Condensed guide. Read the full Indian OCI card photo 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 | light colour, not white |
| Background editing | allowed as an opt-in |
| Glasses | not allowed |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, glossy or matte, no border — Two printed 2×2 inch photos are lodged with the printed application at the VFS or BLS centre. |
| Digital upload | 900×900 px JPEG, 0–200 KB (OCI Services online application); 1200×1200 px JPEG (Printing 2×2 in photos for the application centre) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | OCI Services – Photo and signature upload |
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 OCI portal redirects through a script and could not be read. The square 200×200 to 900×900 px, under 200 KB, light-coloured non-white background and no-spectacles rules are the published OCI upload guidance; confirm on the portal's instructions page.
- Background replacement for this document uses light grey, not white, to match the OCI rule.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. OCI applications are lodged through VFS or BLS centres who accept any compliant photo, and the portal's own check is about format and size. Shoot against a light-blue or light-grey wall rather than white. Because Indian guidance permits a plain background produced by any means, the tool offers an opt-in replacement for this document that uses a light grey rather than white, matching the OCI rule.
Why Indian OCI photos get rejected
- White background. OCI wants a light colour that is not white. Retake against light blue or grey, or use the permitted light-grey replacement for this document.
- File over 200 KB or not square. Use the OCI preset here; it exports 900×900 under 200 KB.
- Spectacles. Remove them.
- Head too small in the square. Head 50–70 per cent of the height; the checker reports 25–35 mm on the 2×2 frame.
- Printed photos do not match the uploaded one. Print the 2×2 photos from the same crop; centres compare them.
Indian OCI photo FAQ
What are the OCI photo upload requirements?
Square JPEG between 200×200 and 900×900 pixels, under 200 KB, light-coloured but not white background, no spectacles.
Why not white?
The OCI card prints the photo on a light background and the portal rejects pure white. Light blue or light grey is the standard choice.
Can I reuse my Indian passport photo?
No. Passport Seva wants a white background; OCI wants a light non-white one. Re-shoot or use the permitted light-grey replacement here.
Do I need printed photos too?
Yes, two 2×2 inch prints lodged with the form at the application centre.
Are glasses allowed?
No. The guidance says without spectacles.
What about the signature?
A separate small JPEG of your signature in black ink on white paper; children use a thumb impression.
Related documents
Indian passport (Passport Seva)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmIndian e-Visa photo
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against OCI Services – Photo and signature upload. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.