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2026-02-02 • GUIDE

The Science of Image Compression: How to Reduce Size Without Losing Quality (NTA & Govt. Portal Guide)

Why "20KB to 200KB" Matters

If you have ever applied for an entrance exam like NEET, JEE, or UPSC, you have faced the dreaded error: "File size must be between 20KB and 200KB." Why do government portals have such strict limits? It is not just about storage space; it is about bandwidth. When millions of students upload high-resolution 5MB photos simultaneously on the last day of registration, it can crash the servers. By forcing you to compress your image to under 200KB, these portals ensure the application process remains smooth for everyone. Our SutraBase Image Resizer helps you hit this target size exactly, without making your face look blurry.

Lossy vs. Lossless: Which One Do You Need?

Understanding compression types is crucial. 1.JPEG (Lossy): This format is smart. It discards data that the human eye barely notices (like subtle changes in color depth) to drastically reduce file size. This is perfect for passport photos, where file size matters more than perfect color accuracy. 2.PNG (Lossless): This format keeps every single pixel intact. It is ideal for scanned signatures or documents with text, where sharpness is critical. Most exam portals demand JPEGs because they offer the best balance. A 2MB PNG can often be converted to a 50KB JPEG with almost no visible difference!

The Privacy Advantage

Most online image compressors ask you to "Upload" your photo. This means your personal photo travels to a server in a foreign country, gets processed, and is sent back. SutraBase is different. We use Client-Side Processing. Your photo never leaves your phone or laptop. The compression happens right inside your browser using your device's own power. This guarantees 100% privacy—a crucial feature when handling personal identity documents.

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