India Passport Photo Requirements 2026: 35x45 mm Passport Seva and MEA Rules

Overview

India requires a 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) passport photo for all passport applications, including new passports, renewals, and re-issues. The specifications are set by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Passport Seva system. The same photo format applies to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards and most Indian visa applications.

India has a notably large required head height of 36 to 38 mm, meaning the face occupies a greater proportion of the frame than in most other countries. This is an important detail that catches many applicants off guard, especially if they are accustomed to other countries’ standards. If you are comparing India with other 35x45 mm markets, use the passport photo requirements hub and the passport photo DPI and pixels hub to separate outer size from upload and print rules.

That also makes this the practical answer to photo specifications for Indian passport. The core specification is still 35 × 45 mm, but India adds a larger face-height target, a strict white background expectation, and Passport Seva digital constraints that are easy to miss if you only copy the outer frame from another country.

The same confusion shows up in the shorter phrase Indian size passport photo. The outer size is 35 x 45 mm, but the face needs to sit larger inside the frame than many people expect from other 35 x 45 mm passport routes.

Official Specifications

The photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall. The face from chin to top of head must measure between 36 mm and 38 mm — this is one of the largest face-to-frame ratios globally. The photo must be taken in a square, frontal position.

Background Requirements

The MEA specifies a plain white background for all Indian passport photos. The background must be uniform, bright, and free of shadows, patterns, or other objects.

For the digital upload on the Passport Seva portal, the system performs automated checks on background colour and uniformity. A slightly off-white or grey background will often be flagged and rejected by the system.

Clothing and Appearance

Indian passport photo guidelines require a neutral expression with the mouth closed. The face must be clearly visible, and the eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera.

• Glasses: The MEA recommends removing glasses for passport photos. Prescription glasses may be worn only if medically necessary, with no glare or tinted lenses. Sunglasses are never allowed.
• Head coverings: Permitted if worn as part of daily religious practice (turbans, hijab, etc.). The face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. Both ears should be visible if not covered by a religious garment.
• Expression: Neutral, with mouth closed. No smiling. The MEA guidelines specify a “natural expression.”
• Bindi/tilak: Permitted as these are considered part of everyday appearance for many Indians.
• Hair: Must not cover the eyes. For the large face-height requirement (36–38 mm), ensure hair above the head is not adding excessive height to the measurement.
• Clothing: Normal everyday clothing. Avoid white clothing that blends with the background. Uniforms are not recommended.

How to Make It with Passlens

Passlens handles India’s unique large-face-height requirement (36–38 mm). Create a Passport Seva-compliant photo in minutes.

1. Open Passlens and select the India Passport preset.
2. Take a close-up frontal photo or upload an existing portrait. The Indian format requires a larger face, so frame yourself closer than usual.
3. Passlens crops to 35 x 45 mm and validates the strict face height requirement (36–38 mm).
4. AI background removal applies a pure white background that passes Passport Seva’s automated checks.
5. Review the compliance report for face size, centering, and background colour.
6. Download the photo sized for Passport Seva digital upload (10–300 KB JPEG), or generate a print sheet for in-person submission at the Passport Seva Kendra.

Where to Submit

Indian passport applications are processed through the Passport Seva system, which is operated by the MEA in partnership with TCS. All applications begin online and require an in-person appointment.

• Online (Passport Seva): Register and fill out the application at passportindia.gov.in. Upload your digital photo during the online process. Then book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
• Passport Seva Kendra (PSK): Attend your appointment for document verification and biometric capture. Bring a printed photo as backup.
• Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK): Available in smaller cities and towns. Same process as PSK.
• Indian missions abroad: Indian citizens and OCI applicants abroad apply through the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

Common Mistakes

The Passport Seva system performs automated photo checks, and PSK staff verify photos in person. Here are the most common reasons Indian passport photos are rejected:

• Face too small — India requires 36–38 mm face height, which is larger than most countries. Photos formatted for US or EU standards will have the face too small.
• Background not white enough — The digital system rejects grey or off-white backgrounds.
• File size incorrect — Digital uploads must be between 10 KB and 300 KB. Photos outside this range are rejected by the portal.
• Wearing glasses with glare — Any reflection obscuring the eyes causes rejection.
• Photo older than 3 months — India requires a more recent photo than many other countries.
• Shadows on face — Uneven lighting, especially from overhead sources, creates shadows under the eyes and nose.
• Hair covering forehead — The forehead must be visible for the large face-height measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does India require such a large face in the photo?

India’s requirement of 36–38 mm face height in a 45 mm tall photo (80–85% fill) is one of the strictest globally. This ensures maximum biometric data is captured from the face, improving the accuracy of automated recognition systems used at immigration checkpoints.

Can I wear a turban or religious head covering?

Yes, turbans, hijabs, and other religious head coverings are permitted if worn as part of daily religious practice. The full face from chin to forehead must remain visible. For Sikh applicants, the turban or dastar is always accepted.

What digital format does Passport Seva accept?

Passport Seva accepts JPEG format with a file size between 10 KB and 300 KB. The minimum resolution is 350 x 350 pixels. Passlens can export in the exact format and file size required by the portal.

Is the photo format the same for OCI applications?

Yes, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card applications use the same 35 x 45 mm photo specification as Indian passport applications. The digital upload requirements on the OCI portal are also identical.

Can I use the Tatkaal (urgent) service?

Yes, the Tatkaal scheme provides expedited passport processing (typically 1–3 days) for an additional fee. The same photo specifications apply. You still need to complete the online application and attend an appointment at a PSK or RPO.

Sources

• Passport Seva — ICAO compliant photograph guidance PDF
• Passport Seva Portal