Indian Passport Photo

Passport photos are known for their strict criteria that applicants cannot alter, even in the slightest way. While each nationality has unique regulations, the general idea stays the same. A passport picture should present the applicant in the clearest way possible. What about other requirements for an Indian passport photo? Below you will find a quick guide that will help you prepare a perfect passport photograph in seconds.

Photo for Indian passport—rules

To make the discussion easier, we have divided the rules of Indian passport photos into 5 essential categories:

• General requirements
• Indian passport photo size
• Exposure, lighting, and background
• Face and eyes
• Accessories

Each category is equally important to know and follow while taking a passport photo. Adhering to these rules will significantly lower the risk of a rejected passport photo and delays in your passport application.

Indian passport picture—general requirements

The photo's quality and presentation are especially crucial in the case of passport pictures. Focus on these criteria to make the best first impression with your Indian passport photo.

• Applicants must print passport photos on high-quality, thin photo paper.
• The images must be high-quality, without smudges or any sign of damage (ripped, dotted, etc.)
• Digital copies of Indian passport photos cannot be pixelated or blurry.
• Any kind of enhancements, including filters, are unacceptable.

Indian passport photo size

Those applying for an Indian passport must provide 4 (four) passport photos, either printed or digital.

Hard copies of an Indian passport picture should have the following size:

• 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), or
• 35x45 mm, or
• 35x35 mm.

The size of a digital image should not exceed 100 KB and be smaller than 20 KB. The image resolution must be 350x350 pixels minimum and 1000x1000 pixels maximum.

While the applicant can come across different size requirements for printed passport photos, the safest option would be to go for a 2x2 picture.

Exposure, lighting, and background

An Indian passport photo must present the applicant in the most natural way possible. That is why paying attention to the light and surroundings and their effects on the final result is essential.

• Do not use sharp light that may result in shadows on the applicant's face. Also, do not take passport photos in a room that's too dark. Natural daylight is the best solution.
• No shadows are acceptable, either on the applicant's face or behind them.
• Make sure that the light doesn't cause overexposure or underexposure.
• Choose a neutral background; the best option is a white or off-white wall or sheet hanging behind the individual. Avoid patterns or any objects in the background.

Face and eyes

The central point of every passport photo is the applicant's face. Indian passport pictures are no different. Paying attention to the visibility of one's face and eyes is crucial. Take a look at what to do and what to avoid to create the best passport picture without a hassle.

• An Indian passport photo must present the applicant's full face from a frontal view. Both eyes must be open.
• The head's position must be straight and the applicant must look directly at the camera.
• The applicant's head should be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches.
• The applicant's eyes should be between 1-1/8 and 1-3/8 inches.
• The facial expression must be as natural and neutral as possible.

Accessories in an Indian passport picture

Since the applicant's face is an essential part of the Indian passport photo, there are also rules regarding different accessories that can or cannot be worn for a passport picture.

• All head coverings are forbidden except those worn for religious reasons. However, they cannot obscure any of the applicant's facial features.
• Small pieces of jewellery are acceptable as long as they do not cover the applicant's face and do not cause glares in the final image.
• Prescription glasses are permitted. The applicant must make sure that the frames do not cover their eyes and that there are no glares in the final image. Tinted or dark glasses are not accepted.

Indian passport photograph: guidelines for children

Thankfully, authorities realise that it could be difficult for young children and babies to follow all these specific requirements. That is why the guidelines for children's Indian passport photos are more flexible than the regular ones.

• Babies under age 1 (one) can have their eyes closed.
• Children under the age of 10 (ten) have more flexible rules regarding facial expressions and height aspect ratio of their head and eyes. However, they still must look directly at the camera and be the only person in the picture.

Take your Indian passport photo at home

There are a lot of rules to follow while taking an Indian passport photo. On top of that, you will have to find a suitable place that provides passport picture services and travel with your children if that's the case. What if we told you that you could take your Indian passport photos comfortably at home in a matter of seconds?

Don’t worry about requirements and searching for a photo spot. You only need your smartphone or digital camera and our application! Let us walk you through the process:

1. Take a picture, or ask a friend or family member to do it for you in natural light. You don't have to look for a perfectly white wall—our application will take care of it! You can also upload an existing photo that you like.
2. Within seconds, our AI-backed application system will check the image and adjust it per the Indian passport photo regulations. No work from your side; every function is automatic, making it fast and easy for every user.
3. Not satisfied with the result? Take another shot; we offer free unlimited tries until you create a perfect picture for your Indian passport.

The application is perfect for applicants of all ages. You can comfortably take a picture of your baby while holding them, and our system will turn the background perfectly white. The same goes for toys or any patterns around the setting.

We want to deliver the best results possible; apart from advanced technology, we provide expert verification for every image created with our application. This double-check review ensures that all requirements are met and that the photo is ready for your Indian passport application.

We offer different delivery options to make the process more flexible: order digital copies directly to your email address or printed pictures delivered to your door. Alternatively, you can create a template to print at your local shop and save even 54% on your passport photos!

We guarantee 100% satisfaction and compliance with your Indian passport pictures. However, in the unlikely case of rejection, you have the right to a 200% refund of the original price.