The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card application requires physical passport-size photographs. The specifications follow the traditional Indian passport print format. Here's everything you need to know to avoid rejection.
OCI Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches) |
| Background | White or off-white, plain |
| Format | Colour photograph, matte or glossy |
| Face coverage | Head should occupy 50–69% of photo height |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Head covering | Only for religious reasons |
| Photo age | Within last 6 months |
| Quantity needed | 2–4 photos (varies by consulate) |
Key Differences from Regular Passport Photo
- OCI uses the 51×51mm (2×2 inch) square format — not the 35×45mm digital format
- Physical printed photos are always required — digital-only won't work
- Some consulates require 4 copies, others require 2 — check your specific location
- The face coverage requirement (50–69%) is slightly different from the regular passport (70–80%)
- Matte finish is preferred by most consulates, but glossy is accepted
Common OCI Photo Rejection Reasons
- 1Wrong size — submitting 35×45mm instead of 51×51mm
- 2Background not plain white — any colour or pattern causes rejection
- 3Photo too old — must be within 6 months
- 4Glasses worn in the photo
- 5Low print quality — pixelated or blurry prints
- 6Photo not matching the person appearing for interview
How to Prepare OCI Photos at Home
Take a clear, well-lit photo against a white background. Process it through PhotoSure to get the white background and correct crop. Download the print sheet and get it printed at any photo lab or stationary shop on photo paper. Cut to 51×51mm (most labs know '2×2 inch passport size').
Pro tip
Order prints from an online photo printing service (Zoomin, Printo, or your local photo shop) rather than printing at home — inkjet prints often don't have the right finish or colour accuracy for official documents.