UPSC Document Upload Requirements 2026 - Complete Guide

2026-04-05

UPSC's online application system (upsconline.nic.in) has strict requirements for uploaded documents. Failing to meet these requirements is one of the top reasons applications get rejected. Here's everything you need to know.

Format Requirements

Only PDF format is accepted. The PDF must not be encrypted, password-protected, or contain JavaScript, form fields, or multimedia elements. Watermarks are not allowed (except official seals).

Size Requirements by Document Type

Photos and signatures: 20KB to 300KB each. ID proofs: 20KB to 300KB. Certificates (Caste/EWS/Education): 50KB to 300KB. Other documents: 50KB to 300KB.

File Naming Conventions

Use English filenames without special characters. Recommended naming: id_card.pdf, caste_certificate.pdf, signature.pdf, photo.pdf, education_certificate.pdf.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not upload files larger than 300KB. Do not use password-protected PDFs. Do not stitch multiple documents into one file. Do not use tools that add watermarks. Do not over-compress to the point of illegibility.

Need to compress your documents? Our free UPSC PDF Compressor handles all these requirements automatically.

UPSC PDF Compressor