1
Background not plain white
PSK requires plain white only. Grey, off-white, cream all fail. Many studios default to grey — specify white when ordering.
Rejection guide
India passport photo rejected — Passport Seva reasons and how to fix each
The Indian Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) applies a strict 35 × 35 mm square specification with a plain white background. Photos taken at high-street studios with the default "passport photo" grey background are routinely rejected at the PSK appointment.
Fast diagnosis
Top 3: background not white, photo size, expression
The three highest-frequency Indian passport photo rejections are: studio-default grey background instead of white, photo printed at 50 × 50 mm or 35 × 45 mm (common studio defaults) instead of 35 × 35 mm square, and any visible smile.
Top 7 rejection reasons
2
Wrong size (not 35 × 35 mm square)
India's photo is square (35 × 35 mm). Studios default to 50 × 50 mm or 35 × 45 mm portrait. Specify the square size when ordering.
3
Smile or non-neutral expression
PSK rejects any smile. Mouth closed, jaw relaxed.
4
Glasses with glare
Glasses can be worn if eyes are fully visible and no glare. In practice, even small reflections cause rejection. Safer to remove.
5
Eyebrows or forehead covered
Eyebrows must be visible. Hair across the forehead fails the check.
6
Photo printed on regular paper
PSK requires photo paper. Inkjet on regular paper is rejected at the appointment.
7
Photo from a phone screen capture
Some applicants try to show a digital photo on a phone. PSK requires a physical print.
5-step recovery checklist
- 1Order the photo from a studio specifying "passport photo, 35 × 35 mm, plain white background".
- 2Or take it at home: stand against a white wall under daylight, use rear camera, neutral expression.
- 3Print on photo paper at the exact 35 × 35 mm size.
- 4Bring two copies to the PSK appointment.
- 5Disable any beautification filter before the shot.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the PSK reject photos from the studio next door?
Most high-street studios use a default grey background and a default 50 × 50 mm size for "passport photos" — neither of which is the Indian specification. Explicitly ask for 35 × 35 mm white-background prints when ordering.
Can I use the same photo for a Tatkal application?
Yes if it meets the standard specification. Tatkal uses the same 35 × 35 mm white-background photo as the normal route. The difference is the application speed, not the photo.
What if I am applying online through Passport Seva?
The online application requires a JPEG between 4.5 KB and 12 KB at 200 × 230 pixels. This is unusually small — most tools export much larger files. Use a tool that can export to the exact Indian online portal specification.
Other rejection guides
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