Photo and signature rejection is the number one reason why government job applications get rejected in India. Every year, thousands of candidates applying for SSC, Banking, Railway, Teaching, and State Government jobs lose their chance without even reaching the exam stage—only because of avoidable photo or signature mistakes.
If your application status shows “Photo/Signature Rejected”, or you are afraid it might happen, this article explains exact reasons, real examples, and step-by-step solutions—in simple language.
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🔍 What Does “Photo / Signature Rejected” Mean?
When an exam authority verifies applications, they check whether your uploaded photo and signature strictly follow the official notification rules.
If any one condition fails, your entire form may be:
- ❌ Rejected
- ❌ Marked as Provisionally Rejected
- ❌ Blocked from admit card download
This applies across exams conducted by bodies like Staff Selection Commission, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, and Railway Recruitment Board.
🚫 Top Reasons Why Photo Gets Rejected
1️⃣ Wrong Background Color
Most exams clearly mention:
- ✅ White or very light background
- ❌ Dark, colorful, blue, or patterned background
Common mistake: Using studio photos with gradient or shadow background.
2️⃣ Blurred or Low-Quality Photo
If your face is not:
- Clearly visible
- Properly focused
- Front-facing
…the system or manual verifier can reject it.
📌 Mobile photos taken in low light are the biggest culprit.
3️⃣ Incorrect Photo Size or Dimensions
Typical requirements:
- File size: 20 KB – 50 KB (varies by exam)
- Format: JPG / JPEG only
- Dimensions: As mentioned in notification
Auto-compressed images from WhatsApp or social media usually fail.
4️⃣ Old Photograph Used
Many notifications specify:
- Photo should be recent (not older than 3–6 months)
If your appearance does not match ID verification later, rejection may occur.
5️⃣ Face Not Properly Visible
Your photo can be rejected if:
- Sunglasses worn
- Hair covering eyes
- Face tilted or cropped
- Mask or cap used
🚫 Top Reasons Why Signature Gets Rejected
6️⃣ Signature in CAPITAL Letters
Almost all govt exams require:
- ✍️ Running handwriting signature
- ❌ NOT in CAPITAL letters
This is one of the most ignored rules.
7️⃣ Signature Not Done on White Paper
Signature should be:
- Done with black or blue pen
- On plain white paper
- Scanned properly
Signing directly on mobile screen or rough paper often causes rejection.
8️⃣ Wrong File Size or Format
Even if the signature looks correct:
- Exceeding KB limit
- Uploading PNG/PDF instead of JPG
…can lead to rejection.
✅ How to Fix Photo & Signature Rejection (Step-by-Step)
✔️ Correct Photo Upload Method
- Use a recent passport-size photo
- White/light background only
- Face clearly visible, no filters
- Resize using online tools (as per notification)
- Save as JPG/JPEG only
✔️ Correct Signature Upload Method
- Sign on white paper using blue/black pen
- Write natural running signature
- Scan or click photo in good light
- Crop neatly, no extra space
- Resize to required KB
⚠️ What If Your Photo/Signature Is Already Rejected?
Case 1: Correction Window Open
- Login and re-upload immediately
- Follow instructions strictly
- Do not experiment again
Case 2: No Correction Window
- Unfortunately, rejection is usually final
- Wait for next notification
- Prepare documents correctly next time
📌 Do NOT email authorities repeatedly—it rarely helps and wastes time.
❓ FAQs – Photo & Signature Rejection
Q1. Can I use Aadhaar photo?
No. Aadhaar photos often fail clarity and background rules.
Q2. Can studio photo be used?
Yes, only if background is plain white and recent.
Q3. Will selfie photo get rejected?
Mostly yes. Use proper camera or studio photo.
Q4. Can I sign in Hindi or regional language?
Yes, unless notification specifies English only.
Q5. If one thing is wrong, will whole form be rejected?
Yes. Photo/signature errors can reject the entire application.
🧠 Final Advice for Candidates
Photo and signature issues are 100% preventable.
Always remember:
- Read notification carefully
- Never reuse old uploads blindly
- Follow size, format, and background rules strictly
One small mistake can cost one full year of preparation.
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