Compress Images to Exactly 20KB for PAN Card & Govt Forms

PAN card applications and many competitive exam portals require photo uploads with a strict maximum file size of 20KB. Our free image compressor automatically reduces your photo to exactly 20KB or less while maintaining quality suitable for official documents and ID cards.

Why 20KB Limit is So Common

The 20KB limit is one of the strictest file size requirements:

PAN Card Standard: NSDL and UTIITSL both enforce 20KB for photos and signatures
Database Efficiency: Smaller files for millions of records
Printing Quality: 20KB is sufficient for ID card printing
Upload Speed: Faster uploads on slow internet connections
Server Load: Reduces strain on government servers

⚠️ Critical Error to Avoid:

"File size exceeds 20KB" - This error stops your PAN card or exam application. Always compress BEFORE uploading to avoid rejection and delays!

Government Forms That Require 20KB Photos

PAN Card Applications:

New PAN card application (Form 49A)
PAN card correction/update
PAN card reprint request
Minor's PAN card application
NRI PAN card application

SSC Examinations:

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level)
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level)
SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff)
SSC GD Constable
SSC JE (Junior Engineer)

UPSC Examinations:

UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IPS/IFS)
UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy)
UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services)
UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces)
UPSC Engineering Services

Other Applications:

Some scholarship portals
State PSC examinations
Certain university admissions
Government job applications

How to Use This Tool

Upload your photo (any size, JPG/PNG)
Tool automatically compresses to 20KB or less
Preview compressed image quality
Download for your application
Upload to PAN portal or exam form without errors

💡 Expert Tip:

For PAN card, you need TWO files under 20KB: your photo (200×230 pixels) AND your signature (200×80 pixels). Compress both separately using this tool!

PAN Card Specific Requirements

For PAN card applications, along with 20KB limit:

Photo: 200×230 pixels, under 20KB, JPG format
Signature: 200×80 pixels, under 20KB, JPG format
Background: White or very light color
Recent: Photo taken within last 3 months
Clear: No blur, shadows, or filters

Tips for Best Quality at 20KB

Start Small: Begin with correct dimensions (e.g., 200×230 for PAN)
Plain Background: White backgrounds compress better
Good Lighting: Well-lit photos need less compression
No Filters: Avoid Instagram-style filters (increase file size)
JPG Format: Use JPG, not PNG (PNG files are larger)
Crop Tightly: Remove unnecessary background space

Common Mistakes That Increase File Size

❌ Avoid These:

Using PNG format instead of JPG
Taking photo with too high resolution
Colored or patterned backgrounds
Including too much background space
Using photo editing filters
Saving at maximum quality settings

What Happens If You Exceed 20KB?

Upload fails immediately with error message
Cannot proceed with form submission
May miss application deadline
Need to retake or recompress photo
Wastes time, especially during last-minute applications

20KB vs Other File Size Limits

Understanding different government portal limits:

20KB: PAN card, SSC, UPSC (strictest)
50KB: Railway exams, banking exams
100KB: Some university applications
200KB: Passport applications
300KB: Some visa applications

✅ Perfect for 20KB Requirements:

Under 20KB | Correct dimensions | JPG format | White background | Clear and recent

How Aggressive Compression Works

To achieve 20KB, our tool:

Reduces Quality: Lowers JPG quality to 60-75%
Optimizes Encoding: Uses efficient compression algorithms
Removes Metadata: Strips EXIF data and thumbnails
Smart Compression: Preserves face clarity while compressing background
Maintains Acceptability: Ensures photo is still acceptable for official use

Troubleshooting Guide

Photo looks too pixelated after compression?

Use a higher quality original photo
Ensure proper lighting when taking photo
Start with exact required dimensions
Use plain white background

Can't get under 20KB even after compression?

Reduce dimensions slightly (e.g., 190×220 instead of 200×230)
Crop more tightly around face
Ensure background is pure white
Remove any borders or frames
Convert PNG to JPG first

PAN Card Application Checklist

Before submitting your PAN application:

✅ Photo: 200×230 pixels, under 20KB
✅ Signature: 200×80 pixels, under 20KB
✅ Both in JPG format
✅ White background for both
✅ Recent photo (within 3 months)
✅ Clear signature (black/blue ink)
✅ All documents scanned and ready

SSC/UPSC Photo Requirements

For competitive exam applications:

File Size: Under 20KB (strictly enforced)
Dimensions: Usually 200×230 or 35mm×45mm
Format: JPG/JPEG only
Background: White or light-colored
Attire: Formal dress recommended
Expression: Neutral, no smile

Why This Tool is Better

Precise Compression: Targets exactly 20KB
Quality Preservation: Maintains acceptable quality
Free Forever: No charges, unlimited use
Instant Results: Compress in 2-3 seconds
Privacy Safe: All processing in your browser
Works Offline: No internet needed after loading
Mobile Friendly: Works on all devices

Compress Image to 20KB

Drop your image here

Where 20KB Image Size is Required