Indian passport, visa and OCI photo (from the USA)

2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with the head 1 to 1⅜ in tall from chin to top of hair.

The measurements

Photo size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head height: 1 to 1⅜ in (25.4 to 34.9 mm), chin to top of hair
Eye line: 1⅛ to 1⅓ in above the bottom edge
Background: Plain white (OCI: light, not white)
As a digital file: 600 × 600 pixels at 300 dpi, or 1200 × 1200 pixels at 600 dpi
Used for: Passport renewal through VFS, Indian visa, OCI card

Plain white background, and clothes that are not white. VFS says not to retouch the photo. For OCI, the OCI website asks for a light background that is not white, so follow the checklist for your application.

The OCI and visa websites ask for a square JPG. Check the pixel and file size limits on the form you are filling in.

Consulates sometimes ask for something slightly different from the home country, so read the photo page of the office you are applying to before you print.

Taking the photo at home

Stand about 2 feet in front of a plain white wall.
Face a window, so the light is even and there is no shadow behind you.
Have someone hold the phone at eye level, 4 to 5 feet away.
Eyes open, mouth closed, looking straight at the camera. No glasses or hat.
Leave room around your head. The tool crops it to 2 × 2 in.