UDAAN DCGA Photo Size Requirements for IN (2025 Update)

By AI Assistant 803 words 4 min read

When you’re applying to the UDAAN program under India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), your photograph is more than just a snapshot—it’s your first impression on the aviation authorities. To ensure seamless processing and avoid costly delays, UDAAN mandates a crisp, high-quality color photo measuring exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall, with your full face centered against a plain white background. This precise sizing, coupled with proper head coverage and sharp focus, guarantees your image will meet DGCA’s strict identity-verification standards. Whether you’re pursuing a pilot’s license or an aviation management scholarship, mastering these photo specifications is the crucial first step toward taking flight with UDAAN.

Requirements

  • Photo dimensions: 35 mm (width) × 45 mm (height) printed on high-quality photo paper
  • Head size and placement: 25 mm–35 mm from chin to crown, vertically centered with eyes 28 %–35 % down from the top edge
  • Background colour: Plain, uniform white or very light grey with no patterns, shadows or textures
  • Photo finish: Matte or semi-gloss; print must be free of creases, smudges, ink marks or perforations
  • Colour and tone: True-to-life full-colour (no sepia/monochrome), even skin tone, no over-saturation or colour casts
  • Lighting and shadows: Soft, diffused lighting with no harsh shadows on face or background, no red-eye or glare
  • Facial expression and pose: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, head directly facing camera, no tilt
  • Attire and accessories: Plain, dark-coloured clothing recommended (avoid white/light tops that blend into background); no uniforms, rank insignias or loud patterns
  • Glasses and headgear: No tinted or heavy-framed spectacles; religious head coverings permitted only if they do not obscure the face or cast shadows
  • Recency of photo: Taken within the last 3 months to reflect your current appearance
  • Quantity required: Submit two identical printed copies, both meeting all specifications exactly
  • Digital upload specs: JPEG format, 300 dpi resolution, image size 413 × 531 pixels (35 × 45 mm at 300 dpi), file size between 50 KB–100 KB, sRGB colour space

Step-by-Step Process

Content about UDAAN DCGA Photo Size Requirements for IN - process

Tips and Best Practices

  • Correct Dimensions: Use a 35 mm (width) × 45 mm (height) photo with the face occupying 70–80% of the frame so it meets UDAAN DCGA’s 1:3 aspect ratio – mismatched sizes will trigger automatic rejection.
  • Precise Face Positioning: Center your head vertically and horizontally with eyes 28–35 mm from the bottom edge so that DCGA’s biometric tools can accurately map facial landmarks and avoid “head too low/high” errors.
  • Uniform Background: Shoot against a pure white or light-gray backdrop without shadows or patterns; uneven backgrounds can halt processing and force resubmission.
  • Accepted File Specs: Submit a high-resolution JPEG (300 dpi) between 200 KB and 500 KB – other file types or oversized images often fail the portal’s upload validation.
  • No Accessories or Editing: Remove glasses, hats and heavy jewelry, and avoid filters or retouching – any concealment or manipulation is grounds for outright disqualification.

Conclusion

In summary, UDAAN DCGA photo size requirements for India hinge on precise dimensions, clear image quality, and strict presentation standards to ensure visa application success.

  • Photo dimensions: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high
  • Head size: 32–36 mm from chin to crown (≈ 70–80% of photo height)
  • Eye position: 50–60% from bottom edge
  • Background: plain white or off-white with no shadows or patterns
  • Expression & gaze: neutral expression, mouth closed, direct eye contact
  • Attire & accessories: everyday clothing, no uniforms, no hats/head coverings unless for religious reasons, no glasses or reflections
  • Image quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, true color, matte finish, no borders
  • Photo age & copies: taken within last 6 months, two identical prints

Adhering to these specifications will minimize the risk of photo rejection and keep your UDAAN visa application on track.

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