IN India OCI Passport (2x2 inch, 51x51mm, 200x200 to 1500x1500 pixels) Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)
Applying for an India OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) passport is an exciting step toward unlocking lifelong travel privileges, but it hinges on one seemingly simple yet critical element: the photo. To sail through the application process without delays, your image must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size and maintain a digital resolution between 200×200 and 1500×1500 pixels. This precise combination of dimensions, clarity, and recent likeness ensures your application meets the stringent standards set by the Indian government. Follow these guidelines closely, and you’ll breeze past photo rejections, keep your timeline on track, and move one step closer to enjoying the benefits of OCI status.
Requirements
Content about IN India OCI Passport (2x2 inch, 51x51mm, 200x200 to 1500x1500 pixels) Application: Photo Guidelines - requirements
Step-by-Step Process
- Review Official OCI Photo Requirements: Confirm you need a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) color photo with 80–90% head coverage and eyes 28–33 mm from chin to crown and image file between 200×200 and 1500×1500 pixels
- Prepare Shooting Setup: Use a plain white or off‐white background, diffuse natural or LED lighting to avoid shadows or glare, and position the camera 4–6 feet away at eye level
- Position Subject Correctly: Have the applicant face the camera squarely with a neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed, no hair covering the face, and remove glasses or headgear unless religiously required
- Capture Multiple Photos: Take at least 5–10 shots to ensure variations in expression and sharpness, then immediately review for focus, exposure, head tilt, and background consistency
- Crop to 51×51 mm Precisely: Open your preferred editing software, set the crop tool to 51 mm × 51 mm at 300 dpi, align the crop box to include 80–90% head height, and apply the crop without rotation
- Resize to Pixel Dimensions: In the same software, change image size to a minimum of 600×600 pixels and a maximum of 1500×1500 pixels at 300 dpi, ensuring the aspect ratio remains 1:1
- Adjust Color and Contrast: Use your software’s auto‐tone or manual adjustments to achieve natural skin tones, uniform background white level (RGB 240–255), and no red‐eye or over/underexposure
- Export as High‐Quality JPEG: Save the file in JPEG format with maximum quality (90–100%), embed sRGB color profile, and ensure file size is between 10 KB and 1 MB to meet upload requirements
- Print and Final Compliance Check: If a hard copy is required, print on high‐resolution glossy photo paper at exact 2×2 inches, verify dimensions with a ruler, and cross‐check head measurements and background before submission
Tips and Best Practices
- Exact dimensions: ensure your photo is precisely 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) and between 200×200–1500×1500 pixels to prevent automatic cropping errors and outright rejection
- Neutral expression: maintain a natural, closed-mouth expression with both eyes open to meet biometric standards and avoid delays caused by non-compliant facial features
- Plain white background: use a uniform white or off-white backdrop with no shadows or patterns so authorities can clearly distinguish your facial outline for identity checks
- Even lighting: position two light sources at 45° angles to eliminate harsh shadows and over-exposure on your face and background for a clear, consistent image
- No accessories: remove glasses, hats, and headphones (except approved religious headwear) to ensure full facial visibility and prevent your application from being flagged for retakes
Conclusion
In conclusion, adhering strictly to India OCI passport photo specifications (2×2 inch/51×51 mm; 200×200 to 1500×1500 pixels) is vital to avoid application delays or rejections.
- Image dimensions: exactly 2×2 inch (51×51 mm); digital files between 200×200 and 1500×1500 pixels
- Head positioning: full face centered, eyes 28–35 mm from chin to crown, no tilts or rotations
- Background: plain, bright white without shadows, patterns, or objects
- Expression and attire: neutral expression, mouth closed, no glasses glare, head coverings only for religious reasons with facial features fully visible
- Image quality: high-resolution, sharp focus, natural skin tones, no filters or red-eye
- File format and print: JPEG or PNG for digital upload, glossy or matte prints on quality photographic paper
- Naming and quantity: label each photo clearly with applicant’s name and date of birth; submit two identical prints or one digital upload per application requirements
By following these guidelines precisely—checking measurements, background, lighting, and file parameters—you ensure a smooth OCI passport application process. Always verify the latest official instructions before submitting your photographs.
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