Why exam portals reject photos and signatures

Any photograph outside the specification — and the fee is not refunded (applies to the photo)

Photographs not adhering to the specified criteria could lead to rejection of your GATE application, and the application fee will not be refunded.

Source: GATE 2027 — Photograph and Signature (IIT Madras), web page, photograph specifications (GATE 2027 (undated page))

Glare on spectacles (applies to the photo)

If the candidate normally wears spectacles, a photograph with glare on the glasses is not acceptable.

Source: GATE 2027 — Photograph and Signature (IIT Madras), web page, photograph specifications (GATE 2027 (undated page))

The photographs GATE shows as not acceptable (applies to the photo)

Samples of Not acceptable Photographs

• Not matching the size specification
• Wearing sunglasses
• Shadow on photograph
• Improper background
• Face and head covered
• Other people around
• Photo is blurred
• Glare on spectacles
• Face covered by a mask
• Wearing a cap
• Objects in background
• Not looking straight into the camera

Source: GATE 2027 — Photograph and Signature (IIT Madras), web page, sample photographs (GATE 2027 (undated page))

A signature that does not match the one you sign at the examination (applies to the signature)

If the candidate’s signature does not match with the signature at the time of the examination, the applicant could be disqualified.

Source: GATE 2027 — Photograph and Signature (IIT Madras), web page, signature specifications (GATE 2027 (undated page))

The signatures GATE shows as not acceptable (applies to the signature)

Samples of Not acceptable Signatures

• Signature in dark background
• Signature in ALL CAPITAL
• Digital signatures not allowed
• Signature in other than blue or black ink not allowed
• Signature is too small to view
• Signature with initials not allowed
• Signature not clearly visible
• Signature with background and /or write up not allowed
• Signature outside the signature box area and not signed horizontally
• Signature outside the signature box area

Source: GATE 2027 — Photograph and Signature (IIT Madras), web page, sample signatures (GATE 2027 (undated page))

A poor-quality photograph or signature (applies to the photo and signature)

You may please note that if the quality of Photograph or Signature is poor, the application is liable to be rejected.

Source: UPSC One Time Registration — FAQs (PDF), Q45, p. 6 (undated)

Not a reason for rejection: The pixel size of the image, or the colour of the ink (applies to the photo and signature)

UPSC is concerned with identification of a candidate at the Exam Hall based on the images uploaded by the candidate and not to cancel the candidature based on the size or colour of ink used.

Source: UPSC One Time Registration — FAQs (PDF), Q41, p. 5 (undated)

A Polaroid or computer-generated photo (applies to the photo)

Polaroid and Computer-generated photos are not acceptable.

Source: NEET (UG) 2026 — Information Bulletin (NTA), printed p. 17 (February 2026)

An unclear photo, or one that ignores the instructions (applies to the photo)

Applications not complying with these instructions or with unclear photographs are liable to be rejected.

Source: NEET (UG) 2026 — Information Bulletin (NTA), printed p. 17 (February 2026)

A fabricated, de-shaped, hand-made or computer-made photo — treated as Unfair Means (applies to the photo)

Candidates may note that if the photographs uploaded are found to be fabricated i.e. de-shaped or seem to be hand-made or computer made, the application of the candidate will be rejected and the same would be considered as using Unfair Means and the candidate would be dealt with accordingly.

Source: NEET (UG) 2026 — Information Bulletin (NTA), printed p. 17 (February 2026)

Someone else’s photograph (applies to the photo)

In case someone else’s photographs have been uploaded, the candidature shall be cancelled and the case will be considered as an Unfair Means Case.

Source: NEET (UG) 2026 — Information Bulletin (NTA), printed p. 17 (February 2026)

Unclear finger and thumb impressions (applies to the thumb impression)

Further, unclear Left and Right hand fingers and thumb Impressions in Online Application Forms will also be rejected.

Source: NEET (UG) 2026 — Information Bulletin (NTA), printed p. 17 (February 2026)

Any image not made to the guidelines, or not fixed in the edit window (applies to the photo, signature and thumb impression)

Images uploaded in the application form which are not in accordance with the guidelines or failure to rectify the images in the edit window / final edit window shall invite rejection of application.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 110 (NEET-PG 2026)

A blurred, illegible, distorted or improperly uploaded image (applies to the photo, signature and thumb impression)

NBEMS reserves its right to reject any uploaded image which is blurred, illegible, distorted, improperly uploaded, non-compliant with the prescribed instructions or otherwise considered unsuitable for identification/verification purposes.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 77, §8.31 (NEET-PG 2026)

A photograph more than three months old (applies to the photo)

Uploading a photograph which is not a recent one shall invite rejection of application.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 112 (NEET-PG 2026)

Looking very different from the webcam photograph (applies to the photo)

IN CASE OF GROSS DIFFERENCE IN YOUR APPEARANCE IN REAL TIME PHOTOGRAPH AND UPLOADED PHOTOGRAPH, THE APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 112 (NEET-PG 2026)

Poor lighting (applies to the photo)

Images which are taken in with improper light shall be rejected.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 112 (NEET-PG 2026)

A selfie (applies to the photo)

Selfies shall be rejected.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 113 (NEET-PG 2026)

Any object in the background (applies to the photo)

Images having any object in the background shall be rejected.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 113 (NEET-PG 2026)

Body visible below the shoulders (applies to the photo)

Images having parts of body below the shoulder shall be rejected.

