PAN upload sizes
- Photo: 3.5 × 2.5 cm, 200 DPI, colour JPG, up to 20 KB.
- Signature: 2 × 4.5 cm, 200 DPI, JPG, up to 10 KB.
These sizes are for the Protean (NSDL) online application with a digital signature. Other ways of applying can show different limits, so follow the instructions on your application screen.
Rules checked in October 2026 from the Protean PAN instructions (opens in a new tab). They can change with each new notice, so check the current one before you apply.
Exams: UPSC, NEET, JEE Main, CUET, Bank Exams (IBPS, SBI), GATE, SSC Signature, Railway (RRB) Signature, Signature 10–20 KB, Bangladesh BCS and Philippines PRC.
How it works
- Choose or drop your photo or scanned signature.
- Pick what you are uploading, such as Photo or Signature. The size and file size range are set for you.
- Zoom and drag to frame it, check the ✓ Within badge, then download the JPG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the photo come out so small?
3.5 × 2.5 cm at 200 DPI is about 197 × 276 pixels, which is what keeps the file under 20 KB.
Will my file be accepted?
The sizes come from the official notice linked on this page, and the badge shows when your file is inside the range. Rules change with each notice, so always check the current one before you submit.
Does it change my face or background?
No. It only crops, resizes and compresses, so your photo stays as it was taken.
Does it work on phones?
Yes. It works in modern mobile browsers, and iPhone HEIC photos open directly.