Last Updated: June 2026
Complete passport photo specifications for Indian passport applications via Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Includes size, background, clothing rules, and submission format for Passport Seva portal.
Complete official photo specifications. Meet every requirement to avoid costly application delays.
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Size | 51×51mm (2×2 inches) | Standard Indian passport photo size |
| Head Size | 25–35mm | Measured from chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white | No off-white, cream, or grey accepted |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Both eyes open and looking at camera |
| Glasses | Not Allowed | All glasses including prescription |
| Clothing | Light-colored clothing preferred | Avoid white shirts (blends into background) |
| Head Coverings | Not Allowed | Except for religious reasons |
| Recency | Within last 6 months | Must reflect current appearance |
| Color | Color Required | Full color, no black & white |
| Format (Seva portal) | JPEG, 10KB–1MB | For online application upload |
| Quantity (paper) | 4 identical photos | Required for PSK in-person applications |
| Print Finish | Matte or glossy photo paper | Not plain inkjet paper |
Complete your passport application at passportindia.gov.in. Book your PSK appointment online after submitting the application form with your photo.
India specifically requires that you avoid white clothing — it blends into the white background. Wear any other light-colored shirt or top.
Unlike US/UK that need 2 photos, India requires 4 identical photos for PSK in-person submissions. Print them all at once for consistency.
India is stricter than most: off-white, cream, or light grey backgrounds are not accepted. Only pure white. Our tool applies the exact required shade.
Since 2021, the Ministry of External Affairs prohibits all glasses in Indian passport photos including prescription, reading, and tinted lenses.
The Passport Seva portal has a specific file size window. Photos must be JPEG between 10KB and 1MB. Our tool outputs the correct file size automatically.
Follow these steps to generate a compliant, print-ready India passport photo in minutes.
Stand against a plain white wall in good lighting. Wear light-colored clothing (not white) so you're visible against the white background. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
Choose 'India' in the country selector. The tool sets exact 51×51mm dimensions with a pure white background as required by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Download your compliant JPEG (ensure it's 10KB–1MB). Upload directly to the Passport Seva online portal during your application. Print 4 copies on photo paper for the PSK appointment.
Bring all 4 printed photos to your Passport Seva Kendra appointment. Photos are verified against your uploaded digital copy. Matching is required to proceed.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about India passport photo requirements.
Applying for visas across multiple countries? Check exact requirements for each.
Key details about India passport processing, fees, and where to submit your application.
Run through every item before printing and submitting. Each point is a potential rejection reason.
These are the most frequent reasons for passport photo rejection. Avoid them to ensure first-time acceptance.
With a white background, white clothing makes it impossible to distinguish your outline. India specifically notes this — wear any other light color.
The Passport Seva portal accepts only 10KB–1MB JPEG files. Files that are too small (over-compressed) or too large are rejected by the system. Our tool outputs the correct size.
India requires 4 physical photos for PSK appointments — not 2 like most countries. Print all 4 from the same session on the same day.
Since 2021, all glasses are prohibited in Indian passport photos. This is a newer rule that some applicants are unaware of. Any glasses cause the application to be sent back.
Without a valid PSK appointment (booked at passportindia.gov.in), you cannot submit your application. Walk-ins are not accepted. Book 2–4 weeks in advance.
The digital photo uploaded to the portal must match the physical photos brought to the PSK appointment. Different crops or lighting will cause a hold on your application.
Applying for multiple passports or visas? See how India's photo requirements compare to other popular destinations.
| Country | Photo Size | Background | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2×2" (51×51mm) | White/off-white background | 2 photos required |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | Light grey/cream background | 2 photos required |
| UAE | 40×60mm | White background | Religious head coverings allowed |
| China | 33×48mm | White background | 2 photos required |
Requirements updated June 2026. Always verify with the official issuing authority before submitting your application.
Our network of professional photographers can take your passport photo in person with guaranteed compliance for India applications.