Securing an India eVisa is generally a straightforward digital process, but it possesses one notoriously strict hurdle: the digital photograph. The Indian government employs rigorous technical standards for applicant photos, and failing to meet them is the single most frequent catalyst for application delays, resubmission notices, and outright rejections.
Official Photo Specifications
To ensure your photo passes the automated and manual checks, it must adhere strictly to these parameters:
- Format: JPEG (.jpg) file exclusively.
- File Size: Strictly between 10 KB and 1 MB.
- Dimensions: A square aspect ratio, minimum 350 x 350 pixels (ideally 1000 x 1000 pixels).
- Background: Plain, stark white background only. No textures, patterns, or off-white shades.
- Composition: Your face must cover 70-80% of the entire frame, positioned perfectly in the center.
- Expression & Features: Neutral expression, both eyes open and clearly visible looking directly into the lens. No smiling.
- Glasses: Absolutely no spectacles or prescription glasses allowed.
- Headwear: Strictly prohibited, except for established religious reasons (and even then, no facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead can be obscured).
Top Mistakes That Guarantee Rejection
1. Dark or off-white backgrounds (e.g., grey, cream, or blue).
2. Shadows cast heavily on the face or clearly visible on the background behind the head.
3. Glare or flash reflections on the skin.
4. Using a digitally scanned print photograph (the texture of the paper becomes visible and is rejected).
5. Cropping the photo too tightly (cutting off the top of the hair or the bottom of the chin).
6. Photos noticeably older than 6 months.
Ensuring First-Time Approval
Rather than risking your travel timeline on a selfie, utilize a dedicated passport photo app or professional service to capture your image against a pure white, well-lit wall. If you want absolute confidence that your documents meet the rigorous Indian standards, utilize our expert review service included in every application via our India eVisa platform.