India OCI card photo
India other document photo: 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 in). The head must measure 25-35 mm from the chin to the top of the head. A file uploaded online must be 200-900 px. Source: Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, checked September 2, 2026.
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The requirements
| Print size | 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 200-900 px |
| File size | 200 KB |
| File formats | JPEG |
| Head height, chin to crown | 25-35 mm |
| Background | Plain light coloured background without a border; the OCI portal explicitly says the background must not be white |
| Glasses | Allowed, as long as the eyes are fully visible with no glare and no tint. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open. |
| Head covering | Only for religious or medical reasons, and the face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. |
| Ears | No |
| Also required |
|
How to apply: India
The Overseas Citizen of India card uses its own photo rules, and two of them catch people out. The background must be plain and light-coloured but not white, which is the opposite of most Indian photo rules. And the uploaded file is small: a square JPEG from 200 x 200 to 900 x 900 pixels, no larger than 200 KB.
The printed size is 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 inch). The Bureau of Immigration specification gives a head height of 25 to 35 mm, while the OCI FAQ asks for 80 percent face coverage; the millimetre rule is the safer target. The photo shows the head and shoulders from the front, with the full face in the middle and no border.
Photos that do not conform are rejected and delay the application. Do not retouch, soften or otherwise enhance the photo, and avoid glare on glasses by tilting the head slightly up or down.
Why photos get rejected here
A white background
The OCI portal says the background must be plain light-coloured and not white. Use a light grey or light blue wall.
File too large
The upload must be no larger than 200 KB and at most 900 x 900 pixels, so a full resolution camera photo has to be downscaled.
Not square
The height and width must be equal.
Tinted glasses or glare
No tinted or dark glasses, and no glare on clear ones.
A retouched photo
Retouching, softening or enhancing the photo leads to rejection.
What helps
Downscale before uploading
Export the square crop at no more than 900 pixels a side and check that the file is under 200 KB.
Pick a light colour, not white
A pale grey or pale blue background meets the rule; a white one does not.
Prepare the signature too
The signature image has the same 200 KB limit, so scan it at a modest resolution.
Do not reuse the visa photo
The Indian visa allows a white background and larger files, so the same photo may fail the OCI rules.
Babies and young children
Babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open. For children under ten the rules on face height and eye position are relaxed. The child must still be alone in the photo, with no chair backs, toys or other people visible.
How to take a baby's passport photo at home
Glasses
Clear glasses are allowed if there is no glare; tilt the head slightly up or down to remove it. Tinted and dark glasses are not allowed.
Passport photo glasses rules by country
Head covering
A head covering worn for religious or medical reasons is allowed if the full face stays visible.
Applying online
Upload a square JPEG from 200 x 200 to 900 x 900 pixels, no larger than 200 KB, on a light background that is not white.
Questions about India photos
Why is a white background refused for the OCI card?
The OCI portal FAQ says the background must be plain light-coloured and not white. We report the rule as published; use light grey or light blue.
What pixel size does the OCI photo need?
A square image from 200 x 200 to 900 x 900 pixels, no larger than 200 KB.
Is the OCI photo the same as the Indian visa photo?
No. The OCI photo must not have a white background and has a lower file limit.
Where these numbers come from
Official sourceEvery measurement on this page comes from the issuing authority's own published requirements.
Editor: Mehmet Apaydın (Xenit)How we check our numbers