India Passport Photo Requirements
An Indian passport photo is 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) with a head height of 1–1⅜ inch (25–35 mm) on a white background, with a neutral expression — no smiling. This page lists the full Passport Seva Kendra spec and how to get it right at home.
India passport photo — official specifications
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 – 1⅜ inch (25–35 mm) |
| Eye line from bottom edge | 1 1/8–1 3/8 inch (29–35 mm) from bottom edge |
| Background | White with blue background also accepted for certain categories |
| Print type | Glossy photo paper |
- • Taken within the last 6 months
- • White or light coloured background with no shadows
- • Both ears visible if possible, but full face must be forward
- • Glasses are not allowed (medical exceptions possible)
- • Digital submission: 600×600 px minimum, JPEG under 240 KB
How to take a compliant Indian passport photo
- Use a plain white background (or light coloured), ensure even lighting with no shadows behind the head.
- Look straight at the camera, mouth closed, neutral expression, both eyes open.
- Keep the full head in frame — from chin to the top of the skull — with the head centred.
- Crop to 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) with head height between 1–1⅜ inch.
- Print on glossy photo paper at 300 dpi or save digitally at 600×600 px.
Indian passport photo standards explained
The Indian passport photo standards are set by the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and are strictly enforced. Every photo that does not meet these specifications is automatically rejected, regardless of how good the rest of the application is.
- Size: 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) — the most common passport photo size in India.
- Head height: 1–1⅜ inch (25–35 mm), measured from the chin to the top of the hair. This is the most common reason for rejection — people measure to the top of their hair and think they are fine.
- Background: White is required for regular passports. Blue background is for diplomatic/official passports only.
- Expression: Neutral — mouth closed, no smiling, both eyes open and clearly visible, facing the camera directly.
- Glasses: Generally not allowed; if worn, they must have no tint or reflection, and eyes must be clearly visible.
- Head position: Centered in the frame, with the full head visible from chin to the top of the skull.
- Photo quality: Sharp focus, no motion blur, even lighting with no harsh shadows. The photo must be a true likeness — no filters, no retouching, no red-eye removal.
Make your India passport photo free
Upload a photo — get the exact 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) crop, background removed and head-size checked. In your browser, nothing uploaded.
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