India Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official specifications issued by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Use this guide to ensure your photo is accepted first time.

51 × 51 mm Plain white only background 300 DPI Updated Jan 2026

📐 India Passport Photo Specifications

Specification	Required Value
Photo Size	51 × 51 mm 2 × 2 inches
Digital Dimensions	600 × 600 pixels minimum
Resolution	300 DPI
File Format	JPEG / JPG
File Size	Max 1 MB (online portal)
Background	Plain white only No colour
Face Coverage	70–80% of photo area
Glasses	Not allowed (since 2021)
Photo Recency	Within last 6 months
Head position	Facing forward, centred
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed
Eyes	Open, looking at camera
Headwear	Not allowed (except religious)
Issuing Authority	Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

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✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

Photo taken Within last 6 months
Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
Both eyes open and clearly visible
Plain white only background — no patterns or shadows
Face centred and occupying 70–80% of photo area of the photo
Head upright, looking directly at the camera
Even lighting — no shadows on face
High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
Not allowed (since 2021)
No headwear (except religious with documentation)
No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

Photo older than 6 months
Wearing glasses
Coloured or patterned background
Shadows on face or background
Smiling or mouth open
Head tilted or not centred
Digitally altered or retouched photo
Incorrect size (not 51×51 mm)
Poor lighting or blurry image

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

Stand against a plain white wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
Remove glasses before taking the photo
Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the white background
Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 51 × 51 mm size automatically.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct size for an Indian passport photo? +

Indian passport photos must be 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). For digital applications on the Passport Seva portal, the image must be at least 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI in JPEG format.

Are glasses allowed in Indian passport photos? +

No. The MEA has not allowed glasses in passport photos since 2021. Both prescription glasses and sunglasses are prohibited.

What background colour is required? +

A plain white background is mandatory. No off-white, cream, grey, or light blue backgrounds are accepted.

How recent must the photo be? +

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Older photos are routinely rejected at the Passport Seva Kendra.

Can I use a mobile phone to take an Indian passport photo? +

Yes. Use the rear camera on a tripod in good natural light against a white wall. Avoid portrait mode and beauty filters.