Signature rejected: the seven reasons and how to fix each
Online form rejected your signature? Ink colour, dimensions, compression, and UPSC triple-signature rules — diagnosed one by one.
Start here: which of these is happening to you?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Jump to |
|---|---|---|
| Told to retake at counter | Background or face size | Cause 1 |
| Upload fails silently | Format or KB range | Cause 2 |
| Looks fine but rejected | Spec mismatch | Cause 3 |
Cause 1: Background or face size
Indian portals enforce a white background and minimum face height. A grey wall or small face in frame fails automated checks. See UPSC photo and signature size (including the three-signature rule) for the exact spec.
Cause 2: File format or size
Portals want JPG within a KB range — not PNG or HEIC. Check Signature rejected on an exam form — the real causes for upload troubleshooting.
Cause 3: Spec mismatch
Old studio sizes and outdated prints cause counter rejection. Cross-check the official notification.
Fix it now
Signature specs vary by exam — pick yours and we will set the exact dimensions.
Choose your examIf none of these worked
Retake in daylight against a plain wall. Try a desktop browser for exam uploads.
Related problems
See also
Related guides
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- TroubleshootingP0Your exam form won't accept the photo: a full troubleshooting walkthroughPhoto not uploading in your exam form? Check format, dimensions, KB range, filename, and browser — in the order that actually finds the problem.
- TroubleshootingP2Uploaded the wrong photo — can you change it?Wrong photo in your application form? Which portals allow edits before final submit — and what to do when the form is locked.
- How-toP0How to make the UPSC three-signature imageUPSC needs three signatures in one image. Paper, ink, spacing, and capture — step by step.