India passport photos use a 35 × 35 mm square format — a size that is unique to India. At 300 DPI, the digital equivalent is 413 × 413 pixels. The Ministry of External Affairs enforces these dimensions strictly, and photos outside this range are rejected at the Passport Seva Kendra or during online upload.
This is a critical distinction: India's 35×35mm square is not the same as the European 35×45mm rectangle used by the UK, Germany, and France. It is also smaller than the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square. If you have a photo from another country, it will not work for an Indian passport application.
Indian Passport Photo Size and Pixel Chart
| Format | Width | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm | 35mm | Unique square format | |
| 1.38in | 1.38in | Inch equivalent | |
| Digital | 413px | 413px | At 300 DPI |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 | — | Square, not rectangular |
For digital upload through the Passport Seva portal, your image must be JPEG format, at least 350×350 pixels, and between 10KB and 300KB. The standard 413×413 pixel size at 300 DPI satisfies these requirements.
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Indian Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
India's 35×35mm format stands alone among major passport-issuing countries. Here is how it compares:
| Country | Size | Shape | Reusable for India? |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 35×35mm | Square | — |
| United States | 51×51mm | Square | No — too large |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | Rectangle | No — wrong height |
| Canada | 50×70mm | Rectangle | No — wrong dimensions |
| Germany | 35×45mm | Rectangle | No — wrong height |
India and the US both use square formats, but at different sizes. India and the UK share the same width (35mm) but India's photo is shorter. No major country shares India's exact 35×35mm specification.
Head Size Requirements for Indian Passport Photos
India specifies face coverage of 60 to 80 percent of the frame height, which in a 35mm frame means:
- Minimum head height: 21 mm (60% of 35mm)
- Maximum head height: 28 mm (80% of 35mm)
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image, or about 20mm from the bottom edge
- Centering: Face centered horizontally with even space on both sides
This face coverage requirement is stricter than most countries. The US requires only 50–69%, and many European countries follow the ICAO standard of 60–80% for a taller 45mm frame, giving more absolute room. In India's compact 35mm frame, the margin for error is smaller — a few millimeters of miscropping can push your head height outside the acceptable range.
Digital vs Print Dimensions for Indian Passport Photos
Print submissions (at Passport Seva Kendra): Bring two 35×35mm photos on photo-quality paper. Most PSKs also have on-site photo services (₹100–₹200) if your prints are rejected.
Online submissions (Passport Seva portal): Upload a JPEG image at minimum 350×350 pixels and between 10KB and 300KB. The standard 413×413 pixel file at 300 DPI works. The portal validates these requirements automatically on upload.
The Passport Seva portal has an auto-crop feature, but it is unreliable and often produces poorly framed results. Upload a correctly sized 413×413 pixel file to avoid auto-crop issues entirely.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Indian Passport Photos
- Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. The Passport Seva system rejects photos with visible frames or lens reflections.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face or forehead. Both ears should be visible.
- Head coverings: Religious head coverings (turban, hijab, dupatta) are permitted. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible. The covering must not cast shadows on the face.
Indian Passport Photo Size Rules for Babies and Children
Children's Indian passport photos follow the same 35×35mm size and 60-80% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. The compact 35mm square frame makes centering particularly important — small shifts are very noticeable. PSK photo services handle infant photos regularly.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centred. Studios near Passport Seva Kendras are experienced with children's photos.
All children under 18: Indian children's passports are valid for 5 years (vs 10 for adults). This means more frequent renewals and photos. Keep a digital copy.
OCI Card Uses a Different Photo Size Than Indian Passports
If you are applying for an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card, the photo size is different from an Indian passport. OCI applications use the 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51mm) format — the same as the US standard — not the 35×35mm passport format. Some consulates may accept the 35×35mm variant, but the primary requirement on the OCI application form is 2×2 inches.
How to Get the Right Indian Passport Photo Size
Option 1: Use the passportsize-photo.online checker — upload any photo and get it cropped and validated to exact Indian 35×35mm specifications automatically.
At a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK): Most PSKs have on-site photo services that guarantee compliance. Cost is ₹100-₹200. This is the safest option — if the photo fails validation, they'll retake it immediately.
Photo studios near PSK/FRRO offices: Hundreds of small photography shops cluster near Passport Seva Kendras and FRRO offices in every major Indian city. These studios handle passport photos daily and know the 35×35mm format. Prices range from ₹50-₹150. Specify "passport photo" and verify the prints measure exactly 35×35mm before leaving.
Outside India: Specify "Indian passport photo, 35×35mm square" explicitly. Studios in the US, UK, and other countries default to their own formats. Indian diaspora communities in cities like London (Southall), New York (Jackson Heights), Toronto (Brampton), and Singapore (Little India) often have studios familiar with the format.
DIY with photo software: Set canvas to 35×35mm at 300 DPI (413×413 pixels), position your face within the 60-80% head height range, and save as a high-quality JPEG under 300KB.
Common Indian Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Wrong country format: Submitting a photo in the US 51×51mm format, the European 35×45mm format, or the Canadian 50×70mm format. India requires 35×35mm — none of these other formats can be cropped to fit without violating head positioning rules.
Confusing India's format with the UK: Both are 35mm wide, but India is 35mm tall (square) while the UK is 45mm tall (rectangle). A UK photo cropped to 35×35mm cuts off the top of the head or too much of the chin.
Wrong DPI producing wrong pixel dimensions: If your software is set to a DPI other than 300, the pixel dimensions for 35×35mm change. At 72 DPI the image would be only 99×99 pixels — far too small. Always confirm both the physical size (35×35mm) and the pixel count (413×413).
Head too small or too large: The 60–80% rule gives you a range of only 7mm (21mm to 28mm). Photos taken from too far away leave the face too small. Photos cropped too tightly push the face over 80%. Use a compliance tool to verify positioning before printing.
For background requirements, see our guide on India passport photo background rules. View all India passport photo specifications on the India passport photo hub.
