Forms where you don't upload your own photo
For some documents, the photo is taken for you — at a centre or through a live camera check. Resizing a photo won't help with these, so here's what actually happens and how to prepare.
| Document / exam | How the photo is taken |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar | Captured at the enrolment / update centre |
| Indian passport (in India) | Captured at the PSK / POPSK during your appointment |
| JEE Main, SSC | Live webcam / phone capture inside the application |
| NEET UG, IBPS | Live capture and uploaded photos — see their guides |
| NREGA job card, UK & Schengen visa biometrics | Taken by officials or at the visa centre |
| PAN via Aadhaar e-KYC / instant e-PAN | Copied from your Aadhaar record |
Aadhaar
Your Aadhaar photo is part of your biometric record, taken by a trained operator at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre. You can't upload a photo online — not for a new Aadhaar, and not to change an existing one.
To change your Aadhaar photo: book an appointment on the UIDAI website (or walk in), fill the update form at the centre, and the operator takes a new photo along with fingerprints and iris scan. A fee applies for biometric updates.
Tip: because your Aadhaar photo is reused by other services (instant e-PAN, some DigiLocker and exam e-KYC flows), it's worth updating if it's very old.
Indian passport
For fresh passports and re-issue in India, your photo is captured at the Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office PSK at the same counter as your fingerprints. Adults don't need to carry photos. Dress in plain, darker clothes (the background is white) and avoid heavy jewellery.
Applying from abroad? Rules differ by embassy or outsourcing centre — follow your embassy's checklist. If they ask for printed photos, use a custom preset with the size they give.
Exams with live photo capture
To stop impersonation, many exams now take your photo live through the camera during the application, and some compare it with your Aadhaar photo:
- JEE Main (from the 2026 cycle) — live photo through webcam or the mobile QR option.
- SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD and others) — live photo inside the application; uploading a photo of a photo is treated as a violation. The signature is still uploaded as a file.
- NEET UG and IBPS / SBI — live capture in addition to uploaded photos. See the NEET and IBPS guides.
How to pass a live photo check
- Sit facing a window during the day; turn off overhead lights that cause shadows.
- Use a plain light wall behind you.
- Remove glasses, caps and masks; keep your hair off your face.
- Look straight at the camera, at eye level — prop the phone or laptop up on books.
- Look like your Aadhaar photo as far as you reasonably can (for example, same glasses-free face).
Other cases
- NREGA job card — the photo is taken by the Gram Panchayat during registration.
- UK and Schengen visa biometrics — UK visa photos are taken at the visa centre. For Schengen you usually bring printed photos — see the Schengen guide.
- PAN via Aadhaar e-KYC — the photo comes from Aadhaar. Choose the scanned-images route if you want to use a different photo (PAN guide).
- Ration card — online applications exist in many states, but photo specs differ by state. Use the size your state portal shows with a custom preset.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload my own photo for Aadhaar?
No. Aadhaar photos are captured by the operator at an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre. To change it, book a biometric update at a centre.
Do I need to bring a photo to the Passport Seva Kendra?
Adults don't — the photo is taken at the PSK or POPSK. Parents of very young children are sometimes asked to bring a recent photo; check your appointment instructions.
Why can't I upload a photo for JEE Main or SSC?
They now use live photo capture through your webcam or phone to stop impersonation and reuse of old photos.