Understanding SSC CGL and CHSL Photo Requirements

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) and Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) exams annually, attracting millions of applicants. One of the most common reasons for application rejection is incorrect photo uploads — the SSC strictly mandates a recent passport-style photograph with specific size, dimensions, and format requirements.

The official SSC notification specifies: photograph size must be between 20KB and 50KB, dimensions of 200px width × 230px height, in JPEG format only. Many candidates upload images that are either too large in file size, have wrong pixel dimensions, or are in the wrong format, leading to time-consuming corrections during the application window.

Official SSC Photo Specifications

  • File Size: 20KB to 50KB (20KB is the ideal minimum target to ensure clarity)
  • Dimensions: Exactly 200 pixels wide × 230 pixels tall
  • Format: JPEG / JPG only (no PNG, no GIF)
  • Background: Light-colored (white or off-white), no shadows
  • Age: Photo should not be older than 6 months
  • Expression: Neutral, both ears visible, no sunglasses or hat (except religious wear)

Step-by-Step: Compress Your Photo to Exactly 20KB for SSC

Follow these steps to prepare a compliant SSC photo using a 100% private, browser-based tool — no uploads, no servers, complete privacy:

  1. Take a fresh photo in good lighting against a plain white background. Ensure your face is centered and both shoulders are visible.
  2. Open the SSC Photo Compressor to 20KB tool on CompressKaro. It presets the exact 200×230 pixel dimensions and 20KB target for SSC forms.
  3. Upload your original photo by clicking the upload area or dragging and dropping your image file.
  4. Adjust the quality slider until the output preview shows the file size exactly at 20KB (or slightly under). The tool shows real-time file size estimates.
  5. Download the compressed JPEG — the file will be downloaded directly to your device, never leaving your browser.
  6. Verify the output dimensions (200×230 px) and file size (20KB) using your computer file properties before uploading to the SSC portal.

Common Photo Upload Mistakes on SSC Portal

Even with the correct file, many applicants face errors during the SSC online application:

  • Size mismatch: The file must be within 20-50KB. If compressed below 20KB, the image may be rejected as too small or blurry. CompressKaro's tool targets exactly 20KB for the best balance.
  • Dimension discrepancy: The width must be exactly 200px and height exactly 230px. Any deviation (even 1 pixel) can cause rejection. Always use a tool that resizes to these exact dimensions.
  • Background issues: A dark or patterned background will be rejected. Use a plain white or off-white wall with even lighting.
  • File format: Only JPEG is accepted. Never upload a PNG image even if renamed with a .jpg extension — the portal validates the actual file header.

Also Preparing Your Signature for SSC?

SSC also requires a scanned signature between 10KB and 40KB in size. You can use our dedicated signature compressor to get the exact 10KB signature required for most SSC exams. For a complete overview of all SSC CGL document specifications, visit the SSC CGL exam page.

Why Use a Client-Side Tool for SSC Photo Compression?

When preparing government application documents, privacy matters. Online compressors that upload your photo to remote servers risk exposing your personal data, including your facial image and personal details. CompressKaro processes your photo entirely in your browser using JavaScript and the HTML5 Canvas API — your photo never leaves your computer. This means:

  • Zero data transfer: No network requests containing your photo data.
  • Offline capability: Once the page loads, you can disconnect from the internet and still compress your photos.
  • Instant processing: No waiting for uploads or downloads over slow connections.