Applying for a PAN card online? Then you need to be very careful with your photo and signature uploads. Both NSDL (Protean) and UTI have strict size and format rules, and if your file doesn’t match them, the portal will reject it instantly.
This guide explains what happens if you upload the wrong size, the official dimensions, and how to make sure your uploads are always correct.
What Happens if the Size or Format Is Wrong?
- Immediate Upload Error: The portal will block the upload and display an error like “file size exceeds limit” or “invalid dimensions.”
- Delayed Processing: In some cases, your upload might go through, but during manual review, your application could be rejected.
- Unnecessary Delays: You’ll have to re-edit and re-upload files, which extends your PAN processing time.
- Frustration: Many applicants face repeated rejections simply because of a few KBs or pixels being off.
Official PAN Photo and Signature Rules
- PAN Photo:
NSDL: JPG, 3.5×2.5 cm (~276×197 px), 200 DPI, under 50 KB.
UTI: JPG/PNG, 213×213 px, 300 DPI, under 30 KB. - PAN Signature:
NSDL: JPG, 4.5×2 cm (~354×157 px), 200 DPI, under 50 KB.
UTI: JPG/PNG, 400×200 px, 600 DPI, under 60 KB.
Quick Comparison: NSDL vs UTI Upload Rules
| Type | NSDL (Protean) | UTI |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | JPG, 276×197 px, 200 DPI, <50 KB | JPG/PNG, 213×213 px, 300 DPI, <30 KB |
| Signature | JPG, 354×157 px, 200 DPI, <50 KB | JPG/PNG, 400×200 px, 600 DPI, <60 KB |
How to Avoid PAN Photo/Signature Upload Errors
- Use PANResizer.com: PANResizer.com instantly resizes your files to NSDL or UTI standards—no manual editing needed.
- Check Before Upload: Right-click the file → Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac) to confirm both size (KB) and pixel dimensions.
- Don’t Guess: Being just 1 KB or 1 pixel off can cause rejection. Always follow the official rules strictly.
Official PAN Card Application Links
| Portal | Link |
|---|---|
| NSDL (Protean) | NSDL PAN Portal |
| UTIITSL | UTIITSL PAN Portal |
| Apply Online | NSDL Online Application |
Quick Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Use trusted tools like PANResizer.com built for PAN card uploads.
- Double-check both size and format before uploading—don’t rely on guesswork.
- If your file is rejected, simply re-edit and compress it again—don’t panic!
Uploading in the wrong size causes rejections and delays.
Take a minute to check, and your PAN application will go smoothly!
Take a minute to check, and your PAN application will go smoothly!
FAQ – PAN Card Photo & Signature Upload Errors
Why does my upload keep failing?
Most likely, the file exceeds the KB limit or the pixel dimensions are not as per NSDL/UTI rules. Always cross-check before uploading.
Can I use PNG for NSDL?
No. For NSDL, only JPG format is accepted. UTI allows JPG and PNG.
Do I need to set DPI?
Yes. NSDL requires 200 DPI while UTI requires 300 DPI for photo and 600 DPI for signature. Use tools that handle DPI correctly.
What if my file size is still too big?
Use online compressors like PanResizer.com or iLovePDF to reduce KB size without affecting clarity.
Conclusion
Getting your PAN card photo and signature right is crucial. Incorrect uploads mean errors, delays, and frustration. But with the correct dimensions and free tools like PanResizer.com, you can avoid all problems and complete your application smoothly on the first try.
ton4ii