Make Indian Passport Photo

The photograph must be exactly 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm). However, the most critical specification is the head height. Your head, measured from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, must consume between 70% and 80% of the photo's total vertical height. Photos where the face is too small (too much background visible) are frequently rejected.

You must maintain a full frontal view, looking directly into the camera lens. The head should be centered within the frame. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to the side (portrait style). Both edges of your face must be clearly symmetrical and visible.

The background must be plain white or off-white. It should be free of any designs, patterns, or textures. A common reason for rejection is shadows cast on the background wall behind the head. To prevent this, stand slightly forward, away from the backdrop, and use diffuse lighting.

Lighting on the face must be even and balanced. There should be no dark shadows in the eye sockets or under the chin. Avoid using a direct camera flash that causes 'red-eye' or harsh highlights on the skin (hotspots).

Because the background is white, you are strongly advised to wear colored clothing (such as medium blue, grey, or dark tones) to create a clear separation between your shoulders and the background. Do not wear pure white or heavily patterned/textured shirts.

Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons. If worn, they must not obscure any part of the face. The full face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face, must be clearly shown. Shadows cast by headwear onto the face are not acceptable.