10 reasons Indian passport photos get rejected
Why passport photos get rejected at PSK or online — the ten most common causes with a quick-reference table at the end.
1. Item 1
What it is, why it matters, and what to do — confirm on Indian passport photo size — 35×45 mm (2026 rules) or Photo size too large — how to get it under 20 KB or 50 KB.
2. Item 2
What it is, why it matters, and what to do — confirm on Indian passport photo size — 35×45 mm (2026 rules) or Photo size too large — how to get it under 20 KB or 50 KB.
3. Item 3
What it is, why it matters, and what to do — confirm on Indian passport photo size — 35×45 mm (2026 rules) or Photo size too large — how to get it under 20 KB or 50 KB.
4. Item 4
What it is, why it matters, and what to do — confirm on Indian passport photo size — 35×45 mm (2026 rules) or Photo size too large — how to get it under 20 KB or 50 KB.
5. Item 5
What it is, why it matters, and what to do — confirm on Indian passport photo size — 35×45 mm (2026 rules) or Photo size too large — how to get it under 20 KB or 50 KB.
6. Item 6
What it is, why it matters, and what to do — confirm on Indian passport photo size — 35×45 mm (2026 rules) or Photo size too large — how to get it under 20 KB or 50 KB.
Quick reference table
| # | Issue | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wrong KB | Resize iteratively |
| 2 | Wrong pixels | Crop to notification size |
| 3 | HEIC format | Convert to JPG |
| 4 | Grey background | Retake with wall light |
| 5 | Face too small | Step back, crop tighter |
| 6 | Old studio print | Regenerate at 35×45 mm |
Fix yours
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See also
Related guides
More PhotoFix articles on the same problem or document type.
- TroubleshootingP0Passport photo rejected at the PSK counter: every cause, diagnosedTold to retake at Passport Seva? Match your symptom to the cause — shadow, glasses, face size, or wrong dimensions — and fix it before you go back.
- TroubleshootingP0Your face is the wrong size in the photo (India's unusual requirement)Indian passport photos need 36–38 mm chin-to-crown height — larger than many countries. Normal selfie framing often fails.
- TroubleshootingP1The studio gave you the wrong size photos. Now what?Still have 51×51 mm prints from an old studio? India's passport size is 35×45 mm now — how to tell and what to do.