TNPSC Photo & Signature Specifications, Explained

Most application rejections are image rejections. The specification is strict but simple once you see it in one place.

Worth knowing

  • Most application rejections are image rejections, get this right in one careful attempt
  • Use our resizers, they output the exact 200 DPI pixel dimensions TNPSC expects
  • Keep the source photo, you reuse it across notifications while it stays recent

Step by step

01Photograph: 3.5cm × 4.5cm, 20-50KB

A recent (within 3 months) passport-style photo on a plain white background, 200 DPI, saved as Photograph.jpg between 20KB and 50KB. Face straight to camera, no shadows, no filters.

02Name and date on the photo, when asked

Some notifications require your name and the date the photo was taken printed at the bottom of the photograph. Check your notification's annexure; add it only if asked.

03Signature: 3.5cm × 1.5cm, 10-20KB

Sign in your normal running handwriting with a dark pen on white paper. Block or capital letters are rejected. Save as Signature.jpg between 10KB and 20KB.

04Common rejection reasons

Coloured or patterned backgrounds, old photos, stretched or squeezed images, selfies, signatures in capitals, and files outside the size window. All avoidable in one careful attempt.

Official links

Frequently asked questions

What DPI should the images be?
200 DPI. At that resolution the photo is 276×354 pixels and the signature is 276×118 pixels, our resizers output exactly these.
Can I reuse the same photo across TNPSC exams?
Yes, while it remains recent (within 3 months of the application) and matches your current appearance. Update your OTR images when the photo ages out.
Can I sign in capital or block letters?
No. The signature must be in your normal running handwriting with a dark pen on white paper; block or capital letters are rejected. Keep it inside the 3.5×1.5cm, 10-20KB window.

Related guides

Steps and specifications follow official TNPSC instructions and notification annexures. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.

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