Condensed guide. Read the full Indian passport (Passport Seva) requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 600 × 600 px / 1200 × 1200 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25.4–35 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28–35 mm |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | allowed as an opt-in |
| 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, glossy or matte — Photos are captured again at the Passport Seva Kendra for most applicants; printed photos are needed for some categories and for applications at missions abroad. |
| Digital upload | 1200×1200 px JPEG, 0–1 MB (Passport Seva online form (photo upload)); 1200×1200 px JPEG (Printing 2×2 in photos for missions abroad) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 5) |
| Official source | Passport Seva – photo specifications |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The Passport Seva photo specification page could not be fetched (404 on the known URL). The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) white-background photo is the long-standing requirement for applications in India; the 630×810 px / 35×45 mm variant referenced in some Passport Seva forms was not confirmed.
- Upload file-size limit (commonly quoted as up to 1 MB JPEG) is unverified.
- Head and eye-line bands here follow the common 2×2 inch convention and are flagged unverified until the Passport Seva page is re-checked.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. Passport Seva accepts an uploaded photo you have taken, and because a biometric photo is usually recaptured at the Kendra the uploaded one mainly needs to be clear, square and on a white background. Indian authorities permit a plain white background to be produced by any means, so this tool offers an opt-in white background replacement for this document; it is still better to shoot against a white wall and leave the option off.
Why Indian passport photos get rejected
- Background not white. Use a white wall or sheet. For this document the tool can replace the background with pure white if the authority's rule allows; it is labelled when it does.
- White or light clothing. Change into a darker top so the shoulders separate from the background.
- Face too small in the frame. The face should fill 50–70 per cent of the height. Use the head-size control until the readout is inside 25–35 mm.
- Shadow behind the head. Step away from the wall and light from the front.
- File too large or wrong format. JPEG under the portal's limit. Our export lands under 1 MB automatically.
Indian passport photo FAQ
What size is an Indian passport photo?
2×2 inches (51×51 mm), colour, plain white background, face centred and filling roughly half to three quarters of the height.
Can the background be edited to white?
Indian authorities require a white background but do not forbid producing it digitally, so this tool offers an opt-in replacement for this document. It is clearly labelled and never applied silently.
Why was my photo rejected for clothing?
White or light tops blend into the white background. Wear a darker colour.
Do I need printed photos?
Usually not in India, because the PSK captures a fresh photo. Applications at missions abroad and some categories need two printed 2×2 inch photos.
Can I wear glasses?
They are tolerated if the eyes are clearly visible without glare, but removing them avoids a query. OCI and e-Visa photos must be without spectacles.
Is the same photo OK for OCI?
No. OCI requires a square photo on a light but not white background, under 200 KB. Use our OCI preset; a Pass covers both documents.
Related documents
Indian OCI card photo
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmIndian e-Visa photo
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmUS visa photo (DS-160)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against Passport Seva – photo specifications. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.