Quick spec
| Size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) |
| Head height | 25–35 mm, chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
India's passport photo format is a 2×2 inch square against a plain white background — visually close to the US format, but reviewers are strict specifically about the background being a clean, shadow-free white rather than off-white or light grey, which the US allows.
Background
The background must be plain white with no shadow, pattern, or texture. This is the detail that trips up the most home-taken photos: a white wall photographed with a single side light source almost always shows a soft shadow, which is enough to fail the check. A plain white sheet or board with light coming from in front of the subject, rather than to one side, gives the most reliable result.
Head position and expression
Face the camera directly, centred in the frame, with a neutral expression and both eyes open. The face should fill roughly 70% of the frame height, leaving even space above the head and below the chin — a photo cropped too tightly around the face is a common resubmission reason.
Digital vs physical requirements
Passport Seva applications are largely handled online, and many applicants upload a digital photo directly as part of the form rather than submitting a printed copy in advance — though a physical photo may still be requested at the passport office appointment. It's worth having both a correctly sized digital file and a printed copy ready, since requirements can differ slightly by application centre and application type (fresh, renewal, or Tatkal).
What isn't allowed
- Glasses with glare or tinted lenses; some centres ask for glasses to be removed entirely.
- Uniforms or camouflage-pattern clothing.
- Head coverings, except for religious reasons, with the full face still visible.
- Visible digital editing or filters.
Size your photo to the 2×2 inch white-background spec, ready for online upload or printing.
Open the photo toolTaking the source photo
- Set up a plain white sheet or wall, and light it evenly from the front to avoid shadow.
- Stand a short distance from the background so your own shadow doesn't fall on it.
- Keep a neutral, direct expression and avoid tilting your head.
- Take a few shots to have a choice before cropping to the final square.
Common rejection reasons, in order of frequency
- Shadow on the white background
- Face cropped too tightly or too loosely within the frame
- Off-white or tinted background instead of true white
- Photo older than 6 months
- Glasses glare obscuring the eyes
Frequently asked questions
What size is an Indian passport photo?
An Indian passport photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) against a plain white background.
Does Passport Seva require a printed photo or a digital upload?
Many applications accept a digital photo uploaded directly to the online form, though a physical photo may still be requested at the passport office appointment — check what your specific application type needs.
Why do Indian passport photos get rejected for background?
Most rejections come from a faint shadow on the white background rather than the wrong colour — even light walls show shadow under side lighting.
Requirements can vary slightly by application type and centre, and are set by the Ministry of External Affairs — this page is a practical summary rather than an official source. Confirm current detail on the Passport Seva site before you apply.