How to Fix TNPSC OTR Photo & Signature Upload Rejections (Official 2026 Guidelines)

When applying for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 4, or VAO examinations, thousands of aspirants in Tamil Nadu get stuck at the One Time Registration (OTR) portal with frustrating errors such as "File size less than 10 KB", "Invalid image dimensions", or "Uploaded photograph does not contain name and date".

You can format and auto-calibrate your documents immediately using Kagazo's free TNPSC Photo & Signature Resizer. For native Tamil language users, access our localized tool: TNPSC புகைப்படம் மற்றும் கையொப்பம் அளவு மாற்றி.

In this guide, we break down why the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (tnpsc.gov.in) automated screening script blocks file uploads and how you can format your files correctly in under 30 seconds using your smartphone.

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Why Does the TNPSC Portal Reject Signatures Under 10 KB?

Answer Capsule: The TNPSC One Time Registration (OTR) server strictly enforces a file byte range between 10.0 KB and 20.0 KB for candidate signatures. If a cropped signature drops even 0.1 KB below 10 KB (e.g., 9.9 KB), the upload script automatically triggers a "File size too small" rejection to prevent unreadable, pixelated signatures on examination admit cards and attendance sheets.

Standard online image compressors only shrink files downwards. When you crop a signature on a mobile phone and compress it with generic tools, the clean white space compresses too aggressively, frequently dropping the file down to 4 KB to 8 KB.

Kagazo solves this with bi-directional calibration:

• If your signature is over 20 KB, it compresses it down safely to the 12–18 KB safe zone.
• If your signature is under 10 KB, it applies lossless padding and Xerox ink-boost algorithms to lift the file size above 10.5 KB without blurring the pen strokes.

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Official 2026 TNPSC OTR Photo & Signature Specifications

Answer Capsule: According to official TNPSC Instructions to Applicants, candidate photographs must be between 20.0 KB and 50.0 KB with dimensions of 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, containing the candidate's name and photograph date in a bottom white strip. Candidate signatures must strictly be between 10.0 KB and 20.0 KB with dimensions of 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm on white paper.

Refer directly to the official Commission guidelines at the TNPSC Examinations Portal (tnpscexams.in).

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How to Add the Mandatory Name and Date Strip to TNPSC Photos

Answer Capsule: Under TNPSC Commission rules, passport photos taken without a bottom white rectangular strip showing the candidate's full name in capital letters and the date the photo was taken (DOP) within the last three months are deemed non-compliant and liable for rejection. The strip must occupy approximately 15% of the bottom image canvas.

Traditional cyber café operators charge candidates ₹50 to ₹100 to manually Photoshop this text onto an image. With Kagazo, this process is automated:

1. When you select the TNPSC photo preset on Kagazo's TNPSC Photo Resizer, toggle the Name & Date Strip option.
2. Enter your Name as registered in SSLC marksheet (e.g., K. SARAVANAN).
3. Enter the Date of Photo (e.g., 15.09.2026).
4. Kagazo automatically generates a crisp, high-contrast white bounding strip with bold black typography centered beneath your chin, exporting the entire image strictly between 20 KB and 50 KB.

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Step-by-Step: Formatting TNPSC Files on Kagazo in 30 Seconds

Answer Capsule: To format your files for TNPSC OTR on Kagazo, upload your smartphone photo or cropped signature, select the corresponding TNPSC preset, adjust the crop box, and click Download. The entire operation executes 100% in your device's browser memory (RAM) with zero file uploads.

Step 1: Capture or Crop Your Photo/Signature

• Signature: Sign on unruled plain white paper using a dark blue or black ballpoint pen. Take a clear, shadow-free photo in good daylight.
• Photo: Take a straight-facing passport photo against a light or white wall. Both ears must be clearly visible, with neutral facial expression and zero spectacles glare.

Step 2: Select the Preset on Kagazo

Navigate to TNPSC Photo & Signature Resizer:

• Select TNPSC Candidate Photo (20–50 KB) or TNPSC Candidate Signature (10–20 KB).
• If you only need exact byte reduction without dimensional changes, use our dedicated 20KB Image Compressor or 50KB Image Compressor.

Step 3: 1-Click Export and Upload

Click Download Formatted Image. The output file is formatted as an optimized JPEG with stripped EXIF telemetry to ensure minimum byte footprint and instant acceptance on the OTR upload form.

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Common TNPSC Upload Error Codes and How to Fix Them

1. Error: "File size must be greater than 10 KB"

• Cause: Your signature image was compressed too heavily by mobile messaging apps or generic photo editors.
• Fix: Upload the signature to Kagazo. Our engine detects when a file is under 10 KB and injects compliant byte padding to bring it to 14–17 KB while keeping 100% edge sharpness.

2. Error: "File dimensions do not match specified width and height"

• Cause: The image has the wrong aspect ratio (e.g. square 1:1 instead of 3.5:4.5).
• Fix: Use Kagazo's built-in framing grid, which automatically snaps your crop window to the mandatory 3.5 × 4.5 cm or 6.0 × 2.0 cm ratio.

3. Error: "Only JPG/JPEG files allowed"

• Cause: Modern smartphones (especially iPhones and newer Samsung devices) default to HEIC or WEBP formats.
• Fix: Kagazo automatically converts HEIC, PNG, and WEBP uploads into pure Baseline JPEG compliant with government servers.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use spectacles in my TNPSC passport photo?

Spectacles with colored or tinted lenses are strictly prohibited. Plain reading glasses may be worn only if there is no flash reflection obscuring the eyes. The Commission strongly recommends taking the photograph without spectacles to avoid computerized screening rejection.

Q2: What is the maximum age of the photo allowed for TNPSC OTR?

The photograph must have been taken within three months prior to the date of notification. The date printed on the bottom strip must reflect this recent date.

Q3: Does Kagazo store my photo or signature on its servers?

No. Kagazo runs on a zero-retention security model. All pixel conversions, text overlay stamping, and JPEG compression algorithms run directly within your web browser's volatile RAM. Your identity files are never uploaded to any remote server or cloud database.

Q4: Are these rules the same for TNUSRB Police SI and Constable exams?

Yes. The Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) adheres to nearly identical photo (20–50 KB) and signature (10–20 KB) parameters as TNPSC.

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Format Your TNPSC Documents Now

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