Complete PAN Photo Specification
When you apply for a new PAN card or request corrections online, you need to upload a recent passport-size photograph. The requirements are strict — incorrect file dimensions or an oversized file are the most common reasons for rejection at both NSDL (now Protean) and UTIITSL portals.
PAN Photo Quick Specs
- ✓ Dimensions: 25 mm × 35 mm
- ✓ Pixels: 197 × 276 px
- ✓ File Size: Max 50 KB
- ✓ Background: Plain White
- ✓ Format: JPEG / JPG
- ✓ DPI: 200 DPI
PAN Signature Quick Specs
- ✓ Dimensions: 45 mm × 20 mm
- ✓ Pixels: 354 × 157 px
- ✓ File Size: Max 50 KB
- ✓ Background: Plain White
- ✓ Format: JPEG / JPG
NSDL vs UTI — Any Difference?
Short answer: No. Both portals accept the exact same photo and signature specifications. The only difference is the user interface of the portal itself. Whether you file through the NSDL (Protean) portal or the UTIITSL portal, your image must be 197×276 px, JPEG, under 50KB with a white background.
Common PAN Photo Rejection Reasons
- File too large: Most smartphone photos are 2-5 MB. You must compress down to 50KB. Our tool does this automatically.
- Wrong dimensions: Uploading a full-frame photo without cropping to the standard portrait ratio will be rejected.
- Colored background: Studio photos sometimes have blue or red backdrops. PAN requires pure white.
- Face too small: Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo frame.
- Wearing headwear: Religious headwear is permitted, but the full face from forehead to chin must be visible.
PAN Signature Tips
- Sign with a black or dark blue ball-point pen on clean white A4 paper.
- Take a close-up photo in bright, even lighting. No shadows across the paper.
- Upload to PhotoSarkari's Signature Resizer — it will auto-crop, enhance contrast, and compress to 50KB.
- The signature must match your signature on any existing ID documents.
Document Size Quick Comparison
| Document | Dimensions (Pixels) | Max File Size | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAN Card (NSDL/UTI) | 197 × 276 px | 50 KB | White |
| PAN Signature | 354 × 157 px | 50 KB | White |
| Aadhaar Card | 350 × 450 px | 50 KB | White |
| Indian Passport | 600 × 600 px | 250 KB | White / Light |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PAN card photo size in pixels?
The PAN card photo size is 197 pixels (Width) x 276 pixels (Height), which corresponds to 25mm x 35mm at 200 DPI.
What is the PAN card signature size?
The PAN card signature must be 354 x 157 pixels (45mm x 20mm), under 50KB in JPEG format, with a white background.
Is there a difference between NSDL and UTI PAN photo requirements?
Both NSDL and UTI (now Protean and UTIITSL) require the same photo dimensions: 197x276 px, max 50KB. The portal upload interfaces look different but the specs are identical.
Why is my PAN photo getting rejected?
Common reasons include: file size exceeding 50KB, incorrect dimensions, non-white background, blurry image, and wearing sunglasses or caps. Use PhotoSarkari to auto-fix all of these issues.
How do I sign on white paper for PAN digital signature?
Sign with a black or dark blue pen on clean white paper. Take a close-up photo in good lighting, then use PhotoSarkari's Clean Signature tool to enhance the contrast and remove paper shadows.