UPSC 2025–26 : In this blog I explain everything about 1) recent issues with uploading photo, signature and live photo for the 2025 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) NDA/CDS application, and 2) the latest updates about UPSC Notification 2026: exam dates, syllabus PDFs, last dates and more.
UPSC 2026: What’s New (Notification, Dates, Syllabus)
| Item | Details |
| UPSC Notification 2026 | For many exams (Civil Services, NDA, CDS etc.), official schedule published in UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 |
| Download PDF | UPSC 2026 Calendar PDF available on upsconline portal / upsconline.nic.in |
| UPSC Exam Date 2026 (CSE Prelims) | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| UPSC Exam Date 2026 (CSE Mains) | Begins 21 August 2026 |
| NDA 2026 (I) Notification Date | Released 10–12 December 2025 |
| NDA 2026 (I) Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| NDA 2026 Exam Date (I) | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| CDS 2026 Notification Date | 10–12 December 2025 |
| CDS 2026 Exam Dates | CDS-I on 12 April 2026, CDS-II on 13 September 2026 |
| Syllabus & PDF Download | Notification PDFs and detailed syllabus PDFs get published along with each exam’s notice — check official UPSC site. |
Why this matters: If you’re applying for NDA, CDS or Civil Services in 2026, you must follow latest dates and download the correct PDF notification/syllabus. Keep checking official UPSC portal frequently so you don’t miss last date or syllabus PDF download.
UPSC 2025 Live Photo / Photo Upload — Common Problems & Simple Fix
Recently many applicants faced issues while uploading photo & live photo / signature for the 2025 application (NDA/CDS), due to wrong size, wrong format or wrong cropping. I’ll explain those in Simple language and show how to fix — works both on mobile and computer.
✅ UPSC 2025 Photo/Signature – Rules (as per UPSC)
| Parameter | Requirement |
| Photo format | JPG / JPEG only |
| Photo file size | Between 20 KB and 200 KB |
| Face coverage | At least 75% face visible, both ear lobes visible, direct front view |
| File name (photo upload) | photo.jpg |
| Signature upload | Scanned signature in JPG, proper size, proper crop |
If you don’t follow above exactly — wrong format (PNG etc.), wrong size, wrong name — the portal rejects your upload. That’s why many got errors.
How to Fix Photo / Live-Photo Upload Problem — Step by Step
- Take fresh photo — use good light, plain/light background, face straight, ears visible.
- Crop & Resize — after capturing, use an image editor (on mobile or PC) to crop such that face & shoulders fit, remove excess background.
- Convert to JPG — do not upload PNG or other formats. Save/export image as JPG.
- Check file size — ensure the picture is between 20 KB and 200 KB. Use online resizing tools if size is low/high.
- Rename correctly — file name must be exactly photo.jpg (or signature.jpg for signature).
- Upload carefully — go to “Choose File” → select photo → click “OK, I Understand & Accept” → upload.
- For live photo (if required) — use mobile (not PC), follow portal instructions (like scanning QR code, capturing live image with mobile camera) rather than trying from computer (many have faced issues uploading live-photo from PC).
If you follow above steps carefully — your upload will be accepted.
Why You Should Care: UPSC 2026
Since 2026 notices (for NDA/CDS/CSE etc.) are out or coming soon, many aspirants will fill forms. If they reuse old photos from 2025 — which were wrongly formatted — they will face rejection.
- So better create fresh photos following correct specs now (JPG, 20–200 KB, correct crop), and keep a properly named file (photo.jpg / signature.jpg).
- This will save time later, prevent upload errors, and ensure smooth form submission when 2026 application window opens.
Quick Reminders for Aspirants
- Keep an eye on official notifications: Download UPSC Notification 2026, Syllabus PDFs, Calendar PDF.
- Use only JPG format for photos and signatures.
- Keep file size between 20 KB–200 KB.
- Name files exactly photo.jpg and signature.jpg.
- For live-photo (if required), always use mobile as desktop upload may fail.
- Start photo-preparation early — no last-minute rush before form submission.
