India passport and consular services (applied abroad) photo: size and rules
The printed India passport and consular services (applied abroad) photo is 51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in).
- Head 35 to 40 mm
Photo specification
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in) |
|---|---|
| Head, crown to chin | 35 to 40 mm (1.38 to 1.57 in) |
| Paper | thin photo paper, continuous-tone print |
We check sizes and positions; the issuing authority decides acceptance. Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules change. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before you apply.
Background and editing
The source asks for a white or off-white background. The rules do not allow digital changes to the photo, so the background has to be right when the photo is taken. Retake it against a plain wall instead of editing the background. PortraitPass keeps background replacement off by default for this document.
Rules from the source
- Colour photo, 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm), full face, front view, eyes open.
- Head from top of hair to chin: 1.4 to 1.6 in (35 to 40 mm).
- Do not retouch, enhance or soften the photo.
- No tinted or dark glasses; avoid glare on eyeglasses.
- Head coverings only for religious reasons, with the face clearly shown.
- Photo must show both ears, neck and shoulders and no shadows.
Expression, lighting and how recent the photo is cannot be measured from a picture, so check them yourself.
Can you make it at home?
Yes. Printed photo, ideally from a professional studio; ordinary-printer and Polaroid prints are unsuitable. Missions differ (some list 35 x 35 mm), so check your mission or visa-centre checklist.
PortraitPass frames the photo against the head and eye lines above and exports a single photo or a print sheet, with the measurements shown so you can check them yourself.
Sources
- Photo specification and guidelines (Consulate General of India, San Francisco)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
Found a wrong or outdated number? Open an issue with the source link.
Common questions
What size is a India passport and consular services (applied abroad) photo?
The printed photo is 51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in).
Can I take a India passport and consular services (applied abroad) photo at home?
Yes. The source accepts a photo you prepare yourself.
What background does a India passport and consular services (applied abroad) photo need?
The source asks for a white or off-white background.
How big should the head be in a India passport and consular services (applied abroad) photo?
Measured from the crown to the chin, the head should be 35 to 40 mm (1.38 to 1.57 in).
Where do the India passport and consular services (applied abroad) numbers come from?
From the issuing authority’s own pages: Photo specification and guidelines (Consulate General of India, San Francisco). Last checked 28 Sep 2026.
Guides for this photo
Related documents
More from India
- India passport (applied in India)35 × 45 mmNot at home
- India OCI card (online upload)200 to 900 px per side, square, up to 200 KB
- India e-Visa (online upload)square (1:1), 10 to 1,024 KB
- India regular visa (online upload)350 to 1000 px per side, square, 10 to 300 KB
- SSC exam application (CGL, CHSL)no photo to prepareNot at home
- UPSC exam application (photo upload)20 to 200 KB
- NEET (UG) application photo10 to 200 KB
- JEE (Main) application photo10 to 200 KB
Other documents with a 51 × 51 mm print
- US passport50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US passport card50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US visa (DS-160)50.8 × 50.8 mm; 600 to 1200 px per side, square, up to 240 KB
- US green card application (I-485)50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US work permit (EAD, I-765)50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US advance parole / refugee travel document (I-131)50.8 × 50.8 mm