India · Passport / Visa Photo

India Passport Photo Size & Specs

An Indian passport photo is 35×35 mm (a square) with a plain white background. The same dimensions are accepted for the Aadhaar card, the OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India), and the PAN card — making this single spec one of the most reused photos in Indian government services. The head should occupy about 70% of the photo height, centered.

Official spec

Size
35×35 mm square at 300 DPI
Background
Plain white
Head height
About 25 mm chin to crown (~70% of photo height)
At 300 DPI
413 × 413 px

Accepted for

  • Indian passport (new + renewal + reissue)
  • OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India)
  • Aadhaar card enrolment / update
  • PAN card application

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Rules that get checked

  • Neutral expression with mouth closed.
  • Both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
  • No glasses with dark or thick frames; thin frames OK if eyes are clearly visible.
  • Plain white background only.
  • Photo taken within the last six months.

Common reasons photos get rejected

These are the issues passport / visa authorities flag most often for India applications. Most are avoidable with a careful re-shoot or the AI background tool.

  • Background is not pure white (off-white, cream, or any colour will fail).
  • Photo not square — many people upload 35×45 mm by mistake.
  • Glasses with reflections obscuring eyes.
  • Head not centered.
  • Photo is over six months old.

FAQs

What size is an India passport photo?

35×35 mm square — distinct from the European 35×45 mm or US 2×2 inch photos. Always check the square aspect ratio.

Can I use the same photo for Aadhaar and PAN?

Yes. The Indian government accepts the same 35×35 mm white-background photo across passport, Aadhaar, OCI, and PAN applications.

What's the file size limit for online applications?

Passport Seva (online passport portal) accepts photos up to 1 MB. ImageSuite outputs around 200–300 KB at 300 DPI, well within the limit.

Can I wear bindis or religious markings?

Yes — bindis, sindoor, religious necklaces, and similar markings are acceptable. Face must remain fully visible.

Official source: verify these specs against the India passport authority before submitting.

https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/photoSign

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