PAN card photo size — NSDL vs UTIITSL, the DPI difference that matters
Spec pending verification against the official source — confirm on the official portal before you submit.
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PAN card applications go through one of two operators — NSDL or UTIITSL — and each has its own photo requirement. Confirm which one your application is with before you upload, since they differ on DPI.
Two operators, two specs
| Operator | Photo size | DPI |
|---|---|---|
| NSDL (Protean eGov) | 213 × 213 px | 200 DPI |
| UTIITSL | 640 × 640 px | 600 DPI |
Both are square photos with a plain white background, but the pixel dimensions and DPI (dots per inch — the print resolution, which affects how the file is processed even for digital-only submission) differ enough that a file made for one operator is often rejected by the other.
Last verified: UNVERIFIED — confirm the current specification against whichever operator's portal your application uses.
How to check which operator you're using
Look at the application portal URL and branding — NSDL applications go through the Protean/NSDL e-Gov portal, UTIITSL applications go through the UTIITSL portal directly. The application form itself, not the "PAN card" search term, tells you which one you're on.
How to make one
- Confirm your operator (NSDL or UTIITSL) from the application portal.
- If you're applying through NSDL, upload your photo above. If you're applying through UTIITSL, use the UTIITSL photo tool instead — it's a separate preset with the correct 640×640 px, 600 DPI spec.
- Download the correctly sized, plain-white-background JPEG and upload it to your application.
FAQ
Does DPI actually matter for a digital-only upload? It can — some portals validate DPI metadata embedded in the file, not just the pixel dimensions, particularly for print-quality checks. Match the operator's stated DPI to be safe.
Can I use my passport photo for a PAN application? Not directly — PAN photos are square, passport photos are a 7:9 rectangle. Re-crop rather than reuse.
What if I don't know which operator my form uses? Check the exact portal domain in your browser's address bar, or the "Track Application" page — it will state NSDL/Protean or UTIITSL explicitly.
Related: Passport photo hub · Aadhaar photo size · Photo DPI error
PhotoFix is an independent private utility. We are not affiliated with NSDL, Protean eGov, UTIITSL or the Income Tax Department. Requirements change — always confirm on the official portal before you submit.