CDS OTA (Officers Training Academy) Photo & Signature Size
Official 2026 Specifications
Complete official photograph specifications for Combined Defence Services 2026 application. Photos that don't meet these exact rules will be rejected by the portal.
When applying for the OTA (Officers Training Academy), the Combined Defence Services enforces strict digital document guidelines. Failing to upload a photograph that is strictly between 20KB and 200KB is one of the leading causes of application rejection. Ensure your file is saved in JPG/JPEG format, features a clear white background, and follows all 2026 official notification guidelines listed below.
Official CDS Photo Specifications
| File Size | 20KB – 200KB |
| Format | JPEG / JPG |
| Background | white |
Additional Requirements
- CRITICAL: Face must cover exactly 75% (3/4th) of the photo area.
- Must be a recent colour photo with a plain white background.
- Live photo capture will be matched against this upload during the exam.
Official CDS Signature Specifications
| File Size | 20KB – 200KB |
| Ink | black |
- MANDATORY: Image must contain EXACTLY THREE identical signatures signed vertically (one below the other).
- Must be signed on plain, unruled white paper using only BLACK ink.
Always confirm against the official notification on the CDS official portal before you submit.
Why Photos Get Rejected on the CDS Portal
Photo exceeds 200KB
Camera phones produce 2–5MB images. The CDS portal caps uploads at 200KB — only about 7% of a typical 3MB phone photo.
Incorrect background color
CDS requires a white background. Indoor photos, selfies, and studio photos with coloured backdrops are commonly rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact photo size for OTA (Officers Training Academy) 2026?
The official photo file size for OTA (Officers Training Academy) is 20KB to 200KB in JPEG/JPG format.
What background color is required for CDS photos?
CDS requires a white background for all passport-size photographs uploaded during the 2026 application process.
Can I use a phone selfie for OTA (Officers Training Academy)?
Yes, but you must resize and compress it to meet the exact 20KB–200KB requirement. Our free photo resizer tool does this automatically.
Need to Resize Your Photo?
Our free tool automatically crops, resizes, and compresses your photo to meet the exact CDS 2026 specifications listed above.
Use OTA (Officers Training Academy) Photo ResizerNext Steps for OTA (Officers Training Academy)
Continue preparing your application documents with official specifications.