India Passport Photo Specifications: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to applying for a passport in India, one of the most important aspects is providing a valid passport photo that meets the specified requirements. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in delays or even rejection of your application. In this article, we will discuss the India passport photo specifications in detail to help you ensure that your passport application process goes smoothly.
Size and Dimensions:
According to the guidelines set by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, a passport photo must be 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) in size. The photo should have a full-face view of the applicant, with the head centered in the frame. The height of the face should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the chin to the crown of the head.
Background:
The background of the passport photo should be plain white or off-white in color. The background must be free of any patterns, textures, or shadows. It is important to ensure that the background is uniform and does not distract from the applicant’s face.
Expression:
In the passport photo, the applicant must have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera. There should be no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows in the photo. The mouth should be closed, and the face should be relaxed.
Attire:
When taking a passport photo, the applicant should wear normal clothing that they would wear on a daily basis. The clothing should be appropriate and not include any items such as hats, sunglasses, or scarves that may cover the face or head. Religious headwear is allowed as long as it does not obscure any part of the face.
Glasses:
If the applicant wears eyeglasses, they must be free of glare and have transparent lenses. The frames should not cover any part of the eyes or cause any shadows on the face. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not allowed in passport photos.
Head Covering:
In the case of religious or medical reasons, the applicant may wear a head covering in the passport photo. However, the face must still be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and from ear to ear.
Photo Quality:
The passport photo should be clear, sharp, and in focus. It should be printed on high-quality photo paper with a resolution of 600 dpi. The colors should be natural and true to life, with no red-eye or overexposure in the image.
Additional Guidelines:
When submitting a passport photo, it is important to ensure that it meets all the specifications mentioned above. The photo should be recent and taken within the last six months. It should not be digitally altered or retouched in any way. The passport photo should also be printed on matte or semi-gloss paper to prevent glare.
In conclusion, adhering to the India passport photo specifications is crucial for a successful passport application process. By following these guidelines and ensuring that your passport photo meets all the requirements, you can avoid delays and complications in obtaining your Indian passport. Remember to double-check the size, dimensions, background, expression, attire, glasses, head covering, and overall quality of the photo before submitting it with your application. So, make sure to get your passport photo right the first time to avoid any unnecessary hassles in the application process.
