CDS (Combined Defence Services) and CAPF 2026 photo requirements from UPSC: 200×230 pixels, JPEG, 20–50 KB, white or plain background. The 50 KB maximum is strict — most phone photos need significant compression to reach this limit. Use PhotoFit to resize and compress to exact CDS specifications for free, instantly, no upload needed.
| Dimensions | 200×230 px (width × height) |
| File size | 20 KB minimum — 50 KB maximum |
| Format | JPEG / JPG only |
| Background | White or very light plain background |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Head cover | Not allowed (except religious reasons) |
| Conducted by | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
CDS (Combined Defence Services) and CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) 2026, both conducted by UPSC, require a photo of 200×230 pixels. The file must be JPEG, between 20 KB and 50 KB, with a white or very light plain background. This is the same dimension as NDA but with a higher minimum size of 20 KB.
Both CDS and NDA require 200×230 px JPEG photos. CDS allows 20–50 KB while NDA allows 4–40 KB. So for CDS, you need at least 20 KB (a very small file might be rejected), and the maximum is slightly higher at 50 KB. Target around 35 KB for both exams and you will be safe.
Yes, if the photo meets both requirements: 200×230 px, JPEG, 20–50 KB, white background, recent. UPSC uses the same portal and guidelines for CDS I, CDS II, and CAPF applications. Keep a 35 KB copy of your photo for all UPSC defence exam applications.
Yes. The UPSC portal enforces the 50 KB maximum strictly. Compress your photo to 40–45 KB before uploading. Use PhotoFit to target 40 KB — this gives you a 10 KB safety buffer below the 50 KB limit while staying well above the 20 KB minimum.