Applying for or updating a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card via the official NSDL (Protean e-Gov) or UTIITSL portals requires uploading photographs and signatures that strictly match digital dimension and file size limits. Uploading non-compliant file sizes or incorrect pixel aspect ratios will trigger automatic rejection notices on government portals.
Because PAN card applications serve two distinct applicant groupsโIndian residents applying online versus NRIs/foreign citizens filing physical paper formsโit is essential to follow the exact specifications for your application method.
In this guide, we break down the exact specifications for both NSDL and UTIITSL online portals as well as physical paper submissions.
1. Online Application Specifications (Indian Residents โ Form 49A / Online Portals)
For almost all applicants filing online through NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL, official digital upload portals enforce strict pixel, DPI, and file size constraints.
NSDL (Protean e-Gov) Portal Specifications
- Photograph Dimensions: 3.5 cm (Height) x 2.5 cm (Width) at 200 DPI (approx 197 x 276 pixels)
- File Size: Strictly between 20 KB and 50 KB in JPEG format
- Signature Dimensions: 2.0 cm (Height) x 4.5 cm (Width) at 200 DPI (approx 157 x 354 pixels)
- Signature File Size: Under 50 KB in JPEG format
- Background: Plain white or off-white backdrop
UTIITSL Portal Specifications
- Photograph Dimensions: 213 x 213 pixels at 300 DPI (square aspect ratio)
- File Size: Between 10 KB and 30 KB in JPEG format
- Signature Dimensions: 213 x 444 pixels at 300 DPI
- Signature File Size: Under 30 KB in JPEG format
Crop & Resize Your PAN Photo Online
To format your photo for online NSDL or UTIITSL submission, use our specialized online utility:
Try the Tool: Resize PAN Card Photo Online Free โ Select NSDL or UTIITSL presets to automatically format dimensions and compress output under 50KB/30KB with 100% browser privacy.
2. Physical Paper Application Guidelines (NRIs & Foreign Nationals โ Form 49AA / Form 95/96)
Applicants filing paper applications (such as foreign citizens, NRIs using Form 49AA, or offline physical correction submissions under Form 95/96) must paste physical paper photographs onto the printed application form.
- Physical Photo Dimensions: 4.5 cm (Height) x 3.5 cm (Width) physical print photograph
- Submission Method: Physical paper photo pasted onto the paper form and submitted to an authorized NSDL / UTIITSL TIN-FC collection center.
- Note: This 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm print dimension applies strictly to physical paper forms. Digital online upload portals require the NSDL (3.5x2.5 cm / 197x276 px) or UTIITSL (213x213 px) portal specifications detailed in Section 1.
Summary of Official PAN Photo Specifications
| Portal / Application Type | Photo Dimensions | DPI | File Size Limit | Signature Specs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSDL Online (Protean) | 3.5 cm (H) x 2.5 cm (W) (~197x276 px) | 200 DPI | 20 KB โ 50 KB (JPEG) | 2.0x4.5 cm (~157x354 px), <50KB |
| UTIITSL Online | 213 x 213 pixels | 300 DPI | 10 KB โ 30 KB (JPEG) | 213 x 444 px, <30KB |
| Physical Paper Form (Form 49AA) | 4.5 cm (H) x 3.5 cm (W) print | N/A (Paper) | N/A (Physical Paste) | Physical Ink Signature |
For more details on preparing scanned supporting documents (Aadhaar, address proof) under 300KB, visit our NSDL & UTIITSL PAN Card Hub.