Menu

Appearance
Not on the list? Tell us which oneBrowse every examination, A to Z

UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 rules

UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026

UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026
The upload rules, as published.

Set by Union Public Service Commission. Every file the notice asks for, its size and format, what gets it rejected, and where each rule came from. Where the notice used particular wording, it is quoted.

Prepare these files

In short

What is the photo size for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026?
Dimensions: 413 × 531 px (est.); file size: 20–200 KB; format: JPEG; background: Plain white. A value marked est. is our estimate, because the notice gives no figure for it.
What is the signature size for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026?
File size: 20–100 KB; format: JPEG.
Which files does the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 application ask you to upload?
Latest passport-size photograph, Live photograph, Triple-signature image, Application declaration.
Who sets the upload rules for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026?
Union Public Service Commission, in its “Instructions for Uploading Photo and Signature”.

The files

  • Latest passport-size photograph

    We prepare this file

    Applies when: All applicants

    Dimensions
    413 × 531 px est.
    File size
    20–200 KB
    Format
    JPEG
    Background
    Plain #FFFFFF

    JPG; 20-200 KB; exact filename 'photo.jpg'. Colour, recent, plain white background, frontal full face, head centred, both ears visible, eyes open, natural expression, at least 75% face coverage; no shadows, dark glasses, uniform or signed photograph.

    Published reasons for rejection

    • Shadows on the face or background are not accepted.
    • Non-frontal or side-facing pose can fail the stated requirement.
    • Eyes must be visible/open as stated.
    • Spectacle glare, dark or coloured glasses can make the photograph unacceptable.
    • Face coverage below 75%, blurred image, misaligned face, face too close/out of frame, or ear lobes not visible are explicit UPSC rejection examples.
    • A live-photo mismatch with the uploaded passport photograph prevents the candidate from proceeding.

  • Live photograph

    Follow the official instructions

    Applies when: All applicants

    Dimensions
    413 × 531 px est.
    File size
    20–200 KB
    Format
    JPEG
    Background
    Plain #FFFFFF

    Captured during the UPSC application using the current device webcam or by scanning the displayed QR code and using a mobile device. Good lighting and clear face required. The live image is matched with the uploaded passport photograph; mismatch blocks further application.

    The official portal takes this photograph. Prepare the other supported files here.

    Published reasons for rejection

    • Shadows on the face or background are not accepted.
    • Non-frontal or side-facing pose can fail the stated requirement.
    • Eyes must be visible/open as stated.
    • Spectacle glare, dark or coloured glasses can make the photograph unacceptable.
    • Face coverage below 75%, blurred image, misaligned face, face too close/out of frame, or ear lobes not visible are explicit UPSC rejection examples.
    • A live-photo mismatch with the uploaded passport photograph prevents the candidate from proceeding.

  • Triple-signature image

    We prepare this file

    Applies when: All applicants

    File size
    20–100 KB
    Format
    JPEG

    Sign three times vertically, one below another, on plain white paper using black ink. Scan all three signatures in one clear, correctly oriented image. JPG; filename 'signature.jpg'; 20-100 KB; published image dimension 350-500 pixels.

    Published reasons for rejection

    • A signature image that is not exactly three vertically arranged signatures, is blurred/dark, incorrectly oriented, or outside the published file specification is rejected.

  • Application declaration

    Follow the official instructions

    Applies when: All applicants

    Candidate confirms the correctness of the application before final submission. No separate uploaded declaration file was found in the common instruction.

How you should look in the photograph

  • Text on the photograph Not allowed

    No name, date or watermark printed on the image.

  • Spectacles Conditions apply

    Clear eyeglasses may be worn only without glare; dark/coloured glasses are unacceptable.

    The notice: “avoid glare”

  • Expression Conditions apply

    Natural expression required; grinning, frowning and raised eyebrows are prohibited.

    The notice: “no grinning”

  • Colour Required

    A colour photograph — black and white will not be accepted.

  • Eyes Required

    Both eyes open and clearly visible.

  • Pose Required

    Face the camera straight on — no side or three-quarter angle.

Where these rules came from

Official sourceVerified, with gaps

We found this exam's published instructions, but they leave some values unstated. Those are marked as our estimates.

est. marks a figure this exam has not published, where we chose a sensible value. There are 2 on this page. Your file is prepared to it, and the report we give you names every one.

Report an issue Tell us and we will re-check it against the notification. Rules change between cycles, and we would rather hear it from you than have you find out at the portal.