The short answer
| Item | Photograph | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 30 mm × 45 mm | 80 mm × 35 mm |
| File size | up to 80 KB | up to 80 KB |
| Format | JPG/JPEG | JPG/JPEG |
| Other | Recent colour passport photo | Black or blue pen on white paper |
Figures are from recent CAT guides. Check the CAT bulletin for your year.
Turning millimetres into a file
A size in millimetres needs a resolution to become pixels. ExamPic uses 300 dpi, the print standard: the CAT photo becomes 354 × 531 px and the signature 945 × 413 px. Both are then compressed to stay below 80 KB.
Open the CAT presetStep by step
- Take a fresh colour photo against a plain light wall, facing a window. Keep the same photo for the whole admission season: IIMs and other B-schools compare it with you at interviews.
- In ExamPic choose CAT (IIM) → Photograph. The face is framed automatically; tick "Replace background" if the wall looks grey.
- Sign on white paper with a black or blue pen, photograph it from straight above, then switch to Signature. The tool cleans the paper and crops close to the ink.
- Use the Exam kit button to download both files together, already named ExamPic_Photo.jpg and ExamPic_Signature.jpg.
Common CAT upload mistakes
- A photo cropped from a group picture or a selfie at an angle. The admit card prints this photo, and the test centre checks it against your face.
- A signature in a different style from the one you'll use at the centre. Sign the way you normally do.
- Re-saving the file in a gallery or chat app after resizing. WhatsApp and some gallery apps recompress images and can change the size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAT photo size?
30 mm wide and 45 mm high, JPG, up to 80 KB.
What is the CAT signature size?
80 mm wide and 35 mm high, JPG, up to 80 KB.
Last checked: 31 October 2026. Official source: iimcat.ac.in. Rules change between years, so always confirm in your own notification.