NEET photo size

When you're preparing for India's biggest medical entrance exam, even a small mistake in your application can lead to a year-long setback. One of the most common reasons for NEET application rejection is not following the NTA (National Testing Agency) guidelines for the NEET photo size.

At neetonlinecoaching.com, we want to ensure your focus stays on Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, not on technical glitches. This guide provides the most up-to-date specifications for the NEET photo size 2026, including the mandatory postcard size photo for NEET, signature, and thumb impressions.

NEET Photo Size 2026: Quick Reference Table

If you are in a hurry, here are the exact dimensions and file sizes required by the NTA for the online application form:

1. Passport Size Photo for NEET: Detailed Rules

The passport-size photograph is the primary image used on your NEET Admit Card and your final scorecard.

Key Specifications:

Background: Must be plain white. Avoid colored or patterned backgrounds.
Face Coverage: Your face must cover at least 80% of the photo.
Visibility: Both ears must be clearly visible. Your expression should be neutral (no smiling or frowning).
Recent Photo: The photo must be taken on or after January 1, 2026.
Name and Date: Though not strictly mandatory for every year, NTA "prefers" that the candidate's name and the date of taking the photograph be printed at the bottom of the image.

What to Avoid:

No Caps or Goggles: Do not wear hats, caps, or sunglasses.
Spectacles: Allowed only if you wear them regularly. However, ensure there is no "glare" or reflection on the lenses.
No Selfies: Photos must be professional studio-quality. Casual selfies or computer-generated images will be rejected immediately.

2. Postcard Size Photo for NEET: Everything You Need to Know

One of the most frequent questions we receive is: "What is a postcard size photo for NEET?" The postcard size photo for NEET is a larger version of your passport photo, measuring exactly 4 inches by 6 inches. This photograph is crucial because it must be pasted onto the Proforma that comes with your Admit Card. You will submit this proforma to the invigilator inside the exam hall.

Why is it Required?

The larger size allows invigilators to manually verify your identity more accurately during the exam. If the photo you bring to the center does not match the one you uploaded, you may be barred from the examination.

Checklist for Postcard Size Photo:

Dimensions: 4" x 6" (10.16 cm x 15.24 cm).
Matching Image: It must be identical to the passport-size photo you uploaded. Do not wear different clothes or have a different hairstyle in the two photos.
Color: High-quality color photograph (no black and white).
Quantity: Keep at least 4 to 6 copies of this postcard-size photo ready for the counseling and admission process.

3. Scanned Signature and Thumb Impression

Aside from the NEET photo size, you must also upload your signature and thumb impressions.

Signature Guidelines:

Ink: Use a black ballpoint pen only.
Paper: Plain white paper.
Style: Sign in running handwriting. Do not sign in CAPITAL LETTERS, as these are considered "writing" and not a signature.
Size: The file must be between 4 KB and 30 KB.

Thumb and Finger Impressions:

Ink: Use blue ink only.
Coverage: You are required to upload a scan of all ten fingers and thumbs (both left and right hands) as per the latest NTA updates.
Clarity: The impression should be clear enough to show the ridges of your skin. If it is smudged or too faint, the system might reject the scan.

4. How to Resize Your Photo for NEET 2026

Most students struggle with the "10 KB to 200 KB" limit. If your professional photo is 2 MB, you will need to compress it.

Step-by-Step Resizing:

Using MS Paint (PC): Open the photo -> Click 'Resize' -> Select 'Pixels' -> Uncheck 'Maintain aspect ratio' only if necessary, but try to keep it checked to avoid stretching your face -> Save as JPEG.
Online Tools: Use reputable websites like "ResizePixel" or "iLoveIMG." Set the target size to 150 KB to stay safely within the 10-200 KB range.
Mobile Apps: Apps like "Photo & Picture Resizer" allow you to set specific dimensions in inches (4x6 for postcard) and limit the file size.

5. Important Documents to Keep Ready

While the NEET photo size is a priority, don't forget these other scanned documents required for the 2026 registration:

Class 10 Passing Certificate: Scanned PDF (50 KB to 300 KB).
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS): Scanned PDF (50 KB to 300 KB).
PwBD Certificate: If applicable.
Citizenship Certificate: For NRI/OCI candidates.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Avoid these "Pro-Tips" from the internet that often lead to disqualification:

Self-Attestation: Do not sign on the front of the photograph. NTA guidelines state the photo should be unattested.
Old Photos: Using the same photo you used for 10th-grade exams is a risk. Always use a photo taken within the last 6 months.
Shadows: Ensure there are no shadows on your face or in the background. Standing directly under a bright light often helps.
Blurry Scans: If you are scanning a physical photo, use a high-resolution scanner (200 DPI) rather than taking a phone picture of a picture.

Summary Checklist for NEET Aspirants

[ ] 6-8 Passport size photos (White background).
[ ] 4-6 Postcard size photo for NEET (4"x6").
[ ] Signature in black ink (Running hand).
[ ] Left and Right-hand finger/thumb impressions in blue ink.
[ ] All files saved in .jpg or .jpeg format.
[ ] Name and date printed on the bottom of the photos.

Conclusion

Mastering the NEET photo size and technical requirements is the first "test" you need to pass. By following these NTA-compliant steps, you ensure that your application moves smoothly to the next stage. Remember, the photo you upload now will stay with you until you walk into your medical college for admission!