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Upload & CheckPAN Photo Guidelines — DocReady
Income Tax department photo specifications for PAN card applications, corrections, and reprints.
Official Requirements for PAN
Photos must meet the specifications published by Income Tax Department.
Last reviewed
April 2026
v1.0
Dimensions35 × 35 mm (square)
File Size20 KB to 100 KB
BackgroundPlain white — no shadows or patterns
Head Ratio70–80% of the photo frame
FormatJPEG
ExpressionNeutral expression, both eyes open
Additional Requirements
- Recent colour photograph
- No sunglasses or tinted glasses
- Avoid busy backgrounds behind the white backdrop
Source: Income Tax Department — NSDL · View official guidelines
Correct vs Incorrect
Use this quick comparison to check your photo before uploading.
| Check | ✓ Correct | ✗ Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | 35 × 35 mm square | Rectangle or non-square crop |
| Background | Plain white | Coloured or textured background |
| Head Size | 70–80% frame coverage | Too far from camera (small head) |
| File Size | 20–100 KB, JPEG | File under 20 KB or over 100 KB |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Non-square dimensions
PAN card requires a 35 × 35 mm square photo. A rectangular photo will be rejected.
File too large
The online PAN application limits photo size to 100 KB.
Incorrect expression
A neutral passport-style expression is required — no smiles or frowns.
Background not plain
The background must be pure white with even lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PAN card photo size?
The required size is 35 × 35 mm (square). This is a smaller, square format unlike the 2×2 inch passport format.
What background is required?
A plain white background with even, shadow-free lighting is required.
What is the file size limit?
The photo must be between 20 KB and 100 KB in JPEG format for online PAN applications.
What head size is required?
Your face should occupy 70–80% of the photo area, similar to Aadhaar requirements.
Can I wear sunglasses?
No. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not permitted. Your eyes must be clearly visible.
Also consider
- Aadhaar Photo Requirements — Aadhaar also requires a square photo at the same 70–80% head ratio but at 2×2 inches.
- Passport Photo Size & Requirements — Passport photos are larger (2×2 in) and require a different head ratio (50–69%).