Introduction
If you are applying for an Indian passport — whether a fresh application, renewal, or Tatkal — your photograph must meet exact specifications set by the Ministry of External Affairs. A photo that does not comply will get your application rejected, causing delays that can stretch into weeks.
This guide covers every requirement in detail so you can prepare the right photo the first time.
Official Indian Passport Photo Requirements (2026)
| Requirement | Specification |
| Dimensions | 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm) |
| Digital file size | 20 KB to 300 KB |
| Pixel dimensions | 600 × 600 pixels minimum |
| File format | JPEG / JPG only |
| DPI | 300 DPI recommended |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of the frame |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Not permitted (except for religious reasons) |
| Printed photo size | 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm |
Background Requirements
The background must be plain white or very light in colour. Patterned backgrounds, coloured walls, and shadows behind the head are all grounds for rejection. If your photo has a background that is not white, you will need to either reshoot it or use a tool that can fill the background with white.
✦ Tip: PhotoFitResizer.in includes a background fill option. Select white from the colour swatches before generating your photo to ensure a clean, portal-compliant background.
Face and Pose Requirements
Your face must be clearly visible and centred in the frame. Specific rules include:
- Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera
- Mouth should be closed with a neutral expression — no smiling
- Glasses are no longer permitted for passport photos in India as of 2023
- Head coverings are not permitted unless worn for religious reasons, in which case the face must still be fully visible
- No hair covering the face or eyes
- Face should occupy 70–80% of the frame from chin to crown
Common Reasons for Rejection
These are the most common reasons the Passport Seva portal rejects photos:
- File size below 20 KB or above 300 KB
- Background is not white or has visible shadows
- Photo is blurry, pixelated, or low resolution
- Subject is wearing glasses
- Face is not centred or is too small in the frame
- Photo has been edited with filters or heavy retouching
- File format is PNG, WebP, or anything other than JPEG
How to Prepare Your Photo Using PhotoFitResizer.in
- Upload your photo to PhotoFitResizer.in
- Use the crop tool to centre your face. The 1:1 ratio lock helps maintain the square format
- Select the “Passport (IN)” preset — it automatically sets 600×600px, 300 DPI, JPEG format, and a 300 KB file size limit
- Choose white as the background fill colour
- Click Generate Photo
- Check the file size in the result panel. It should show within limit
- Click Download
⚠ Note: Always verify the final photo against the official Passport Seva portal requirements before submitting. Requirements can change without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a smartphone photo for my passport application?
Yes, provided the photo meets all the specifications above. Take the photo in good natural light against a white wall, ensure the face is well-lit and centred, and then use PhotoFitResizer.in to resize and compress it to the correct dimensions and file size.
What if my photo is slightly above 300 KB?
Use the quality slider or the Max File Size slider in PhotoFitResizer.in to reduce the file size. The tool will automatically compress the JPEG to meet your specified limit. A setting of around 85–90% JPEG quality typically produces a file well within the 300 KB limit while maintaining excellent visual quality.
Do I need to print the photo?
For online applications through Passport Seva, you upload the digital file. For in-person applications, you typically need to bring printed 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm photographs. The digital photo prepared with PhotoFitResizer.in can be taken to a photo studio for printing at the correct size.