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), p. 113 (NEET-PG 2026)

The bulletin’s table of rejected photographs (applies to the photo)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCEPTABLE PHOTOGRAPHS

• Cropped image
• Not looking straight into camera
• Black & White Photographs
• Improper flash or improper lighting
• Photo taken with mobile phone (including “selfies”) resulting in distorted face
• Distortion due to enlargement of an original smaller image
• Improper Background or Sunglasses
• Too much glare on spectacles
• Spectacle rim over eyes

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), pp. 120–122 (NEET-PG 2026)

The bulletin’s table of rejected signatures (applies to the signature)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCEPTABLE SIGNATURES

• Signature not in rectangle box
• Signature not in full
• Initials are unacceptable
• Signature in Capital
• Signature is smaller in size. Instead of the box, entire page is scanned and uploaded.
• Signature not in plain white background
• Signature and thumb impression in same box
• Signatures with dark background
• Signature outside the rectangle
• Signature in other than blue or black ink
• Photograph uploaded in place of Signatures
• Thumb Impression Uploaded in place of Signatures

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), pp. 123–125 (NEET-PG 2026)

The bulletin’s table of rejected thumb impressions (applies to the thumb impression)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCEPTABLE THUMB IMPRESSIONS

• Thumb impression in other than blue or black ink
• Thumb impression taken via mobille phone/camera with dark background
• Incomplete thumb impression
• Picture of thumb impression
• Thumb impression uploaded is partly cropped / not scanned completely.
• Thumb impression is not clear
• Dry thumb impression
• Thumb impression not in plain white background
• Thumb Impression obscured by too much ink.
• Thumb Impression is too small; upload full A4 size sheet instead of box alone

Source: NEET-PG 2026 — Information Bulletin (NBEMS), pp. 126–127 (NEET-PG 2026)

A live photograph that does not follow the instructions (applies to the photo)

Applications with photographs not in accordance with the instructions are liable to be rejected.

Source: SSC CGL 2026 — Notice, p. 18 (2026)

Photographing an existing photograph instead of yourself (applies to the photo)

All such applications where the photographs of his/her pre-existing photograph is captured will be rejected.

Source: SSC CGL 2026 — Notice, p. 18 (2026)

A poor-quality, tiny, blurred or side-facing photo (applies to the photo)

Application with poor quality, miniature and blurred photo/ side facing photographs will be rejected.

Source: SSC CGL 2026 — Notice, Annexure-IV, p. 71 (2026)

A blurred or miniature signature (or a blurred photograph) (applies to the signature and photo)

Applications with blurred photograph and/or blurred/miniature signature will be rejected.

Source: SSC CGL 2026 — Notice, p. 38, §14.11 (2026)

Not a reason for rejection: A photo or signature off the standards, if you applied with Aadhaar authentication (applies to the signature and photo)

The application(s) of the Candidates who opt for Aadhaar Authentication will not be rejected on the ground that photograph and/or signature uploaded by the candidate are not as per prescribed standards.

Source: SSC CGL 2026 — Notice, p. 18 (2026)

An unclear or smudged photo, signature, thumb impression or declaration (applies to the photo, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration)

In case the face in the photograph or signature or left thumb impression or handwritten declaration or certificate as mentioned in Clause J (ix) is unclear/ smudged, the candidate’s application form shall be rejected.

Source: IBPS CRP-PO/MT-XVI — Detailed Notification, PDF p. 30 (printed 27), item (22) (30.06.2026)

Caps, hats or dark glasses (applies to the photo)

Caps, hats and dark glasses are not acceptable.

Source: IBPS CRP-PO/MT-XVI — Detailed Notification, PDF p. 39 (printed 36), Annexure III (30.06.2026)

A signature in capital letters (applies to the signature)

Signature in CAPITAL LETTERS will not be accepted.

Source: IBPS CRP-PO/MT-XVI — Detailed Notification, PDF p. 30 (printed 27) (30.06.2026)

A signature that does not match the one you sign at the examination (applies to the signature)

If the Applicant’s signature on the attendance sheet or Call letter, signed at the time of the examination, does not match the signature uploaded, the applicant will be disqualified.

Source: IBPS CRP-PO/MT-XVI — Detailed Notification, PDF p. 41 (printed 38), Annexure III (30.06.2026)

A declaration written by someone else, or not in English (applies to the handwritten declaration)

If it is written by anybody else and uploaded or in any other language, the application will be considered as invalid.

