India Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Official requirements from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Also covers OCI card and visa photos. Last reviewed March 2026.
Quick Summary
51×51 mm (2×2 inch) square photo, plain white background, neutral expression, face occupying 70–80% of the frame.
Photo Dimensions
Indian passport photos must be 51 mm × 51 mm (2 inches × 2 inches) — a square format identical to the US requirement. This applies to all Indian passports including regular passports (Ordinary, Official, and Diplomatic), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards, and Indian visa applications from foreign nationals.
The photo must be in colour and printed on glossy photo paper. The Ministry of External Affairs has also specified online photo requirements for the Passport Seva portal (the online passport application system) which accepts JPEG images up to 1 MB.
Face and Head Size Requirements
Your face must occupy 70–80% of the photo frame, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (not including hair). This means the face should approximately fill 36–41 mm of the 51 mm total photo height. The face must be centred horizontally in the photo.
The photo should show a full frontal view of the face with both ears visible. There should be equal and adequate space above the head to prevent the appearance of the head being cropped. Photos where the face is too small, too large, or not centred are commonly rejected at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs).
Background Requirements
The background must be plain white. Unlike the UK, which accepts cream or light grey, India strictly requires white. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows, patterns, textures, or gradients. The border area of the photo must also be white with no printed borders or frames.
A common issue when applying via the Passport Seva portal is that AI-based background removal tools sometimes leave artifacts or slightly grey backgrounds — these photos are frequently rejected. Use a physical white background for best results.
Expression and Pose
The expression must be neutral with the mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. Smiling is not permitted. Your face must look straight at the camera without any head tilt or rotation. Photographs taken at an angle are rejected.
The lighting must be even across the face with no harsh shadows on either side of the face or across the nose. Front-lit photography is recommended. Flash photography is acceptable if it does not cause overexposure, red-eye, or harsh shadows.
Glasses and Accessories
Glasses are not permitted in Indian passport photos. This rule aligns with the global move away from glasses in biometric passport photos. Head coverings are not permitted except for genuine religious reasons — when worn, the face from chin to forehead must be fully visible. Sunglasses, tinted glasses, and fashion accessories are not allowed.
Photo Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately represent your current appearance. Applications submitted with significantly outdated photos — for example, photos taken during a different phase of life — are subject to rejection.
Passport Seva Portal (Online Application) Specs
For online applications at passportindia.gov.in, the digital photo must meet these specifications:
- Format: JPEG (.jpg)
- Minimum dimensions: 200 × 200 pixels
- Recommended dimensions: 400 × 400 pixels
- Maximum file size: 1 MB
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square)
- Color space: RGB color
OCI Card Photo Requirements
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card applications follow the same photo specifications as Indian passports: 51×51 mm, plain white background, neutral expression. However, OCI applications are typically filed through Indian consulates abroad, and some consulates may have slightly different acceptance practices. Always verify with the specific consulate where you are applying.
Complete Specifications Table
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches) |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of frame |
| Background | Plain white only |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
| Digital format | JPEG only |
| Digital max size | 1 MB |
| Recommended px | 400 × 400 pixels |
Common Rejection Reasons at PSK/POPSK
- Background not pure white (grey, cream, or textured)
- Shadows on the background or face
- Face not centred or head tilted
- Photo printed at incorrect size
- Photo older than 6 months
- Smiling expression
- Eyes not fully open or obscured
- Head covering (non-religious)
- Red-eye in photo
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photo_camera Create your Indian passport photo — freeFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo taken at a studio for an Indian passport?
Yes, studio photos are perfectly acceptable as long as they meet all the specifications. Most professional photo studios in India are familiar with passport photo requirements. Always check the dimensions and background before submitting.
How many photos do I need for an Indian passport application?
You need 2 identical photos (one to submit and one to self-attest on the application form) when applying at a PSK. Online applications via the Passport Seva portal require one digital photo upload plus 2 physical photos at the PSK appointment.
Can I wear a saree or salwar kameez in my passport photo?
Yes. Traditional Indian attire including sarees, salwar kameez, and kurtas are all acceptable. The clothing must not be white (as it would blend with the background) and must not obscure the face or neck area.