India
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 3 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in India
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for an Indian passport or OCI card, adhering to the strict guidelines set by the Ministry of External Affairs and Passport Seva is essential. The Indian government mandates specific dimensions and quality standards to ensure biometric compatibility during the verification process. Getting your India passport photo correct the first time is crucial to avoid delays at your scheduled Passport Seva Kendra appointment.
The standard size for an Indian passport photo is 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) with a plain white background. Your head must be positioned in the centre, occupying between 70% to 80% of the frame, with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Glasses are generally discouraged to prevent glare, and head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons, provided they do not obscure your facial features. Ensure the lighting is even across your face to avoid shadows.
See the full 51 × 51 mm §t:6b69f601§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For online applications, you must upload a digital copy of your photo to the Passport Seva portal. The file should be in JPEG format, typically between 10 KB and 300 KB in size, with a minimum resolution of 350 pixels width by 350 pixels height. If you need to resize your image to meet these specific technical constraints, idpic.app offers a convenient tool to ensure your file meets the official portal requirements.
Common issues
Many applications face rejection due to incorrect background colour or poor image resolution. In India, shadows cast on the backdrop or the face are frequent causes for disqualification at the PSK. Additionally, wearing spectacles that cause light reflection or using a low-quality selfie that lacks the necessary sharpness often leads to the Passport Seva system flagging your document as non-compliant.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
While you can visit a local studio for a professional session, they often charge between 100 and 300 rupees for a set of prints. For a more cost-effective approach, you can take a high-quality photo at home against a plain white wall using natural daylight. Ensure you have a friend help you maintain a straight posture, and always double-check the 2x2 inch sizing before heading to your appointment.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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