Indian Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Complete Specifications

Getting your passport photo right is crucial for a smooth passport application process in India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has specific requirements that must be met to avoid delays or rejection. This comprehensive guide covers all official Indian passport photo specifications for 2026, ensuring your application sails through without any issues.

Official Indian Passport Photo Specifications

The Government of India's passport photo requirements are designed to ensure clear identification. Here are the exact specifications you need to follow:

Detailed Photo Requirements

Face and Head Position

Proper face positioning is critical for passport photo acceptance:

• Face Direction: Must face the camera directly (full frontal view, no angles or tilting)
• Head Position: Centered in the frame, perfectly straight with no tilt to either side
• Face Size: From chin to crown of head should measure between 25mm to 35mm in the photo
• Face Coverage: Your face must occupy 70-80% of the total photograph
• Eye Level: Eyes should be positioned at approximately 2/3 from the bottom of the photo
• Top Space: 3-5mm space should be visible above the head

Facial Expression and Features

• Expression: Neutral face with mouth closed (no smiling, frowning, or unusual expressions)
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open, clearly visible, and looking directly at the camera
• Mouth: Closed, natural position (no teeth visible)
• Hair: Should not cover face, eyes, or eyebrows. Forehead must be clearly visible
• Both Ears Visible: Preferred but not mandatory (depends on hairstyle)

Background Requirements

The background is one of the most common reasons for passport photo rejection. Here's what you need to know:

• Color: Plain white or very light colored (cream or light grey acceptable but white preferred)
• No Patterns: Absolutely no designs, textures, patterns, or gradients
• No Shadows: Background must be evenly lit with no shadows from your body or head
• No Objects: Nothing else should be visible in the background (no furniture, walls, doors, etc.)
• Uniform: Background should be consistent across the entire photo

Clothing and Accessories Guidelines

What to Wear

• Everyday Clothing: Normal daily wear is acceptable
• Dark Colors Preferred: Dark colored clothing provides good contrast against white background
• Avoid White: White or very light colored clothing blends with background
• No Uniforms: Military, police, or any professional uniforms not allowed (unless applying for official passport)
• Modest Neckline: Shoulders should be covered; avoid deep necklines

Glasses Rules

Eyeglasses are allowed but must meet specific conditions:

• Clear prescription glasses only (no sunglasses or tinted lenses)
• No glare or reflection on lenses
• Frame should not cover any part of eyes
• Both eyes must be fully visible through the lenses
• Heavy frames that cover eyebrows are not acceptable

Head Coverings and Religious Attire

• Generally Not Allowed: Head coverings are typically not permitted
• Religious Exception: Head covering worn for religious reasons is acceptable
• Face Must Be Visible: If wearing religious head covering, full face from bottom of chin to top of forehead must be clearly visible
• No Shadows: Head covering should not cast shadows on face
• Supporting Document: May need to provide affidavit stating religious reason for head covering

Jewelry and Accessories

• Simple, everyday jewelry is acceptable
• Heavy or decorative jewelry that distracts should be avoided
• Traditional items like bindi, sindoor are allowed
• No large earrings that cover ears
• Hair accessories should be minimal and not distracting

Lighting Requirements

Proper lighting is essential for a clear, acceptable passport photo:

• Even Illumination: Face should be evenly lit with no dark areas or bright spots
• No Harsh Shadows: Avoid strong directional light that creates shadows on face or background
• Natural Light: Soft, diffused natural daylight works best
• Skin Tone: Lighting should show natural skin color without over-exposure or under-exposure
• No Red-Eye: Flash photos often cause red-eye; if using flash, ensure it's diffused

Digital Photo Specifications for Online Applications

If uploading a photo for online passport application through Passport Seva portal:

Technical Requirements

Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

Understanding why photos get rejected can help you avoid these mistakes:

1. Wrong Background: Colored walls, patterns, shadows, or objects visible
2. Incorrect Size: Photo not exactly 2×2 inches or face too small/large
3. Poor Quality: Blurry, pixelated, or low resolution images
4. Wrong Expression: Smiling, laughing, or unusual facial expressions
5. Lighting Issues: Shadows on face or background, over/under exposed
6. Head Position: Head tilted, not centered, or looking away from camera
7. Old Photo: Photo clearly taken more than 6 months ago or doesn't match current appearance
8. Accessories: Sunglasses, caps, or inappropriate head coverings
9. File Issues: Wrong format (not JPEG), file size outside acceptable range
10. Editing: Over-edited, filtered, or digitally altered photos

Photo Requirements for Different Age Groups

Adults (18+ years)

All standard requirements apply as mentioned above.

Children (Below 18 years)

• Same technical specifications apply
• Neutral expression required (no smiling)
• Both eyes must be open and visible
• For very young children, supporting person's hands may be visible but should be minimal

Infants (Below 1 year)

• Can be photographed lying on white sheet from above
• No toys or other objects in frame
• Eyes should be open if possible
• Face must be clearly visible
• White background requirement still applies

How to Ensure Your Photo Meets All Requirements

Getting every specification right manually can be challenging and time-consuming. Here's how to simplify the process:

Option 1: Professional Photo Studio

• Cost: ?200-500 for 2 photos
• Time: Need to visit studio, wait for processing
• Convenience: Must travel, schedule appointment
• Quality: Usually guaranteed acceptance

Option 2: DIY with AI Tool (Recommended)

• Cost: ?49 for unlimited edits and downloads
• Time: Ready in 2-3 minutes from home
• Convenience: No travel, take photo anytime
• Quality: AI ensures all specifications are met

Tips for Taking the Perfect Photo at Home

1. Choose the Right Time: Mid-morning or afternoon for best natural light
2. Find a White Wall: Plain white background without decorations
3. Stand Away: Maintain 4-5 feet distance from background to avoid shadows
4. Camera at Eye Level: Use tripod or stable surface at your eye height
5. Soft Lighting: Face a window with indirect sunlight
6. Dress Appropriately: Dark colored, everyday clothing
7. Practice Expression: Relax face muscles, natural neutral expression
8. Take Multiple Shots: Capture 10-15 photos and select the best
9. Use AI Formatting: Upload to AIPhotoMaker for automatic compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smile in my Indian passport photo?

No, you must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling is not permitted in Indian passport photos.

Are black and white photos acceptable?

No, only full color photographs are accepted. Black and white or grayscale photos will be rejected.

Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?

Yes, glasses are allowed if you wear them regularly, but there should be no glare on the lenses, and your eyes must be fully visible. However, it's recommended to remove glasses if possible.

How recent should my passport photo be?

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and should accurately represent your current appearance.

Can I edit my passport photo?

Minor adjustments like cropping, background replacement, and basic brightness/contrast corrections are acceptable. However, heavy editing, filters, or digital enhancements that alter your appearance are not allowed.

What if I wear a turban for religious reasons?

Head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted. However, your full face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead must be clearly visible, and there should be no shadows on your face.

Conclusion

Following these official Indian passport photo requirements ensures your application won't face delays due to photo-related issues. The key is to pay attention to every detail - from the exact 2×2 inch size to the plain white background, neutral expression, and proper lighting.

While you can certainly take the photo yourself at home, using an AI-powered tool like AIPhotoMaker guarantees that all technical specifications are automatically met, saving you time and potential rejection hassles. With the right preparation and tools, getting your perfect passport photo is now easier than ever.