India Passport Photo Specifications

India Passport Photo Size Diagram

Detailed India Passport Photo Requirements

India follows ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) compliant standards for passport photos under the Passport Seva 2.0 system (effective December 2025). The Ministry of External Affairs specifies the following requirements for all Indian passport applications.

Photo Basics

• Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
• Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
• The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
• No filters or editing — do not apply beauty filters or digitally alter your facial features
• Must reflect your current appearance
• No red-eye effect is permitted
• The photo should show natural skin tone — no overexposure or color distortion

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Your head must occupy 70–80% of the total photo area
• Head height should be 25–35 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Your face should be centered within the frame
• Digital resolution: 600 DPI (630 × 810 pixels)
• Digital file size: maximum 100 KB for online upload in JPEG format

Passport Seva Online Application and Digital Upload

• The digital photo must be in JPEG format
• Pixel dimensions: 630 × 810 pixels at 600 DPI
• Maximum file size: 100 KB
• The uploaded photo must be identical to the printed photos you bring to the Passport Seva Kendra
• During the appointment, biometric facial capture is also performed for verification

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
• The horizontal line between your eyes should be parallel to the top edge of the photo
• Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
• Both sides of your face must be equally visible — no partial side profiles

Background

• Use a plain white background
• The background must be flat and uniform — no patterns, textures, or objects
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Both sides of the face must be equally lit
• The white background should contrast clearly with your hair and clothing

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Indian passport photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily. This rule applies to all types of eyewear including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. The Ministry of External Affairs strictly enforces this to ensure clear visibility of your eyes and facial features.

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious reasons
• Religious head coverings must not cover any part of your face
• Your full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• The head covering must not cast any shadows on your face

Clothing

• Wear colored clothing — do not wear pure white tops that may blend with the white background
• Do not wear uniforms or military attire
• Avoid clothing with large patterns or logos that could be distracting
• Normal everyday clothing such as shirts, blouses, or salwar kameez is recommended

Lighting

• Lighting must be even and balanced on both sides of the face
• No harsh shadows, glare, or reflections on the face or background
• Skin tone must appear natural and correct
• Avoid direct flash photography which can cause red-eye and uneven lighting

Source: passportindia.gov.in — Passport Seva

How to Take an India Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio or a visit to a photo center. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Indian passport photo at home using your smartphone, suitable for both Passport Seva online upload and printed submission.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution for the best clarity.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo from about 1.5 meters away. Avoid taking a selfie — the angle and distortion will likely cause rejection.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows on your face. If using indoor lighting, position two light sources at 45-degree angles on either side of your face to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with a clean, uniform white as required by Indian passport standards.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear colored clothing — avoid pure white tops that blend with the white background. Normal everyday clothing such as a colored shirt, blouse, or salwar kameez works well. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or face.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted up, down, or to the side. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead and ear to ear is clearly visible.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression — no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Both eyes must be open and your mouth must be closed. The horizontal line between your eyes should be parallel to the top edge of the photo. Look directly at the camera lens.

Good and Bad Examples of India Passport Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions