Troubleshooting1 min readUpdated 2026-07-22
The 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.
Start here: which of these is happening to you?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Jump to |
|---|---|---|
| Told to retake at counter | Background or face size | Cause 1 |
| Upload fails silently | Format or KB range | Cause 2 |
| Looks fine but rejected | Spec mismatch | Cause 3 |
Cause 1: Background or face size
Indian portals enforce a white background and minimum face height. A grey wall or small face in frame fails automated checks. See Indian passport photo rules in 2026 — what changed for the exact spec.
Cause 2: File format or size
Portals want JPG within a KB range — not PNG or HEIC. Check Indian passport photo size — 35×45 mm (2026 rules) for upload troubleshooting.
Cause 3: Spec mismatch
Old studio sizes and outdated prints cause counter rejection. Cross-check the official notification.
Fix it now
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If none of these worked
Retake in daylight against a plain wall. Try a desktop browser for exam uploads.
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- TroubleshootingP1Your application is stuck because of the photo: recovery optionsPassport application on hold because of photo? What happens after rejection at each stage and realistic timelines to resubmit.