Introduction
A successful passport application depends on meeting specific photo requirements. So, when you are planning to apply for a passport, ensure that you get it right from the start.
A passport photo that doesn’t fulfill all the requirements from the embassy or government can delay or reject your passport application. Indian passport photo size requirements are not exceptional in this regard.
So, today I’ll help you discover all the details about Indian passport requirements, including specific photo size requirements.
Basic Indian passport photo size requirements
1. Indian passport photo size & dimension
The Indian passport-size photo size must be 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm) with a frontal view. The background should be plain white, with a dark dress.
2. Other basic requirements
- The photo recency should not be more than 3 months.
- Both ears, crown to chin, should be fully visible. Eyes should be open.
- No uniform is allowed. The applicant should wear the usual outdoor clothing.
- Shadows on the face and neck, reflections, and glare are not acceptable.
- A full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin should be present in the photo. Besides, the chin, ears, neck, and shoulders should be clearly visible.
- The applicant must be facing forward and looking straight at the camera.
- A natural and neutral expression on the applicant’s face is a must.
- No red-eye effect will be accepted.
3. Basic guidelines for lighting on the face and background
- To avoid shadows on the applicant’s face, the light should be even and balanced.
- To avoid shadows in the applicant’s background, the background behind the face should be properly illuminated.
Printing Details on Indian passport photo sizes & properties
- The size of the photograph should be 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm).
- Thin photo paper or stock is required for printing photos.
- Make sure the print has a continuous tone and is clear.
- Don’t soften the photo, retouch it, or otherwise enhance it.
Photo resolution and printing quality
- Resolution
High-resolution photography and printing are required. Conventional and digital photography are both accepted. Also, conventional or digital printing methods can be used. Visible pixels or dot patterns should not be produced on digitally printed photos. Facial features like fine lines should be discernible.
- Quality
A high-quality photo print by a booth or studio will be even better. Photos printed at home are unlikely to be of high enough quality. Sharp and clear focus is required.
- Contrast and color
The subject and background should be presented accurately. So that brightness and contrast should be adjusted.
- The significance of proper color and contrast
Photos may obscure unique facial features without proper contrast or color. Natural skin tones must be reproduced.
Unwanted color cast in the photo can be caused by fluorescent or other lighting with unbalanced color. Use appropriate filters to eliminate improper color balance.
Head and eye positions
● Head position
The head style should be portrait. Face the camera directly, and no tilt or turn will be accepted. Both edges of the face must be shown clearly in the photo.
● Eye position
The eyes should be open, level, and clearly visible. Eyes must not be covered with hairs or frames of eyeglasses.
Head coverings or headgear
● Considerable issues for all
Any kind of head covering is not allowed in the photo. But if the applicant wears a head covering for religious or medical reasons, it will be considered. He or she should wear a head covering, likely covering facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. Both sides of the face should be clearly visible.
● Rules for Muslims
Headgear, like Arabic headgear, is not a part of Indian culture. So, this type of headgear is not allowed for passport photos, even if their current passport bears the same photograph.
Head coverings of male Sikhs, Muslim ladies, and Muslim male Maulanas are accepted for passport photos.
● Rules for medical issues
If the applicant wears head coverings for medical reasons, he or she should provide relevant medical documents and approval from the Indian Embassy along with the passport application.
Spectacles or eyeglasses
A slight upward or downward tilt of the head should be made to avoid any glare on eyeglasses. Tinted or dark glasses are not allowed. Reflection or glare-free glasses (frames must not cover the eyes) are acceptable. But it is recommended to remove glasses if possible to get a proper passport photo.
Child photographs and flexibility
● Newborn babies and infants
Some consideration can be given to the position of the face, facial expression, the eyes, and the line of sight. However, a photo with a frontal view and clarity is a must for children.
The child should be alone without any other object, like chair backs, toys, or any person visible in the photo. A neutral expression, looking at the camera, and a closed mouth are required.
The newborn baby’s ears, forehead, and chin should be fully visible, and the eyes must be open. Kajal or any other marks on the baby’s face are not allowed.
● Children under 10 years old
The height of the face and the position of the eyes in the photo requirements can be somewhat relaxed with respect. Other requirements are the same as for adults.
Dos and don’ts for a proper Indian passport picture
● Do’s
○ The photo must contain a full face, front view, and both eyes open of the applicant.
○ The head must be in the center of the photo frame, and both ears must be visible.
○ No distracting shadows on the face or background will be accepted.
○ A full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin should be present in the photo. The measurement of the head height should be 1 inch to 1 and ⅜ inches (25 mm to 35 mm).
○ Ensure that eye height is between 1 and ⅛ inches and 1 and ⅓ inches.
○ A natural expression of the face is required. No smiling, raising a brow, graining, or frowning is allowed.
● Don’ts
○ Black-and-white photos are not allowed.
○ Computer-printed photos will not be accepted.
○ There is no need to sign the photo.
○ Eyes covered with hair are not allowed.
○ Damaged photographs will be rejected. For example: torn, creased, or marked.
○ Photos should be authentic, not edited.
Conclusion
These guidelines wrap up the Indian passport photo size and other requirements. If you follow these directions, you will probably not have any issues or delays in getting the passport application approved.
You can print perfect passport photos from a photo booth or digital photos online. If you want to get perfect photos online, our experts can help you accordingly. Just visit our website at Clipping Path Finder and get a free quote. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or confusion.