20 KB |
| Dimensions | About 6.0 cm wide × 2.0 cm high |
| Quality | Clear. Blurred or tiny signatures are rejected |
| PwD (VH) candidates | A thumb impression is also allowed, the CGL 2026 notice says |
6.0 cm or 4.0 cm wide?
The main text of the CHSL 2026 and CGL 2026 notices says the signature should be about 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm, while an annexure in the same notices says about 4.0 cm × 2.0 cm. The Junior Engineer 2026 notice says 6.0 cm throughout. Both give 10 to 20 KB. A sharp signature cropped close to its edges, at either width, keeps the file within limits.
Aadhaar Based Authentication and exam-day photos
SSC advises candidates to choose Aadhaar Based Authentication while completing their One-Time Registration (OTR). The CHSL 2026 notice says applications from these candidates are not rejected because the photo or signature does not meet the standards, and they do not need to show recent colour photographs or a photo ID at the computer-based exam.
If you did not complete Aadhaar authentication, you must report two hours before the exam and carry:
- your admission certificate;
- at least two recent passport-size colour photographs;
- an original, valid photo ID with the date of birth printed on your admission certificate.
Sample photos
How to get your SSC photo and signature right
- Register with Aadhaar authentication. Complete your One-Time Registration on ssc.gov.in or the my SSC mobile app and choose Aadhaar Based Authentication if you can.
- Prepare your signature. Sign clearly, scan it and save a JPEG/JPG of 10 to 20 KB, about 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm. If the file is not a JPG, such as a HEIC photo from an iPhone, convert it with the free 123PhotoTool JPEG converter.
- Capture the live photo. Sit in good light against a plain background, camera at eye level, with no cap, mask or glasses, and keep your whole face inside the frame. Never photograph an old photo.
- Prepare for exam day. Look the same as in your photo. If you did not use Aadhaar authentication, carry two recent passport-size colour photos and an original photo ID.
SSC photo FAQ
No. SSC notices say you do not need a pre-existing photograph: the application module captures your photo live while you fill in the form. Capturing a photo of an old printed or on-screen photo leads to rejection.
Upload a scanned signature as a JPEG/JPG of 10 to 20 KB, about 6.0 cm wide × 2.0 cm high, according to the CHSL 2026 and CGL 2026 notices. An annexure in the same notices gives about 4.0 cm × 2.0 cm, so a clear signature cropped close to its edges is the safest choice.
No. SSC asks candidates not to wear a cap, mask or glasses/spectacles while capturing the photo, and wants a full frontal view of the face.
SSC notices say candidates who cannot capture their photo with a camera can use the QR code on the Upload Documents page to download an Android app from Google Play and capture the photo on a mobile phone. You can also apply through SSC's "my SSC" mobile application.
If you completed Aadhaar Based Authentication, the CHSL 2026 notice says you do not need to produce recent colour photographs or a photo ID at the computer-based exam. If you did not, report 2 hours early with your admission certificate, at least two recent passport-size colour photographs and an original photo ID showing your date of birth.
It can be. SSC says applications with photos not taken as instructed, inappropriate photos or blurred or tiny signatures are liable to be rejected. Applications from candidates who used Aadhaar Based Authentication are not rejected on these grounds.
Official sources
- SSC: Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 notice, 7 September 2026 (PDF)
- SSC: Junior Engineer Examination, 2026 notice, 2 September 2026 (PDF)
- SSC: Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 notice, 21 May 2026 (PDF)
- Staff Selection Commission
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.