Complete Passport Photo Specification
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requires specific photo dimensions when applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or making corrections through the Passport Seva portal. These specs changed slightly in recent years — here are the exact, up-to-date requirements for 2026.
Passport Photo Quick Specs
- ✓ Dimensions: 51 mm × 51 mm (Square)
- ✓ Pixels: 600 × 600 px
- ✓ File Size: Max 300 KB
- ✓ Background: White / Off-White
- ✓ Format: JPEG / JPG
- ✓ DPI: 300 DPI
Digital vs Printed Passport Photo — Key Difference
This is the #1 source of confusion. The printed passport photo that you physically carry to the Passport Seva Kendra is the standard 35mm × 45mm rectangle. But the digital photo you upload on the Passport Seva website is 51mm × 51mm (square). Our tool processes the digital format (600×600 px).
| Type | Dimensions | Ratio | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital (Online) | 51 × 51 mm / 600×600 px | 1:1 Square | Passport Seva Portal Upload |
| Printed (Physical) | 35 × 45 mm | ~3:4 Portrait | Physical copy at PSK |
Common Passport Photo Rejection Reasons
- Non-white background: Studio photos with blue/grey backgrounds get rejected instantly. Our AI removes backgrounds automatically.
- Face too small in frame: Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo height, from chin to top of head.
- Shadows on face: Uneven lighting creates shadows. Use natural daylight facing a window.
- Eyes not open or looking away: You must look directly at the camera with both eyes clearly visible.
- Wearing caps or hats: Religious headwear is allowed, but the full face from forehead to chin must be visible.
How to Take a Perfect Passport Photo at Home
- Lighting: Stand facing a window during daytime for even, shadow-free lighting on your face.
- Background: Stand against any wall — you don't need white! Our AI will remove the background.
- Pose: Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your mouth closed.
- Framing: Have someone take a chest-up photo. Avoid selfies (front cameras distort faces).
- Upload: Use the PhotoSarkari tool above. It crops to 1:1 square, removes the background, and compresses under 300KB.
Photo Size Comparison Chart
| Document | Dimensions (Pixels) | Max File Size | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Passport | 600 × 600 px | 300 KB | White |
| Aadhaar Card | 350 × 450 px | 50 KB | White |
| PAN Card | 197 × 276 px | 50 KB | White |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian passport photo size in pixels?
The Indian passport photo must be 600 x 600 pixels (51mm x 51mm square), in JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 300KB.
Is India's passport photo square or rectangular?
India's digital passport photo for the Passport Seva portal is square (51mm x 51mm / 600x600 px). This is different from the printed passport photo which is rectangular (35mm x 45mm).
What background colour is required for Indian passport?
A plain white or off-white/light grey background is required. No patterns, textures, or coloured backgrounds are accepted.
Can I wear spectacles in my passport photo?
As of 2023, the MEA recommends removing glasses for passport photos. If you must keep them, there should be no glare or reflection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are strictly not allowed.
What DPI should my passport photo be?
The recommended DPI for an Indian passport photo is 300 DPI. Our tool processes your image at 300 DPI by default.