Indian Passport Photo Rules — Size, Background, Dress Code

Indian Passport Photo Rules — 35×45 mm, Background, and What to Wear

For Indian passport applications, the photograph is not a formality — Passport Seva offices reject photos that break the rules and send you back to the studio. Here is exactly what the official specification asks for, and how to get it right the first time, whether you go to a studio or make the photo yourself with our Passport Photo Maker.

The official specification

Item	Requirement
Size	51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inch) printed photo at most Passport Seva Kendras; 35 × 45 mm is used for many online uploads — check your appointment slip
Background	Plain white, evenly lit, no shadows on the face or behind the head
Face coverage	Face from chin to forehead fully visible, taking up most of the frame; both ears visible where possible
Expression & eyes	Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera
Glasses	Allowed if worn daily, but no glare or dark lenses; heavy frames that hide the eyes are rejected
Head coverings	Not allowed except for religious reasons, and even then the full face must be visible

Clothing tips that prevent rejection

Wear a dark or coloured shirt so your shoulders stand out against the white background — a white shirt blends into the background and is a classic rejection. Avoid uniforms. For children, the same white-background rule applies, and no other person or toy should appear in the frame.

Making it at home

Stand facing a window in daylight, about a metre from a plain wall. Take the photo at chest height, then crop and set the background to white with the AI background changer in our maker, choose the size your appointment asks for, and either download the JPG for online submission or download the 4×6 print sheet and have it printed at any studio for a few rupees.

Requirements differ slightly between fresh passports, reissue, and minor applicants, and between PSK and POPSK centres. Treat your appointment confirmation as the final word.