NEET UG Photo & Signature Size Requirements 2026
Prepare your NEET UG application photo and signature to NTA specifications — crop, resize, and compress in your browser.
NTA's NEET UG 2026 application requires two types of photographs: a passport-size (3.5×4.5 cm) and a postcard-size (4"×6"). Both must be JPEG, 10–200 KB, with at least 80% face coverage against a white background. The signature must be in blue or black ink on white paper, compressed to under 30 KB. The portal rejects files outside these limits. Note: the 2026 NTA application also includes an Aadhaar-linked identity verification step with live photo capture — this happens on the NTA portal and is separate from the file upload these tools prepare.
Tools for NEET
Use the Passport 3.5:4.5 preset for the passport-size photo. NEET requires both passport and postcard photos — prepare the passport one first.
100 KB is a comfortable mid-range within the 10–200 KB NEET limit — good quality with a safe margin.
NEET signature limit is 4–30 KB. 20 KB gives readable quality within the safe range.
Official requirements
| Document | Size | Dimensions | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport-size photograph | 10–200 KB | 3.5×4.5 cm (portrait, ~413×531 px at 300 dpi) | JPEG / JPG |
| Postcard-size photograph | 10–200 KB | 4" × 6" (landscape, ~1200×1800 px at 300 dpi) | JPEG / JPG |
| Signature | 4–30 KB | Variable (crop tightly) | JPEG / JPG |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Uploading the wrong photo format for the wrong slot — NEET requires both a passport photo AND a postcard photo uploaded to separate slots. Don't mix them up.
- PNG instead of JPEG — NTA's portal validates MIME type, not just extension. A renamed PNG will fail.
- Photo with glasses, mask, or cap — NTA requires 80% face visibility with ears showing. Accessories that obscure the face cause rejection.
- Signature on ruled or graph paper — the lines dramatically increase file size and may cause the signature to appear unclear.
- Using a photo taken more than 6 months ago — NTA specifies the photo must be taken on or after 01 January 2026 for the 2026 cycle.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the passport photo and postcard photo for NEET?
- The passport photo is a standard portrait format (3.5×4.5 cm) uploaded during registration. The postcard photo is a larger landscape format (4"×6") that NTA uses to verify identity at the exam hall. Both must be from the same photo session — same face, same background, same clothes.
- Is the NEET photo size different from UPSC?
- Yes. NEET uses a standard passport-size rectangle (3.5×4.5 cm portrait), while UPSC requires a square crop. Use the Passport 3.5:4.5 preset for NEET and the 1:1 preset for UPSC.
- The NEET portal is showing "file too large" but my photo is under 200 KB. What do I check?
- Confirm the format is JPEG (not PNG or HEIC). Some photo apps save files with the .jpg extension but in a non-JPEG format. Use the compress tool to re-encode the photo as a genuine JPEG even if it's already under 200 KB.
- Can I print my own postcard photos at home for the NEET exam hall?
- NTA requires you to bring printouts of the postcard-size photo to the examination centre. You can print at any photo studio or on a colour printer at home — the key requirement is that it matches the uploaded photo exactly.