Indian Digital & Printed
Passport Photo Requirements
(2026 Guide)

1. Digital Photo Size and Dimensions

Your Indian Passport Seva digital photo should be resized to 630 x 810 pixels, saved as a JPEG (.jpg) file and kept under 250 KB. The face should cover about 80% of the photo area, with eyes open, ears visible, forehead visible and no shadows or filters.

2. Printed Photo Size and Dimensions

Indian printed passport photo size depends on where you apply. For many overseas Indian passport, VFS, BLS or embassy applications, the photo is 2 x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm). For some Passport India form-based applications, the official size is 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm. Always follow the instructions shown for your application route.

3. OCI and Overseas Indian Passport Photo Size

OCI card photos and many overseas Indian passport applications use a 2 x 2 inch photo, also written as 51mm x 51mm. The photo should be square, in colour, front-facing and taken against a plain light-coloured background.

4. Head Size and Position

For Indian Passport Seva digital photos, the face should cover about 80% of the photo area. For OCI and many 2 x 2 inch overseas Indian passport photos, the head height should measure about 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Your head must be straight, centred and facing the camera directly.

5. Facial Expression

Use a natural expression with your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, raise your eyebrows or open your mouth. Your face should be clearly visible and looking directly at the camera.

6. Eyes and Glasses

Your eyes must be open, level and clearly visible. Avoid glasses if possible, because glare, reflections, tinted lenses or frames covering the eyes can cause rejection. Hair must not cover the eyes.

7. Hair and Head Coverings

Your full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. Hair must not cover the eyes or forehead. Head coverings are normally not allowed except for religious reasons, but both edges of the face must remain clearly visible.

8. Clothing and Accessories

Wear normal clothing, preferably dark-coloured clothing for Passport India photo submissions. Avoid uniforms, large accessories, headphones, scarves covering the face or anything that hides your facial features.

9. Background and Lighting

Use a plain white, off-white or light-coloured background depending on your application route. There must be no shadows on your face or behind you. The photo should be evenly lit, sharp, natural-looking and free from red-eye.

10. Babies and Children

Children should be photographed alone, with no toys, chair backs, hands or other people visible. For OCI-style photo guidance, babies under one year do not need to have their eyes open but the photo should still be clear, front-facing and show the child alone.