Short answer: a passport size photo in India is 3.5 × 4.5 cm (35 × 45 mm, or 1.38 × 1.77 inches). In pixels that is 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI, the standard for printing. It's used for passports, exam and job applications, admissions, visas and many government forms.
| Passport size photo (India) | Size |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Millimetres | 35 × 45 mm |
| Inches | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Pixels (300 DPI, for printing) | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels (600 DPI, high quality) | 827 × 1063 px |
| Indian passport applied from abroad (e.g. BLS in the UAE) | 630 × 810 px digital, or 2 × 2 inch print |
Size in centimetres and pixels
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.5 × 4.5 cm (35 × 45 mm) |
| Pixels for printing (300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels for many forms (200 DPI) | 276 × 354 px |
The pixel size depends on DPI (dots per inch). Printing uses 300 DPI. Many online forms describe sizes at 200 DPI. If a form gives an exact pixel size, use that.
What the photo should look like
- Plain white or light background, no shadows.
- Face looking straight at the camera, neutral expression, eyes open.
- Face filling most of the photo, with both ears visible and a little space above the head.
- Recent colour photo, without filters or heavy editing.
- No caps or sunglasses. Religious head coverings are usually allowed if the face is fully visible.
Print 8 photos for the price of one
A normal photo print is 4 × 6 inches. Eight 35 × 45 mm photos fit on one sheet. The passport size photo maker creates this sheet for you. Print it at any photo shop or at home on 4 × 6 photo paper, and choose actual size / 100% so the photos come out exactly 3.5 × 4.5 cm. Then cut along the grey lines.
What about the Indian passport itself?
For a passport application in India, the photo is normally taken at the Passport Seva Kendra during your appointment. Indians applying abroad follow the embassy's or service provider's rules. For example, applications in the UAE need a 630 × 810 pixel digital photo or a 2 × 2 inch print. See the Indian passport photo for UAE page.