All photo formats / India
OCI card photo for the online application
The OCI portal (ociservices.gov.in) requires a square photo between 200 x 200 and 900 x 900 pixels, at most 200 KB, with the face covering about 80% of the frame and a plain light background - notably not white. Frame and export it below without uploading anything.
The official requirements
| Dimensions | Square: 200 x 200 px minimum, 900 x 900 px maximum (this tool outputs 600 x 600) |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG / JPG |
| File size | 200 KB maximum |
| Print equivalent | Not less than 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 inches) |
| Face size | About 80% of the frame - framed closer than most visa photos |
| Background | Plain light colour, explicitly not white; no border |
| Other rules | Front view, head and shoulders, full face in the middle of the photo |
Checked against the official sources below on 7 Nov 2026.
You also need a signature image (aspect ratio 3:1, 200 x 67 px to 900 x 300 px, max 200 KB) - see the dedicated OCI signature page linked below.
Unusually, the OCI photo background must be light but not white. A light grey or cream wall works; pure white can be rejected.
How to do it
- Take a close photo, head and shoulders, against a light non-white background.
- Upload it below and frame the face to fill about 80% of the height.
- Create the file, confirm the checklist, download.
- Upload it in the image step of your OCI application.
Common questions
Why was my OCI photo rejected for the background?
OCI is one of the few applications that forbids a pure white background. Retake the photo against a light grey or off-white coloured wall - do not edit the background in software.
Is a smile allowed in the OCI photo?
The OCI Services FAQ states no expression rule - only front view with the full face in the middle. A neutral expression with the mouth closed is the safe choice.