Indian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Format, OCI, Aadhaar
Complete 2026 guide to Indian passport, visa, and OCI photo requirements. 51 × 51 mm dimensions, 70–80% face coverage, white background, 240 KB online file ceiling. Online (Passport Seva) and offline rules side by side.
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TL;DR — Indian passport photo specifications
- Size: 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches), at 300 DPI = 600 × 600 px.
- Head coverage: 70 – 80% of photo height.
- Background: Plain white. Light grey is not accepted.
- Format: JPEG only, online upload ceiling 240 KB.
- Photo age: Taken within the last 6 months.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses.
Online (Passport Seva) vs. offline application
The Ministry of External Affairs operates two parallel application paths. Both use the same photo specifications, but the delivery format differs.
| Detail | Online (Passport Seva) | Offline (PSK in-person) |
|---|---|---|
| Photo format | JPEG digital upload | 4 × 6 printed photos on glossy paper |
| File size limit | 240 KB maximum | N/A (paper) |
| Quantity required | 1 file | 2 – 4 prints |
| Dimensions | 600 × 600 px at 300 DPI | 51 × 51 mm physical |
| Background | Plain white | Plain white |
Our tool produces both formats in a single $3.99 export: the 600 × 600 px JPEG (under 240 KB) for Passport Seva upload, plus a 4 × 6 print sheet with 4 – 8 identical photos for offline submission or kiosk pickup.
How to take an Indian passport photo at home
- Find a plain white wall. Off-white, cream, or light grey will be rejected. A freshly painted wall or a white bedsheet hung flat works.
- Stand 0.5 m (1.5 ft) away from the wall. This prevents shadows from being cast onto the background.
- Use even daylight or two soft lamps on either side of the camera. Avoid overhead lighting — it casts shadows in the eye sockets.
- Hold the phone at eye level, 1.2 m (4 ft) away, vertical and centred. A second person makes this much easier.
- Face the camera, mouth closed, neutral expression. No glasses, no head covering (except religious; face must be fully visible).
- Take 20+ shots in burst mode. Indian passport rules are strict on eye openness and head tilt — multiple frames give you options.
- Upload to our Indian passport photo tool. We crop to 51 × 51 mm with 70 – 80% head coverage, replace the background to plain white, and compress to under 240 KB for Passport Seva.
Common Indian passport photo rejection reasons
- Background is off-white, cream, or light grey instead of pure white
- Head coverage outside 70 – 80% of photo height
- File size exceeds 240 KB after upload
- Photo is in PNG, HEIC, or any non-JPEG format
- DPI below 300
- Visible shadow on the face, neck, or background
- Glasses worn
- Photo taken more than 6 months ago
- Smile or open mouth
- Beauty filter / phone retouching applied
For OCI cards and visas
Same 51 × 51 mm template applies to OCI cards and Indian visas. The OCI processing centre cross-checks the new photo against your most recent Indian passport scan, so if your appearance has changed significantly (new hairstyle, beard, weight change), use a fresh capture rather than reusing an older photo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of a passport photo in India?
Indian passport photos are 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches) — the same square format used by the US. At 300 DPI this equals 600 × 600 pixels. The head must occupy 70–80% of the photo height with the face centered.
What is the file size limit for an Indian passport photo online?
Passport Seva (the official online portal) caps uploads at 240 KB and accepts JPEG only at 300 DPI. Our tool exports a JPEG that fits within the 240 KB ceiling at the maximum allowed quality.
What is the background color for an Indian passport photo?
Plain white. The Ministry of External Affairs explicitly requires a uniform white background with no shadows, patterns, or off-white tones. Light grey, cream, and off-white backgrounds are all rejected.
Can I use the same photo for an Indian passport, OCI card, and visa?
Yes — same size (51 × 51 mm) and same biometric rules apply to all three. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. For OCI specifically, take care that the photo matches your most recent appearance — OCI processing officers compare against your current Indian passport scan.
Can I use the same photo for an Indian Aadhaar card?
Aadhaar uses a different photo (captured in person at the enrollment centre) and is not interchangeable with passport photos. The enrollment officer takes the photo at the centre using their camera; you cannot bring your own.
How much does an Indian passport photo cost?
At a typical Indian photo studio: ₹100 – ₹300 (about $1.20 – $3.60 USD) for a set of 6 – 8 prints. Online with our tool: $3.99 (about ₹330) for the digital JPEG sized for Passport Seva upload plus a 4×6 print sheet that any photo studio or kiosk in India can print.
Can I take an Indian passport photo at home?
Yes. Stand against a plain white wall in even daylight, face the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed, no glasses. Upload to our tool — we crop to 51 × 51 mm with 70–80% head coverage, compress to under 240 KB, and produce a print sheet for any Indian photo shop.
Does Passport Seva accept AI-edited passport photos for Indian passports?
As of mid-2026, Passport Seva has not announced an AI-edit ban similar to the US State Department's January 2026 rule. AI background replacement and standard tool-based crop/resize remain accepted for Indian passport applications. Always confirm the latest Passport Seva guidance before submitting.
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