NDA & CDS Photo & Signature Requirements (2026)
UPSC's square-photo rule for defence exams, the OTR profile, and rejection reasons.
NDA, CDS and CAPF all run on the UPSC One Time Registration portal, which means they inherit UPSC's unusual rules: a square photograph rather than the standard passport rectangle, and the candidate's name and photo date printed on the image. Because the OTR profile is shared, one correct set of files covers every UPSC defence application you make — and one wrong file blocks them all.
Official specification
Confirm against your notification before applying — specs change between cycles.
| Item | Dimensions | File size | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph | 350×350 px | 20–300 KB | JPG |
| Signature | 350×150 px | 20–100 KB | JPG |
Why applications get rejected
- A rectangular passport photo where the portal expects a square image
- Missing the printed name and date on the photograph
- A photo older than the notification allows
- A signature outside the stated 20–100 KB range
How to prepare your files
- Take a recent photo on a plain background with the face filling most of the frame.
- Print your name and the photo date on the image as the notification requires.
- Crop to a true square (350×350 up to 1000×1000) and size it 20–300 KB.
- Sign in black ink on white paper and size the signature to 20–100 KB.
Get it sized in seconds
Use the free tool to hit these specs exactly.
Frequently asked questions
Do NDA and CDS use the same photo specs?
Yes — both use the UPSC One Time Registration profile, so the square photo and signature specifications are identical.
Can I reuse my UPSC CSE photo?
Yes. The OTR profile is shared across UPSC exams, so a compliant CSE photo works for NDA, CDS and CAPF as well.