Source: IBPS CRP-PO/MT-XVI — Detailed Notification, PDF p. 30 (printed 27), item (23) (30.06.2026)

A declaration (or signature) in capital letters (applies to the handwritten declaration)

Signature / Hand written declaration in CAPITAL LETTERS shall NOT be accepted.

Source: IBPS CRP-PO/MT-XVI — Detailed Notification, PDF p. 41 (printed 38), Annexure III (30.06.2026)

An unclear photo, signature, thumb impression or declaration (applies to the photo, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration)

In case the face in the photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression & hand-written declaration is unclear, the candidate’s application may be rejected.

Source: SBI PO 2026-27 — Detailed Advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09, p. 15, Annexure-II (18.06.2026)

Caps, hats or dark glasses (applies to the photo)

Caps, hats and dark glasses are not acceptable.

Source: SBI PO 2026-27 — Detailed Advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09, p. 15, Annexure-II (18.06.2026)

A signature in capital letters (applies to the signature)

Signature in CAPITAL LETTERS shall NOT be accepted.

Source: SBI PO 2026-27 — Detailed Advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09, p. 15, Annexure-II (18.06.2026)

A signature that does not match the one on the answer script (applies to the signature)

If the Applicant’s signature on the answer script, at the time of the examination, does not match the signature on the Call Letter, the applicant will be disqualified.

Source: SBI PO 2026-27 — Detailed Advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09, p. 15, Annexure-II (18.06.2026)

A declaration in capital letters (applies to the handwritten declaration)

Hand-Written Declaration in CAPITAL LETTERS shall NOT be accepted.

Source: SBI PO 2026-27 — Detailed Advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09, p. 15, Annexure-II (18.06.2026)

A live photograph that does not follow the guidelines (applies to the photo)

Applications with photographs that do not comply with these guidelines are liable to be rejected.

Source: RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 — Detailed Notification, p. 17, §13.4 (14.05.2026)

Photographing a printed or digital photo instead of yourself (applies to the photo)

Candidates must not attempt to take a picture of a printed or digital pre-existing photograph. Any application where such an image is submitted will be summarily rejected.

Source: RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 — Detailed Notification, p. 18, §13.4 (14.05.2026)

A blurred, illegible or non-standard photograph or signature — at any stage (applies to the signature and photo)

Applications with blurred, illegible, or nonstandard photographs and/or signatures are liable to be rejected at any stage of the recruitment process.

Source: RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 — Detailed Notification, p. 6, §1.6 (14.05.2026)

The notice’s own grounds for rejecting a signature (applies to the signature)

Online applications and the candidature of the candidate for the CEN will be liable for rejection at any stage of recruitment process on the following signature-related grounds:

• Use of a non-white background
• Use of non-black ink for the signature
• Signature written in BLOCK or CAPITAL letters instead of running handwriting
• Poor resolution or unclear signature image
• Incomplete or partially visible signature
• Uploading an image other than the signature
• No signature (blank)
• Thumb impression in place of signature
• Signature of a person other than the applicant

Source: RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 — Detailed Notification, p. 18, §13.5.1 (14.05.2026)

A blurred photograph, or a blurred or miniature signature (applies to the photo and signature)

Applications with blurred photographs or with blurred/miniature signatures will be rejected.

Source: India Post GDS Schedule-II July 2026 — Annexure-II, p. 7 (20.08.2026)

A signature in capital letters (applies to the signature)

Signature in CAPITAL LETTERS is not permitted.

Source: UPPSC One Time Registration — Guidelines for Scanning Photograph with Signature (PDF), p. 1, item 6 (undated (file created 18.10.2022; the OTR instruction served on 2026-10-06))

A signature that does not match the one on the Hall Ticket (applies to the signature)

If the Applicant’s signature on the answer script does not match the signature on the Hall Ticket at the time of the examination, the applicant will be disqualified.

Source: UPPSC One Time Registration — Guidelines for Scanning Photograph with Signature (PDF), p. 1, item 8 (undated (file created 18.10.2022; the OTR instruction served on 2026-10-06))

A phone photo, selfie, photocopy, or a family-function or tourist-spot photo (applies to the photo)

In case of uploading an inappropriate photograph, in violation of the aforementioned instruction, the application is liable to be rejected after due process.

Source: TNPSC Advertisement No. 728, Notification No. 19/2025 — Combined Technical Services Examination (Interview Posts) II, p. 16, §3.4 (22.12.2025 (examination 07–08.03.2026))

A photograph or signature that is missing or unclear (applies to the photo and signature)

Failure to upload/upload clear images of the photograph and signature will result in the rejection of the online application after due process.

Source: TNPSC Advertisement No. 728, Notification No. 19/2025 — Combined Technical Services Examination (Interview Posts) II, p. 16, §3.6 (22.12.2025 (examination 07–08.03.2026))