Aadhaar photo update and the new 4.5 × 3.5 cm PAN card photo

Format comparison: PAN card, Aadhaar, and Indian Passport

Starting April 1, 2026, the PAN card photo format matches the international standard: a 4.5 × 3.5 cm image is a vertical 35 × 45 mm rectangle, the exact same size as an Indian passport photo. Until March 31, 2026, the old forms 49A/49AA required 3.5 × 2.5 cm (25 × 35 mm) photos. For the Aadhaar system, exporting a file is fundamentally unnecessary, as the image capture is handled by the operator's internal software.

To assess how common the new PAN card format is, we consulted our database containing 241 document profiles from various countries. Out of 229 profiles where the exact physical print size is recorded, 17 different standards are used. The vast majority of authorities (148 profiles) request a standard 35 × 45 mm rectangle. The 51 × 51 mm format is found in 16 cases, and 30 × 40 mm in 14 profiles. The new PAN size of 4.5 × 3.5 cm (35 × 45 mm) falls into the most common group, while the previous 3.5 × 2.5 cm was a rare exception.

It is also worth noting the background requirements: in our database, only 52 out of 241 profiles strictly require the background to be "white," while 23 profiles allow a light gray or off-white shade, and the rest simply require a "light solid" background. Indian documents (both PAN and passport) belong to the strict category and require an exact white background. You can prepare an exact layout for a PAN card and verify facial proportions for related Indian applications through our specialized service.

The new PAN card photo size 4.5 x 3.5 cm and Forms 93 and 95

The Income Tax Department of India (CBDT) sets strict physical requirements for the document package needed to issue a PAN card. The required documents starting April 1, 2026, are regulated by Rule 158 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026, and the application form itself refers to this rule. New forms take effect on the same date: 93 for Indian citizens, 95 for foreign citizens (94 and 96 for organizations). The old forms 49A, 49AA, and the correction form will not be accepted after March 31, 2026.

According to the guidelines for filling out Form 93 (the same requirement is in Form 95), all individual applicants, including minors, must attach two recent color photographs to the application. Their size is strictly fixed: 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm. The photos must have a white background and be placed in the designated spaces on the printed form.

"All applicants (including minors and individuals with mental disorders) must affix two recent color photographs on a white background measuring 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm in the designated spaces on the form. Photographs must not be stapled or clipped to the form."

The department strictly forbids using a stapler or paper clips to attach photos to the form. They must be glued. This requirement is dictated by the production technology: the official source explicitly states that the final image clarity on the issued plastic PAN card will completely depend on the quality and clarity of the photograph affixed to the paper form. Any staple punctures or deformities from clips on the original document will inevitably ruin the facial scan.

As for the digital file requirements for an online PAN card application (exact pixels, weight in kilobytes, JPEG format), the department does not publish this information in its public reference materials. The success of a digital upload depends on the internal validators of the specific NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL portals at the time of submission.

Can I bring my own photo for Aadhaar, or upload one online?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) classifies a facial photograph not as a demographic document (which can be scanned or sent), but as an integral biometric feature. UIDAI's official position states that during enrolment, the operator captures the following data array: a facial photograph, all ten fingerprints, and scans of both irises.

Because of this architectural decision, an "Aadhaar photo" as a standalone product or file simply does not exist. An applicant cannot upload their own picture through the myAadhaar portal or bring a printout to the center. Any changes to the facial image are classified exclusively as a biometric update, which requires a personal visit to the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

UIDAI service costs: enrolment and updates

According to the current UIDAI fee schedule, financial rules are distributed as follows:

• Initial enrolment (Aadhaar Enrolment): Absolutely free. The authority emphasizes that nothing needs to be paid at the enrolment center.
• Biometric update: Includes updating fingerprints, irises, and the photograph. The base cost is 125 rupees.
• Demographic update: Changing a name, gender, date of birth, address, phone number, or email. If conducted simultaneously with a biometric update, it is free. If performed as a separate operation, it costs 75 rupees.
• Document update: Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA). Free when using the myAadhaar portal independently (the concession is valid until June 14, 2027). Visiting an Aadhaar center for this service will cost 75 rupees.

Special rules for resident foreigners

For Russian-speaking expats who relocated to India for work, or for OCI cardholders, UIDAI establishes specific validity rules. A Resident Foreign National is eligible to apply for an Aadhaar if they have resided in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the application.

However, an Aadhaar number is not issued to foreigners indefinitely. The authority indicates that an Aadhaar for foreign citizens is only valid until the expiration of their visa or foreign passport. Meanwhile, for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, as well as for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, the registration validity is 10 years from the date of initial enrolment.

Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children

The most common reason an Aadhaar photo update is required is a child growing up. According to clarifications from the Press Information Bureau of India (PIB) and UIDAI, fingerprints and iris scans are not captured for children under five years of age, as biometric characteristics are not yet fully formed (mature) at this age. A toddler's enrolment is based solely on a photograph, basic demographic data, and a birth certificate.

When a child turns 5, existing rules require the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). At this point, fingerprints and irises are entered into the system for the first time, and the photograph is retaken. A second similar update is required upon reaching 15 years of age.

Concession age windows and fee waivers

To encourage parents to update their children's biometrics on time, UIDAI introduced a system of free windows and temporary concessions (published by PIB on October 4, 2025; the waiver took effect on October 1, 2025, and is valid for one year):

• If the first update is done between the ages of 5 and 7, it is completely free.
• If the first or second update is done between the ages of 15 and 17, it is also free.
• For children aged 7 to 15, updating biometrics is made free until September 30, 2026.
• In all other cases (or outside these windows), a standard fee of 125 rupees is charged.

Important procedural rule: UIDAI explicitly states that a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) must be conducted exclusively as a "stand-alone transaction only." It is strictly forbidden to combine it in one request with any other operations (for example, an address change). A family that visits a center to update both a child's photo and home address simultaneously on a single ticket will be refused the combined service.

Why applications are rejected: common reasons for refusal

Even though you do not need to bring ready-made photos for Aadhaar, system rejections occur regularly. UIDAI publishes the following comprehensive list of reasons why an Aadhaar enrolment or update application might be rejected:

• Document mismatches: The provided supporting documents do not match the entered data.
• Discrepancy in information: Inconsistencies in the provided details.
• Operator errors: Mistakes made by the center operator during biometric capture or data entry.
• Invalid documents: Using expired or invalid certificates.
• Exceeding update limit: Surpassing the allowable limit for updates (e.g., name and date of birth can only be changed a limited number of times).
• Policy non-compliance: Any other failure to comply with the authority's policies.

For the PAN card, reasons for rejection are related to paper logistics. As mentioned earlier, using paper clips or a stapler for photographs will result in a scanning defect. Furthermore, the tax department emphasizes a strict name-matching rule: the applicant's name stated on the application must exactly match the name appearing in the attached documents. Any discrepancy in spelling or transliteration is grounds for halting the issuance of the PAN card.

Procedure: how to process an Aadhaar photo update

1. Finding a center: Locate the nearest active Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. It is impossible to update a photograph online through myAadhaar.
2. Document preparation: Gather original documents (POI/POA) if a demographic data update is planned along with the photo. UIDAI reminds you: ensure you collect your original documents after the operator scans them.
3. In-person visit: The applicant must be present in person. The operator will capture a new photograph with a webcam, as well as scan fingerprints and irises.
4. Paying the fee: If you do not fall into the free age windows (5–7 or 15–17 years old, or the 7–15 years concession until September 30, 2026), the operator will charge 125 rupees.
5. Receipt: Applicable update fees are always displayed at the bottom of the acknowledgement slip issued to you to prevent hidden charges.