CAT 2026 Photo Correction Guide: Size, Format, Dimensions and How to Re-Upload

CAT 2026 Photo Correction

Your photograph is printed on the CAT 2026 admit card and is used to verify your identity at the test centre. If the photo you uploaded during registration is blurred, wrongly sized or in the wrong format, you can replace it during the CAT 2026 correction window. The photograph is one of only three fields expected to be editable, along with the signature and test city preferences.

IMPORTANT: IIM Indore has not yet confirmed the CAT 2026 correction window on iimcat.ac.in. Current reports point to an opening around October 5, 2026, with a very short window (possibly closing around October 6). Treat all correction window dates as tentative and reconfirm them on iimcat.ac.in. File specifications below are based on the CAT guidelines as widely reported; some sources quote slightly different minimum sizes, so always check iimcat.ac.in.

Key Takeaways

  • The photograph is expected to be editable during the CAT 2026 correction window.

  • Upload a JPG or JPEG file only, with a maximum size of 80 KB.

  • Commonly reported dimensions are 30 mm x 45 mm at a minimum of 150 pixels per inch.

  • Use a recent colour passport-size photo on a plain white or light background.

  • To stay safe, keep the file between 20 KB and 80 KB, because some sources quote a minimum size.

  • There is expected to be no fee for the correction.

CAT 2026 Photograph Specifications

Requirement

Details

File Format

JPG / JPEG only

Maximum File Size

80 KB (safe range: 20 KB to 80 KB)

Dimensions

30 mm (width) x 45 mm (height)

Resolution

Minimum 150 pixels per inch

Photo Type

Recent, colour, passport-size

Background

Plain white or light

Photo Age

Ideally taken within the last six months

 

Specifications are based on widely reported CAT guidelines. IIM Indore's official instructions on iimcat.ac.in are final.

Photo Do's and Don'ts

Do

Don't

Face the camera directly with a neutral expression

Wear sunglasses, caps or anything that hides your face

Use even lighting with no shadows on the face

Use selfies with filters, edits or heavy shadows

Keep the full face, head and top of shoulders in frame

Crop out part of the head or chin

Use a plain white or light wall as background

Use a coloured, patterned or busy background

Upload a sharp, clear image

Upload a blurred, pixelated or over-compressed image

 

How to Prepare Your CAT 2026 Photo

  1. Take a fresh passport-size photograph against a plain white or light background, or scan a recent printed one.

  2. Crop the image to the 30 mm x 45 mm portrait ratio (about 2:3) with your face centred.

  3. Make sure the resolution is at least 150 pixels per inch.

  4. Save or convert the file as JPG or JPEG.

  5. Compress the file until it is under 80 KB without making the face blurry.

  6. Check the file size and open the image once to confirm that it looks clear.

How to Re-Upload Your Photo in the Correction Window

  1. Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, once the correction window opens.

  2. Log in with your CAT 2026 registration ID and password.

  3. Open your application form and go to the photograph section.

  4. Upload the corrected JPG or JPEG file.

  5. Review the preview to confirm that the photo is clear and fully visible.

  6. Submit the form and save the confirmation for your records.

Common Photo Upload Problems and Fixes

Problem

Likely Cause

Fix

Upload rejected

File above 80 KB

Compress the image to between 20 KB and 80 KB

Format error

PNG, PDF or HEIC file

Convert it to JPG or JPEG

Photo looks stretched

Wrong aspect ratio

Crop to the 30 mm x 45 mm portrait ratio

Photo looks blurry

Over-compression or low resolution

Use a higher-quality original and compress in small steps

Face not clear

Poor lighting or shadows

Retake in even light against a plain wall

 

Photo Tips for Test Day

  • Carry a printout of your admit card; the photo on it comes from your application.

  • Keep a valid photo ID with you so your identity can be matched.

  • Look broadly similar to your uploaded photo to avoid verification delays.

CAT 2026 Photo Correction FAQs

What is the photo size for CAT 2026?

The CAT 2026 photograph must be a JPG or JPEG file of up to 80 KB. The commonly reported dimensions are 30 mm (width) x 45 mm (height) at a minimum of 150 pixels per inch. Confirm the exact figures on iimcat.ac.in before uploading.

Can I change my photo in the CAT 2026 correction window?

Yes. The photograph is one of the fields expected to be editable during the CAT 2026 correction window, along with the signature and test city preferences.

What format is accepted for the CAT 2026 photograph?

Only JPG or JPEG files are accepted. PNG, PDF, HEIC and other formats should be converted to JPG or JPEG before uploading.

What background should the CAT 2026 photo have?

Use a recent colour passport-size photograph with a plain white or light background, with your face clearly visible, front-facing and unobstructed.

How old can my CAT 2026 photograph be?

Use a recent photograph, ideally taken within the last six months, so that you are easily recognisable at the test centre.

What happens if my CAT 2026 photo is wrong or unclear?

An unclear or non-compliant photo can cause problems with identity verification at the test centre. Replace it during the correction window, as it is a one-time facility.

Prepare for CAT 2026 with CATKing

Fixing your application form is only the first step of your CAT 2026 journey. CATKing helps aspirants with mentor-led coaching, "Real CAT" mock tests, personalized study plans and dedicated GD-PI preparation, from CAT in November through the rest of the MBA entrance season.

This article is published by CATKing for informational purposes. Official dates, specifications and rules are decided by IIM Indore; always verify them on iimcat.ac.in before acting.

 

Sumit Singh

Sumit Singh

CATKing Mentor / Author