Compress a PDF for UPSC — Common Application Form
UPSC — Common Application Form takes PDFs up to 300 KB and at least 50 KB. PDF Desk shrinks yours to just under it, right in this tab.
Max 300 KBMin 50 KBPDF
Files stay on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) — Common Application Form, upsconline.nic.in upload limits
| Document | Max size | Min size | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caste certificate (SC/ST), OBC certificate or EWS certificate Applies to all UPSC exams (CSE, ESE, CDS etc.) via the common profile. File must be named exactly caste_certificate.pdf (the same name for OBC and EWS). The portal rejects files under 50 KB, so don't over-compress. Password-protected PDFs are rejected. It can also be fetched from DigiLocker. | 300 KB | 50 KB | |
| Disability certificate (PwBD) File must be named disability_certificate.pdf. Minimum 50 KB is enforced. Password-protected PDFs are rejected. | 300 KB | 50 KB | |
| PwD recommendation certificate for physical limitation to write (scribe / writing-extremity certificate) File must be named pw_recommendation.pdf. Minimum 50 KB is enforced. | 300 KB | 50 KB |
Where this number comes from
“NOTE : 1 - Allowed File size : 50 KB to 300 KB. File format: pdf, File name format should be caste_certificate”
— UPSC Online — Common Application Form (CAF) upload screen, Caste/OBC/EWS certificate note and documents table, Live portal, checked 2026-10-22 (CSE 2026 notice No. 05/2026-CSE dated 04.02.2026 points to these portal instructions). Checked October 2026.
PDF Desk aims at 291 KB, a little under the limit, because some portals count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes. If the result comes out below the minimum, use a milder setting.
If the file will not get small enough
Scan in black and white at 150 DPI instead of colour. Remove blank and duplicate pages with Delete pages. If the portal allows several files, cut the PDF with Split PDF and upload the parts.
Other portals in India
Limits of other portals
Questions
What is the maximum PDF size for UPSC — Common Application Form?
Caste certificate (SC/ST), OBC certificate or EWS certificate: 300 KB (minimum 50 KB); Disability certificate (PwBD): 300 KB (minimum 50 KB); PwD recommendation certificate for physical limitation to write (scribe / writing-extremity certificate): 300 KB (minimum 50 KB). Source: upsconline.nic.in, checked October 2026.
UPSC — Common Application Form still rejects my PDF. Why?
Check that it is not password-protected, that the file name has no special characters, and that it is a few percent under the limit — some portals count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes.
Are my PDFs uploaded?
No. PDF Desk opens and writes the file with JavaScript inside your browser tab. Nothing is sent to a server, so it is safe for contracts, IDs and bank statements.