⚠️ Rule Change: September 2025
India changed passport photo rules. The old 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format is NOW REJECTED for Passport Seva applications. New format: 35×45mm portrait rectangle.
Indian Passport Photo Size Requirements (2026)
Last verified: June 2026Quick Spec Summary
- Size: 35 × 45 mm (portrait — NOT square)
- Digital pixels: 630 × 810 pixels exactly
- File size: 10KB – 250KB (JPEG only)
- Background: Pure white only (off-white rejected by AI system)
- Face coverage: 80–85% of frame (increased from 70–80% in September 2025)
- Glasses: Not recommended (any glare = automatic rejection)
- Photo age: Must be within 3 months
Quick Reference
- Dimensions
- 630 × 810 pixels
- Physical Size
- 35mm × 45mm (3.5cm × 4.5cm) — portrait
- File Size
- 10 KB – 250 KB
- Format
- JPEG only
- Face Coverage
- 80–85% of frame
- Photo Age
- Within 3 months
- Background
- Pure white only (off-white rejected by AI)
3 Different Formats — Don't Mix Them Up
India has 3 completely different photo formats — using the wrong one means rejection:
| Document | Size | Digital Pixels | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport (Passport Seva) | 35×45mm | 630×810 px | New rule from Sep 2025 |
| OCI Card | 51×51mm (square) | 600×600 px | Still uses old square format |
| e-Visa | 35×45mm | 350×350 to 1000×1000 px | Slightly different file size limit |
New 2025–26 Rule Changes
- ❌ Old: 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square → ✅ New: 35×45mm portrait
- ❌ Old: Face 70–80% of frame → ✅ New: Face 80–85% (tighter crop!)
- ❌ Old: Glasses allowed with care → ✅ New: Glasses strongly discouraged (any glare = instant rejection)
- ❌ Old: Manual check at PSK → ✅ New: AI automated check on upload (Passport Seva 2.0, Feb 2026) — zero tolerance
Pixel Dimensions
| Resolution | Pixels | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 630 × 810 px | Passport Seva digital upload✅ |
| Print (300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px | Physical print at studio |
| High quality | 827 × 1063 px | Archive/professional |
Our photo resizer automatically sets 630×810 pixels for Passport Seva digital upload.
Common Rejection Reasons (2026)
- ❌Wrong format — still using old 2×2 inch square (most common!)
- ❌Face too small — must be 80–85% of frame now (not 70%)
- ❌Background not pure white (off-white, grey, shadows rejected by AI)
- ❌File size wrong — must be 10KB–250KB exactly
- ❌Glasses with any reflection or glare
- ❌Photo older than 3 months
- ❌Hair covering forehead (affects face height measurement)
- ❌Smiling, non-neutral expression
- ❌Digital filters, beauty effects, AI retouching (detected and rejected by PSP 2.0)
Common Upload Errors
- Still using old 51×51mm square format — rejected since September 2025
- Digital upload not exactly 630×810 pixels
- File size outside 10KB–250KB range
- Background not pure white — AI detects off-white and grey tones
How to Resize Your Photo
- 1
Take a recent photo (within 3 months) against a pure white wall, no glasses
- 2
Open WorkUtilities Photo Resizer and select Passport (India) preset
- 3
Upload your photo — 630×810 px and 250 KB limit auto-fill
- 4
Ensure white background and face fills 80–85% of frame
- 5
Download JPEG and upload to passportindia.gov.in Passport Seva portal
Resize your photo to the exact dimensions and file size — free, instant, and private in your browser.
Resize Your Passport Photo — Free & Instant✅ Auto-sets 35×45mm (630×810 px) · ✅ Compresses to 10–250KB · ✅ Runs in your browser — photo never uploaded
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passport photo size in India for 2026?
35×45mm portrait rectangle (NOT the old 2×2 inch square). Digital upload to Passport Seva requires exactly 630×810 pixels, JPEG under 250KB.
Did India change passport photo rules?
Yes — from September 1, 2025, India adopted ICAO standards. The old 2×2 inch square format is rejected. New format is 35×45mm portrait with 80–85% face coverage. Passport Seva Program 2.0 (February 2026) added AI-based photo checking.
Why is my passport photo getting rejected on Passport Seva?
Most common reasons: wrong dimensions (still using old square format), face coverage under 80%, background not pure white (AI detects off-white), file size outside 10KB–250KB range, or any glare from glasses.
What is the difference between Passport and OCI Card photo size?
Passport Seva requires 35×45mm (630×810px portrait). OCI Card still requires 51×51mm square format. A photo prepared for one will be rejected for the other.
Can I wear glasses in an Indian passport photo?
Not recommended since September 2025. Any glare, reflection, or shadow from glasses triggers automatic rejection in Passport Seva's AI checking system. Remove glasses for the safest result.
Is white background mandatory for Indian passport photo?
Yes — pure white only. Off-white, cream, grey, or patterned backgrounds are rejected by Passport Seva 2.0's AI photo checking system.
How to make passport size photo online free?
Upload your photo to WorkUtilities Photo Resizer, select the Passport (India) preset, and download a 630×810 px JPEG between 10KB and 250KB.