Why TNPSC is so strict about photographs
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission processes lakhs of applications every notification cycle. To prevent impersonation at the examination centre, TNPSC enforces strict passport-style photograph and signature standards. The portal first checks file format, size in KB, dimensions in pixels, and DPI at upload. Photos that pass these automated checks may still be rejected later at the document verification stage if the face is unclear, the background is wrong, or the name & date strip is missing.
The good news: every rejection reason on this list is preventable. Read each one carefully, fix any issue with your current photo, and use our free TNPSC photo compressor to produce a file that meets every TNPSC specification — 20–50 KB, 200 DPI, 3.5×4.5 cm, with the required name & date strip auto-added.
Photo file size is below 20 KB or above 50 KB
Why it gets rejected: The TNPSC portal allows JPG photographs strictly between 20 KB and 50 KB. Anything smaller looks pixelated; anything larger is silently rejected by the upload script.
How to fix: Use a compressor that locks the output between 20 KB and 50 KB. Our tool runs an iterative quality search and guarantees the file lands in range without manual tweaking.
Signature is below 10 KB or above 20 KB
Why it gets rejected: Signatures must be 10–20 KB JPG. Most phone scans come out at 200 KB+ and most online resizers compress so aggressively that signatures fall under 10 KB and look broken.
How to fix: Scan the signature on plain white paper, then resize to the 10–20 KB band using a tool built for TNPSC's specific limits.
Resolution is not 200 DPI
Why it gets rejected: TNPSC requires 200 DPI (dots per inch) on every uploaded image. Screenshots are 72 DPI by default. A 72 DPI image looks fine on screen but is flagged at the certificate verification stage and the candidature is cancelled.
How to fix: The DPI metadata (JFIF APP0 marker) must be set to 200×200. Our compressor writes this header automatically. See the full explanation in our Photo Size Guide.
Photograph does not have the candidate's name and date strip at the bottom
Why it gets rejected: TNPSC mandates a 1.5 cm white strip at the bottom of the photograph showing the candidate's full name (top line) and the date the photo was taken (bottom line). Photos uploaded without this strip are rejected during physical verification.
How to fix: Use a tool that auto-adds the name and date strip in the correct font, size, and position. Our compressor does this in one click.
Photo dimensions are not 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm (passport size)
Why it gets rejected: TNPSC photographs must follow Indian passport dimensions: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm (approximately 130 × 170 pixels at 200 DPI). Square crops, full-body shots, or selfies are rejected.
How to fix: A passport-size photo from a studio works. If you must crop yourself, use a tool with a fixed 3.5×4.5 cm aspect ratio to avoid distortion.
Photo is older than 3 months
Why it gets rejected: TNPSC requires a recent photograph taken within the last 3 months. Old photos are detected during physical verification (face structure, hair) and disqualified.
How to fix: Take a fresh photograph at a studio or in good natural light. Print the date in the bottom strip — TNPSC matches it against the application date.
Background is not plain white or light grey
Why it gets rejected: TNPSC follows passport-photo norms: a plain white or very light grey background. Coloured walls, doors, curtains, or scenery cause rejection.
How to fix: Stand in front of a plain white wall. If shadows fall behind you, move closer to the wall and use diffused front lighting.
Face is not centered or eyes are not at the correct height
Why it gets rejected: 70–80% of the photo must be the face, with eyes positioned roughly 2/3 from the bottom of the frame. Selfies tend to angle the face upward, distorting proportions.
How to fix: Hold the camera at eye level (or slightly above), look straight ahead, and keep the camera at arm's length. A studio shot is the safest option.
Glare on glasses, sunglasses, or coloured lenses
Why it gets rejected: Spectacles are allowed, but the eyes must be fully visible without glare. Tinted lenses, sunglasses, and reflection from flash cause rejection.
How to fix: Tilt the head slightly downward to avoid glare, or remove glasses for the photograph. Sunglasses are never accepted.
Mouth open, smile too wide, or unnatural expression
Why it gets rejected: TNPSC follows ICAO passport-photo rules: closed mouth, neutral expression. Wide smiles, teeth showing, or exaggerated expressions trigger rejection.
How to fix: Practise a relaxed, neutral expression with the mouth closed before the shot.
Cap, hat, or face partially covered
Why it gets rejected: Caps, hats, and any accessory that covers the face, ears, or head outline are not allowed (except for religious headwear that does not cover facial features).
How to fix: Remove caps and hats. Religious headwear is allowed only if the entire face from chin to forehead and both ears are clearly visible.
File format is PNG, HEIC, or PDF instead of JPG
Why it gets rejected: TNPSC only accepts JPG (.jpg / .jpeg). iPhone HEIC files, screenshots saved as PNG, or scanned PDFs are rejected at upload.
How to fix: Convert the file to JPG before uploading. Our compressor accepts every common format and outputs a properly named .jpg file.
Pre-upload quick checklist
Before you click "Upload", run through this 60-second checklist:
- Photo is a JPG file between 20 KB and 50 KB.
- Signature is a JPG file between 10 KB and 20 KB.
- Both files are 200 DPI (not 72).
- Photo dimensions are 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm passport size.
- Bottom 1.5 cm strip shows full name and date.
- Plain white/light-grey background.
- Face occupies 70–80% of the frame, looking straight at camera.
- No cap, sunglasses, or glare.
- Photo taken within the last 3 months.
Skip the guesswork. Use the right tool.
Our TNPSC Photo & Signature Compressor handles file size, DPI, dimensions, and the name strip automatically — so your application is never rejected for a technical reason.
Related: Photo Size Guide · OTR Application Guide