GATE 2026 photo requirements are strict — 480×640 pixels exactly, JPEG format, 5–200 KB, white background, taken within 6 months. Unlike most Indian exams that accept a range of sizes, IIT GATE mandates a fixed pixel dimension. Get it right the first time using PhotoFit — free, no upload needed, works in 30 seconds.
| Dimensions | 480×640 px (width × height, 3:4 ratio) |
| File size | 5 KB minimum — 200 KB maximum |
| Format | JPEG / JPG only |
| Background | White only |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses |
| Photo age | Taken within 6 months of application |
| Application | IIT GATE online portal (goaps.iisc.ac.in) |
GATE 2026 requires a photograph of exactly 480×640 pixels (width × height), which is a standard 3:4 portrait ratio. The file must be JPEG format, between 5 KB and 200 KB. The background must be plain white and the photo must have been taken within 6 months of the application date.
IIT mandates a fixed pixel dimension so that photos display consistently on admit cards and examination rolls. Unlike many other exams that accept approximate sizes, GATE is strict about 480×640 px. Use PhotoFit to resize your photo to exactly this dimension before uploading.
A selfie is acceptable if it meets all requirements: white background, neutral expression, no glasses, proper lighting, and 480×640 px at 5–200 KB. However, a professional studio photo is strongly recommended to avoid rejection. If using a selfie, take it against a white wall in good natural light.
Check these in order: (1) Exact dimensions — must be 480×640 px. (2) Format — must be JPEG, not PNG or HEIC. (3) File size — must be between 5 KB and 200 KB. (4) Background — must be white. (5) No spectacles or tinted lenses. Use PhotoFit to fix dimensions and compress in one step.