Applications · Uploads
Document upload specs
Universal upload rules for India→US applications and visa paperwork—always re-check the portal.
Portals change. Confirm every field and file rule on the official university or government site before you submit.
Field cards
Label → what to enter → common mistake → whom to ask.
Portal says “max 2 MB”
- Enter
- Export or compress to under that limit. Prefer PDF for docs; JPEG/PNG only when the portal asks for a photo.
- Common mistake
- Uploading a 15 MB phone photo and refreshing until the portal times out.
- If unsure, ask
- School admissions email or portal FAQ for accepted formats.
File name / applicant name
- Enter
- Match passport spelling on the form. Use simple names like Lastname_Transcript.pdf—no WhatsApp filenames.
- Common mistake
- Using a nickname on the form that does not match the passport.
- If unsure, ask
- Your passport bio page—copy letter-for-letter.
Upload specs
U.S. visa / DS-160 photo
- Format
- JPEG
- Max size
- Usually under ~240 KB (check CEAC)
- Dimensions
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm); head 50–69% of image height; white/off-white background
- Naming
- Lastname_VisaPhoto.jpg
Studio photos that meet U.S. visa rules beat phone selfies. Confirm current CEAC rules.
Passport bio page
- Format
- PDF or JPEG (portal decides)
- Max size
- Often 1–5 MB
- Naming
- Lastname_Passport.pdf
Colour scan, all four corners visible, no glare. Do not crop out the machine-readable zone.
Transcript / marksheet
- Format
- PDF preferred
- Max size
- Portal limit—often 5–10 MB
- Naming
- Lastname_Transcript_College.pdf
Official or provisional as the school asks. Some want WES/ECE separately—do not assume.
SOP / CV / resume
- Format
- PDF unless portal says Word
- Max size
- Often 1–5 MB
- Naming
- Lastname_SOP_Program.pdf / Lastname_CV.pdf
One tailored SOP per school. Academic CV: 1–2 pages, no photo, no marital status.
Sealed vs digital official docs
- Format
- As school specifies
- Max size
- N/A
- Naming
- Follow courier / e-transcript vendor
If the school wants sealed originals or Parchment/National Student Clearinghouse, a self-scan may not count.