Make India Overseas Citizenship (OCI) 51 x 51 mm Photo Online

Size and Format

• The citizenship photograph must be in colour and measure exactly 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm).
• The photo must be printed on thin photo paper or stock using either conventional or digital methods.
• High-resolution photography and printing are strongly advised.
• Prints should show continuous-tone quality, without visible pixels, dot patterns, or retouching.

Background

• The background must be plain and light-coloured.
• It should be evenly lit and free of patterns, objects, or distracting elements.
• Shadows on the background must be avoided by ensuring proper illumination.

Face and Head Position

• The face must be shown in a full frontal view, directly facing the camera.
• The head should be centered within the frame, not tilted or turned.
• The photograph must capture the entire head, from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin.
• The head height should measure between 25 mm and 35 mm (1 inch to 1-3/8 inches).
• Eye level should fall between 1-1/8 inches and 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.

Eyes and Expression

• Both eyes must be open, level, and clearly visible.
• Hair or eyeglass frames should not cover the eyes.
• The expression should be neutral and natural, with the mouth closed.

Lighting and Exposure

• Lighting must be even and balanced to prevent shadows on the face or background.
• Over-exposed or under-exposed photographs are not acceptable.
• A three-point balanced lighting setup is recommended.

Contrast and Colour

• Brightness and contrast should be properly adjusted to display the subject and background accurately.
• The photo must reproduce natural skin tones without unnatural tints.
• Photos with washed-out colours, unnatural colour casts, or poor contrast are unacceptable.
• Filters may be used to correct improper colour balance, but not for enhancement.

Head Coverings

• Head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons.
• Even when coverings are worn, facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and both edges of the face, must remain visible.

Eyeglasses

• Glasses should not cause glare or reflections.
• Tinted or dark lenses are not permitted.
• Adjusting the tilt of the head slightly can help avoid glare if needed.

Printing and Image Quality

• The print must be clear and free of creases, smudges, or marks.
• The photo must not be blurred or pixelated.
• Facial features should be sharply defined and easily discernible.
• Do not digitally enhance, soften, or retouch the image.

Children’s Photographs

• Infants under one year old are not required to have their eyes open.
• For children under ten years old, some flexibility is allowed in the height of the face and eye placement, but the image must still be clear and frontal.
• The child should be photographed alone, without toys, furniture, or other people visible.
• The child should face the camera directly, with a neutral expression and mouth closed.