Complete guide to the India passport photo in square format (35x35mm), accepted by Indian embassies and consulates worldwide. Includes exact dimensions, white background specifications, digital file requirements, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | India (Bharat) |
| Document Type | Passport (Embassy/Consulate Applications) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 35 mm (3.5 × 3.5 cm) — Square |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photo area |
| Background Color | White, plain and uniform |
| Printable | Yes — for submission at Indian embassies/consulates |
| Digital Photo Size | 600 × 600 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Color | Color only (correct skin tone, no red-eye) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The 35x35mm square format is accepted by select Indian embassies, consulates, and high commissions for passport applications submitted by Indian citizens residing abroad. The requirements follow the same ICAO-compliant standards as the standard passport photo, adapted to the square format.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Indian passport photos, including the 35x35mm square format. You must remove all eyewear — prescription glasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and fashion frames — before the photo is taken. This ensures clear visibility of your eyes and natural facial features for biometric matching.
Taking a square-format passport photo at home is easy. Follow these steps to capture a photo that meets the 35x35mm requirements for Indian embassy and consulate submissions.
Any modern smartphone will work perfectly. Clean the camera lens and set it to the highest available resolution. Have someone else take the photo from about 1.5 meters away, or use a tripod with a timer. Avoid selfies — they produce an incorrect angle and perspective distortion.
Natural daylight from a window in front of you provides the most even lighting. Avoid standing with a window behind you, as this will silhouette your face. If using artificial lights, place two light sources at 45-degree angles to minimize shadows on both sides of your face.
Choose a colored top that contrasts with the white background. Dark or medium-toned clothing works best. Avoid pure white, light grey, or very pale colors that may not contrast enough. Ensure your hair is neat and does not fall across your eyes or face.
Stand about 1.5 meters from the camera. Face directly forward with your head level — not tilted up, down, or to either side. Keep your shoulders square to the camera and relaxed. Make sure your entire face from chin to hairline is visible, with both ears showing.
Relax your face completely. Do not smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows. Keep your mouth gently closed and both eyes open, looking straight into the camera lens. The expression should be calm and natural — imagine a blank, relaxed face.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
This India passport photo variant is a square format measuring exactly 35x35 mm (3.5 x 3.5 cm). The head must occupy 70–80% of the photo area. The digital version should be 600x600 pixels at 600 DPI resolution.
The 35x35mm square format is accepted by some Indian embassies, consulates, and VFS Global centers for passport applications submitted by Indian citizens abroad. For domestic applications through Passport Seva (passportindia.gov.in), the standard 35x45mm rectangular format is required. Always verify with the specific office processing your application.
No. Glasses of any kind — including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses — are strictly prohibited in Indian passport photos. This rule applies to all formats: 35x45mm, 35x35mm, and 2x2 inch.
The background must be plain white, completely uniform, and free of any shadows, patterns, objects, or textures. Both sides of your face should be evenly lit to prevent shadows on the background.
Yes! Upload any photo taken with your smartphone to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop it to the exact 35x35mm square format, remove the background, adjust head size and centering, and produce a compliant photo ready for printing and submission.
The square format is preferred by certain Indian diplomatic missions for overseas passport applications. It simplifies processing and is also the format used for some OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) and visa-related photo requirements. The square aspect ratio provides balanced framing of the face from all sides.
No. The Passport Seva online system (passportindia.gov.in) requires the standard 35x45mm format. The 35x35mm square format is intended for applications submitted at Indian embassies, consulates, and through VFS Global for overseas Indian citizens. If applying online through Passport Seva, use the 35x45mm format instead.
Most Indian embassies and consulates require 2 to 4 identical printed passport photos. The number may vary depending on the specific service (new passport, renewal, Tatkaal, etc.). Check the embassy or consulate website for their exact photo requirements before your appointment.
