Why Seva Sindhu Shows ‘Document Not Clear’ and How to Fix It
If you’ve ever applied for a government service using Seva Sindhu and received the frustrating message “Document Not Clear”, you’re not alone. This issue often causes delays in your application process, but fortunately, it can be easily fixed.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this message shows up and give you practical tips on how to fix it. Whether you’re uploading certificates, IDs, or other documents, this article will help you make sure your files pass the clarity check on Seva Sindhu.
What Does “Document Not Clear” Mean?
When you upload a document to Seva Sindhu and see the message “Document Not Clear”, it means that the system can’t read the document you submitted. The portal might reject your file if it’s blurry, the wrong file type, too large, cropped, or of poor quality.
In simple terms, the document you uploaded isn’t meeting Seva Sindhu’s quality requirements for approval. If the system can’t clearly read the document, the process can’t proceed to the next step.
Why Does Seva Sindhu Show ‘Document Not Clear’?
Here are the main reasons why Seva Sindhu might show the “Document Not Clear” error:
Blurry or Unclear Scans
If the document is scanned or photographed poorly, it will appear blurry to the system. This is one of the most common issues people face. If the text isn’t legible, the portal can’t process your application.
Wrong File Format
Seva Sindhu requires documents to be uploaded in specific formats, such as PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. Uploading a file in the wrong format (like .docx, .xls, or .png with too much compression) will cause the error.
Large File Size
If your document is too large, it may exceed the upload limit and show the “Not Clear” message. Files should be optimized to stay under the maximum allowed size.For documents that require more than one page (such as certificates with multiple sheets), if the pages are uploaded out of order or only one page is uploaded, the system may fail to read it.
Cropping or Cutting Off Important Parts
Sometimes, documents are cropped while scanning or photographing, causing important details like text or signatures to be missing. If crucial parts of the document are cut off, it will be flagged as “Not Clear.”
How to Fix ‘Document Not Clear’ on Seva Sindhu
Let’s go over a simple, step-by-step guide to ensure your document uploads correctly and clears the “Document Not Clear” error.
Scan or Photograph Clearly
If you are scanning or photographing your document, follow these tips to ensure the document is clear and legible:
Lighting is key: Ensure there is enough light when scanning or taking a photo. Shadows or dark areas will make it hard for the system to read.
Use a flat surface: Lay your document flat to avoid distortion. If you’re photographing it, avoid tilting the paper.
Check text clarity: Zoom in on the text after scanning to ensure it’s legible. If you can’t read the text clearly, the portal won’t be able to either.
Use the Correct File Format
Make sure the file is in one of the accepted formats. Seva Sindhu supports:
If your file is not in one of these formats, convert it into one of the supported types. You can easily do this with online tools or apps for file conversion.
Ensure the Right File Size
Seva Sindhu usually allows files to be under 2 MB for images and 5 MB for PDFs. If your document is too large, you can reduce its size by:
Avoid uploading high-resolution images unless necessary, as they can be very large and hard to upload.
Avoid Cropped Pages
Before you upload your document, check the corners and edges to ensure no part of the document is missing. All text, numbers, and signatures should be clearly visible in the scan or photo. You can also read: What to Do When Seva Sindhu Says ‘Field Verification Needed.’
Merge Pages for Multi-Page Documents
If the document has multiple pages (for example, a multi‑page certificate), make sure to merge them into a single file before uploading. Many online tools can help you merge PDF files.
Extra Tips to Ensure Your Documents Are Accepted
Here are a few extra tips that will help prevent issues in the future:
Use a Scanning App for Better Results
If you don’t have a scanner, you can use scanning apps on your phone, such as CamScanner or Adobe Scan. These apps can automatically adjust the image to improve clarity and make sure all text is visible.
Use Proper Document Resolution
Scans or photos should have at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for optimal clarity. Low-resolution scans can cause problems during the review process.
Check Before You Upload
Always double-check your file before uploading it to Seva Sindhu. Open it on your computer or phone, zoom in, and make sure every piece of information is legible.
Keep the Background Simple
If you’re taking a photo of your document, ensure the background is clean and simple. A cluttered or dark background can interfere with the readability of your document.
What to Do If Your Document Is Still Declined
If you’ve followed all the steps and your document is still showing as “Not Clear,” here’s what to do next:
Download and Review Your Uploaded Document
Look at the document you uploaded and compare it to the original one. Is there anything you missed? Maybe a portion of the text is blurry, or the page was slightly cut off.
Re-scan or Re-photograph
If there’s any issue with the clarity, re-scan or retake the photo with better lighting and ensure the whole document is visible. If you’re using a scanner app, make sure you’re using the highest quality setting.
Check the File Type and Size Again
Make sure the document is in the right file type (PDF, JPG, etc.) and that it’s under the size limit. Compress the file if necessary.
Contact Seva Sindhu Support
If everything looks good but you’re still facing issues, it’s time to contact Seva Sindhu support. Provide them with your application reference number, and they can help resolve the issue.
FAQs
Final Words
The “Document Not Clear” error on Seva Sindhu can be frustrating, but it’s often easy to fix once you understand why it happens. By ensuring your documents are clear, properly formatted, and within the size limits, you can prevent delays and get your application processed faster.
