Introduction – Standardizing the Passport Photo
Whether you are renewing your official Indian passport, opening a bank account, applying for a new driving license, or registering for national competitive exams, you will be asked to upload or attach a **passport-size photograph**.
While the phrase "passport photo" is common, many people do not know the exact physical or digital dimensions required. Squeezing or stretching an image to fit online upload boxes is a common cause of application rejection. This guide provides the official dimensions, pixel conversions, and compliance rules for passport photos in India.
Standard Passport Size Dimensions (cm, mm, inches)
The standard size of a passport photo in India is defined in metric and imperial measurements:
- Centimeters: 3.5 cm (Width) × 4.5 cm (Height)
- Millimeters: 35 mm (Width) × 45 mm (Height)
- Inches: Approximately 1.38 inches × 1.77 inches
Pixel Conversions at Different DPI Settings
If you are uploading your photo to an online portal, the physical dimensions are converted into pixels based on the **DPI (Dots Per Inch)** print resolution. Here are the conversions:
| DPI Resolution | Pixel Width | Pixel Height | Recommended Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 DPI | 413 px | 531 px | High-quality printing & passports |
| 200 DPI | 275 px | 354 px | Standard exam portal uploads |
| 150 DPI | 207 px | 266 px | Highly-compressed web uploads |
| 96 DPI | 132 px | 170 px | Low-bandwidth text forms |
Standard Passport vs Visa Photo Sizes (2x2 Inches Rule)
It is important not to confuse a standard domestic passport photo with a visa photo.
- Standard Indian Documents: Use the 3.5 × 4.5 cm size described above.
- Visas (US, OCI, and select travel visas): Require a square **2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm)** photo. At 300 DPI, this equals exactly 600 × 600 pixels.
Always check if your form asks for standard dimensions or the square visa layout before taking your photo.
Photo Sizing Rules Across Indian Competitive Exams
Most Indian exam boards base their dimensions on the standard 3.5 × 4.5 cm template:
- SSC (Staff Selection Commission): Requires exactly 3.5 x 4.5 cm. File size must be 20 to 50 KB. The face must be centered without spectacles.
- UPSC (Civil Services): Requires 3.5 x 4.5 cm. The candidate's name and the date the photo was taken must be printed at the bottom.
- NTA (NEET / JEE): NEET uses standard passport prints (2.5 x 3.5 inches for registration forms, and 4x6 inches postcard prints brought to the exam hall).
- Banking Exams (IBPS/SBI): Require a standard 4.5 x 3.5 cm crop, with file sizes strictly between 20 KB and 50 KB.
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Passport Photos at Home
You can create a compliant photo at home without visiting a studio:
- Stand facing a window to ensure balanced lighting on your face. Avoid harsh shadows behind your head.
- Have someone capture a high-resolution photo of you at eye level. Keep your shoulders square and look directly at the camera.
- Open MyExamPhoto's free local Exam Photo Resizer.
- Select the **Standard Passport Size (3.5 x 4.5 cm)** preset.
- Upload your image. Crop the photo so your face occupies 70% to 80% of the frame.
- Download the optimized JPG. The tool ensures it fits the required pixel dimensions and file size.
Before You Upload Your Photo
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