A PAN application, made online through Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL or on paper Form 49A or 49AA, needs a recent colour photograph 3.5 cm high and 2.5 cm wide on a white background. Online applications that are not e-KYC based ask you to upload a scan, and the size limits differ between the two agencies. We could not read an official specification when this page was written, so the values below are the commonly published ones and are flagged for you to confirm on the form.
Make and check a PAN card photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.
Specification
| Photo size | 25 × 35 mm (0.98 × 1.38 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 295 × 413 px / 591 × 827 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 16–24 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, colour — Paper Form 49A takes two 3.5 × 2.5 cm colour photos; do not staple or clip them. |
| Digital upload | 197×276 px JPEG, 0–50 KB (Protean (NSDL) online PAN application); 295×413 px JPEG (Paper Form 49A (two photos)) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes open, mouth closed (under 18) |
| Official source | Protean (formerly NSDL) – PAN services |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-29).
- No official Protean or UTIITSL specification could be read on 2026-10-29 (the Protean page redirected; third-party sources conflict). Values used: 25×35 mm (3.5 cm × 2.5 cm) colour photo on a white background; Protean scan 200 dpi giving about 197×276 px, JPEG, up to 50 KB; UTIITSL is widely reported to want a 213×213 px square under 30–50 KB, which is not offered here because it is a different aspect. Re-check on the form before uploading.
- Confirm the KB limit and pixel size shown on the PAN form itself before uploading.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. PAN applications accept a photo you take yourself, provided it is a recent colour photo on a white background, face fully visible. Online e-KYC applications may use your Aadhaar photo instead, in which case you upload nothing. For paper Form 49A, print two copies at 25×35 mm and paste them in the boxes without stapling.
How to take the photo
- Check whether your online application uses e-KYC (Aadhaar) for the photo; if so, no upload is needed.
- Otherwise take a photo against a plain white wall, face straight on, neutral expression, ears and face visible.
- Load it here; the tool crops to 25×35 mm (3.5 × 2.5 cm) proportions.
- For Protean online applications, export the 197×276 JPEG, which is compressed to stay under 50 KB.
- For paper Form 49A, print the sheet at actual size and paste two photos in the boxes; sign across the left photo only where the form asks.
Why PAN card photos get rejected
- File over the KB limit. Use the 50 KB export; if the form shows a lower limit, tell us and we will add a preset.
- Background not white. Retake against a white wall.
- Black and white photo. Colour photos only.
- Photo stapled or clipped to the paper form. Paste the photos; do not staple.
- Signature across the face. Sign only where the form indicates, without covering the face.
- Wrong aspect for UTIITSL. UTIITSL is widely reported to want a 213×213 px square; check the form and crop accordingly.
Infants and children
Minors can be issued a PAN with a parent or guardian acting for them. The photo rules are the same: recent colour photo, white background, face visible. A baby's photo is best taken lying on a white sheet from above.
Step by step: Protean (NSDL) online PAN application
- Start a new PAN application (Form 49A for Indian citizens, 49AA for foreign citizens).
- Choose how documents and photo will be submitted; if scanning, upload the photo where asked.
- Pay the fee and complete e-sign or send the physical acknowledgement as instructed.
File limits: Widely reported: 3.5 × 2.5 cm, 200 dpi scan, JPEG, up to 50 KB (Protean). Not confirmed from an official page on 2026-10-29.
Open Protean (NSDL) online PAN application
What it costs
PAN application fees are set by the Income Tax Department and its agencies; check the form. Our Single licence (A$6.99 / ₹249, 30 days) gives the upload file and print sheet.
PAN card photo FAQ
What is the PAN card photo size?
3.5 cm high × 2.5 cm wide, colour, white background. Online uploads are commonly limited to about 50 KB.
Is the PAN photo size the same for NSDL and UTIITSL?
The printed size is the same, but the upload pixel size reportedly differs (UTIITSL is often quoted as 213×213 px). Check the form you are using.
Can I use a selfie?
Use a photo taken by someone else at eye level; selfies distort the face.
Do I need a photo for e-KYC PAN?
Applications using Aadhaar e-KYC may take your photo from Aadhaar; follow the form.
Can the background be light blue?
The commonly published rule is white. Use white to be safe.
Why is this page marked unverified?
The official specification could not be read when the page was written; confirm the limits on the form.
Related documents
Indian passport (Passport Seva)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmIndian OCI card photo
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmUPSC exam application photo
40×40 mm · head 26–32 mmLast verified 2026-10-29 against Protean (formerly NSDL) – PAN services. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.