India Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — The Complete Guide

Getting your passport photo right the first time saves you a trip back to the passport office and days of delay. India updated its photo rules in September 2025, switching to the ICAO Doc 9303 international standard. This guide covers every rule you need to follow in 2026 — size, background, face, clothing, and common mistakes.

The Official Size: 35mm × 45mm

The correct size for an India passport photo is 35mm wide by 45mm tall. This is a portrait format — taller than it is wide. Before 2025, many studios in India were still using the old 51×51mm square format. That format is no longer accepted for new passport applications or renewals.

Background Rules

Your background must be plain white. Not off-white, not cream, not light grey — white. The rule is strict because automated systems at passport offices check background colour as part of the review. A background that looks white to the human eye can still fail the digital check if it's slightly tinted.

• Use a white or freshly painted white wall
• Stand 1–1.5 metres away from the wall to avoid casting a shadow on it
• Even a faint shadow on the background is a common rejection reason
• Window light is ideal — position it in front of you, not behind

Face Rules

The rules for your face are the most important part. Modern passport systems use face-recognition algorithms to match your photo to your identity. Small deviations — a slight tilt, a smile, a shadow — can reduce the match score and cause delays.

• Look directly at the camera — no tilting or turning your head
• Keep a neutral expression: mouth closed, no smiling or frowning
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Both ears should be visible — pull hair back if needed
• Your full face must show from chin to top of head
• Avoid shadows across the nose, eyes, or chin

Glasses

Glasses are not allowed. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, fashion frames, and sunglasses. This rule was part of India's adoption of the ICAO standard in 2025. Even thin, wire-frame glasses must be removed before taking the photo. Contact lenses are fine as long as they don't alter your natural eye colour.

What to Wear

There is no strict dress code for Indian passport photos. Wear your normal, everyday clothes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Avoid white or very light tops — they blend into the white background
• Solid colours work better than patterns or prints
• Religious head coverings are permitted if worn daily for religious reasons
• Uniforms, helmets, or caps are not allowed
• Your neckline must be visible — the photo should not be cropped at the neck

Photo Recency and Editing Rules

• The photo must be taken within the last 6 months
• No beauty filters, skin smoothing, face slimming, or Facetune edits
• No cropping that cuts off the top of the head
• The photo must be in colour — black and white is not accepted
• Minimum resolution of 413 × 531 pixels for digital submissions

What Happens If You Submit the Wrong Photo?

Your application comes back with a rejection notice specifying the reason. Common rejections are: wrong size, background not white, glasses visible, or photo too old. Each rejection costs you time — sometimes several days if you're applying through Passport Seva Kendra. Getting it right the first time is always faster.