Indian Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Background & Framing
Passport-photo requirements can depend on the application route and the way the photograph is captured or uploaded. Use the latest Passport Seva instructions for your specific application instead of relying on a generic photo-size rule.
Printed-photo guidance
Passport Seva instructions for photographs submitted at certain service centres specify a recent colour photograph measuring 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, with a plain white background and a clear frontal view of the full face. The same guidance also asks for natural expression, open eyes, clear facial edges and no distracting shadows.
Digital and ICAO-style photo guidance
Passport Seva also publishes ICAO-compliant photo guidance for capture or upload workflows. That document specifies a colour image of 630 × 810 pixels, a white background, a centered head, open and clearly visible eyes, natural skin tones, appropriate brightness and contrast, and no distracting shadows or red-eye effects.
Do not assume one specification applies everywhere
Passport applications can use different capture or submission paths. Check the latest Passport Seva instructions shown for your application and appointment before printing or uploading a photograph.
Background
Use a plain white background when the applicable Passport Seva guidance requires it.
Face position
Keep the head centered and the face looking directly at the camera.
Lighting
Avoid harsh shadows, glare, red eye and uneven illumination.
Expression
Use a natural expression and keep the mouth closed when required by the published guidance.
Glasses
Avoid reflections; current ICAO guidance recommends removing glasses to prevent reflection issues.
Head coverings
Religious head coverings may be permitted when the full facial features remain visible.
Before final submission
Check the latest official instructions, verify the photo size or pixel dimensions, confirm the background and framing, and make sure the exported file opens correctly. ConnexaX can help prepare the image, but the receiving authority decides whether a photograph meets its requirements.
Prepare a photo before you submit it
Use ConnexaX to crop and export a photo, then compare the result with the latest official requirements for your application route.