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The Challenge
India PAN card applications require 25×35mm photos – a unique size not used for passport or visa. NSDL requires 200 DPI, JPEG under 50KB. UTIITSL requires 300 DPI, 213×213px under 30KB. Wrong dimensions or file size = application rejection and delays in receiving PAN.
PAN card photo is a DIFFERENT size from passport or visa
- PAN card: 25×35mm (2.5×3.5 cm) – smaller and narrower
- Passport (Passport Seva): 35×45mm – different aspect ratio
- Visa/OCI: 51×51mm (2×2 inch) – square format
- Cannot use passport or visa photos for PAN card – dimensions don't match
- NSDL and UTIITSL have different digital upload specifications
PAN card photo requirements for NSDL and UTIITSL
PAN (Permanent Account Number) card applications in India are processed by two agencies: NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies Limited) and UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited). Both follow Income Tax Department guidelines requiring 25×35mm photos with white background. Two recent colour photographs are required for physical applications (Form 49A for Indian citizens, Form 49AA for foreign nationals). For online applications, a scanned digital photo must be uploaded. The photo requirements are functionally identical between NSDL and UTIITSL, with minor differences in digital upload specifications.
PAN card photo requirements – will your application be accepted?
- 25×35mm dimensions (2.5×3.5 cm)
- Full upper body view showing head and shoulders
- Head occupies 50–60% of photo height
- Plain white background – mandatory for clarity
- Clear, sharp, high-contrast photo for scanning
- Colour photo – black and white not accepted
- Recent photo reflecting current appearance
- Natural expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Face clearly visible – no hair covering features
- No staples or clips through the photo (affix properly)
- Two identical photos for physical application
Common PAN card photo rejection reasons
- Using passport-sized (51×51mm) or visa-sized photos instead of 25×35mm
- Low contrast making face unclear when scanned by NSDL/UTI
- Digital file exceeds size limit (50KB for NSDL, 30KB for UTI)
- Background not white – even slight off-white can cause scanning issues
- Photo not clear enough for automated scanning
- Stapled or clipped to form instead of properly affixed
- Black and white photo instead of colour
NSDL vs UTIITSL digital upload specifications
How to upload PAN card photo to NSDL/UTI portal
- Download single JPEG from this tool
- For NSDL: compress to under 50KB if needed (JPEG quality 80–85%)
- For UTIITSL: resize to 213×213px and compress under 30KB
- Go to NSDL (onlineservices.nsdl.com) or UTI (pan.utiitsl.com) portal
- Navigate to photo upload section in application form
- Upload JPEG file and verify preview looks correct
- Also upload signature image separately (different dimensions required)
- For physical application: print and affix two 25×35mm photos to Form 49A/49AA
Scanning quality matters for PAN card photos
PAN card photos submitted with physical applications are scanned by NSDL/UTIITSL for digitisation. Low-contrast, blurry, or poorly lit photos often fail the scanning process, causing delays. To ensure good scanning results: use even, bright lighting for maximum contrast. Some processors report that a very light blue background scans better than pure white for lighter skin tones, though the official requirement is white. Print on photo-quality paper for sharper results. Avoid matte paper with heavy texture as it can interfere with scanning.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional
- Photo studio in India: ₹50–150 for PAN card photo set
- Online PAN photo services: ₹100–300
- This tool: Free – download and print at home or photo shop
- Home printing: ₹5–10 per sheet
- Savings: ₹45–290 per application
Official PAN Card Application Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face (50–60% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download for NSDL/UTI Upload or Print
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 25×35 mm (width × height)
- Digital Upload (NSDL)
- 590×826 pixels, JPEG, under 50KB
- Digital Upload (UTI)
- 213×213 pixels, JPEG, under 30KB
- Print Resolution
- 590×826 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Coverage
- 50–60% of photo height
- Background
- White
- Recency
- Recent photo reflecting current appearance
- Expression
- Natural, mouth closed, eyes open
- Photos Required
- 2 colour photographs
- Valid For
- PAN card (Form 49A, Form 49AA)
Best Practices
- PAN card uses 25×35mm – NOT passport (35×45mm) or visa (51×51mm) size
- Two identical colour photos required for physical application
- NSDL digital limit: under 50KB. UTIITSL: under 30KB. Both JPEG only
- High contrast is critical – photos are scanned for digitisation
- White background mandatory – ensure strong contrast with face and hair
- Print on photo-quality paper for best scanning results
- Don't staple or clip photos to form – use proper adhesive
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the PAN card photo?
PAN card photos must be 25×35mm (2.5×3.5 cm). This is smaller and narrower than passport photos (35×45mm or 51×51mm). Two identical colour photos required for paper applications.
Can I use passport photos for PAN card?
No. Passport photos are either 51×51mm or 35×45mm. PAN card requires 25×35mm – completely different dimensions. You must create separate photos for PAN card applications.
What is the digital file size for PAN card photo?
NSDL: JPEG under 50KB, 200 DPI. UTIITSL: JPEG under 30KB, 213×213 pixels, 300 DPI. This tool generates photos optimised for the stricter UTIITSL limit.
Are NSDL and UTIITSL PAN card photo requirements different?
The physical photo requirements are identical (25×35mm, white background, colour). The digital upload specs differ slightly: NSDL accepts up to 50KB at 200 DPI, UTIITSL requires 213×213 pixels under 30KB at 300 DPI. Both follow Income Tax Department guidelines.
What background for PAN card photos?
White background is mandatory per Income Tax Department guidelines. Ensure high contrast for good scanning results. Some processors note very light blue may scan better for lighter skin tones, but white is the official requirement.
How many photos needed for PAN card?
Two recent identical colour photographs for physical applications (Form 49A or 49AA). One digital photo upload for online applications. Print extras as backup.
Is PAN card photo the same as Aadhaar photo?
No. Aadhaar photos are captured biometrically at enrolment centres. PAN card requires separate 25×35mm photos. However, a well-taken photo meeting PAN requirements may also work for other documents if dimensions match.
Related Guides
India Passport Photo Tool – 35×45mm ICAO Format for Passport Seva
- 35×45 mm
- 630×810 pixels (mandatory for Passport Seva)
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
India Visa & OCI Photo Tool – 2×2 Inch (51×51mm) Standard Format
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- 350–1000 pixels square, JPEG, 10KB–1MB
- 350–1000 pixels square, JPEG, 10KB–300KB