If you are applying for a PAN card online, you might have seen that the portals don’t just ask for file size and pixel dimensions, but also for DPI (Dots Per Inch). This is something many applicants overlook, leading to rejections and errors like “image not as per specifications.”
So what exactly is DPI, why does it matter for PAN card uploads, and how can you ensure your photo and signature meet the official DPI rules? Let’s break it down step by step.
What is DPI and Why is it Required for PAN Card Images
DPI (Dots Per Inch) is a technical measure that tells how many dots or pixels exist within one inch of a printed or scanned image. The higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed the image will look. For documents like a PAN card, clarity is critical because both your photograph and signature are used to verify your identity.
If the DPI is too low, the image looks blurry, stretched, or pixelated when printed. This is why both NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL have fixed DPI requirements for PAN card uploads.
Official DPI Requirements for PAN Card Photo and Signature
The DPI requirements differ depending on which portal you are applying through. Always follow the correct specifications for smooth acceptance.
| Type | NSDL (Protean) | UTI |
|---|---|---|
| Photo DPI | 200 DPI | 300 DPI |
| Signature DPI | 200 DPI | 600 DPI |
Quick Summary with Dimensions
Along with DPI, you must also match the exact pixel size of the photo or signature. Here’s a recap combining DPI and dimensions:
| Upload Type | Pixels (NSDL) | DPI (NSDL) | Pixels (UTI) | DPI (UTI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo | ~276×197 px | 200 | 213×213 px | 300 |
| Signature | 354×157 px | 200 | 400×200 px | 600 |
How to Set DPI When Scanning or Editing Your PAN Images
- While scanning: If you are scanning a printed photo or signature, choose the correct DPI in your scanner settings (200/300/600 depending on the portal) before saving.
- While editing: In software like Photoshop, Paint, or GIMP, you can manually adjust DPI in the image properties without changing pixels.
- Using online tools: Simplify the process with PanResizer.com, which automatically sets DPI along with the pixel size and file size as per NSDL or UTI rules.
Why Does DPI Matter for PAN Card Applications
- Low DPI results in unclear or pixelated images, which can lead to rejection.
- The portals check image metadata, and mismatched DPI can trigger an upload error.
- Correct DPI ensures good clarity while keeping file size within the required KB limits.
- It also helps PAN card prints look professional and easy to verify.
Official PAN Card Links and Resources
| Portal | Useful Link |
|---|---|
| NSDL (Protean) | Official PAN Page |
| UTIITSL | UTI PAN Services |
| Apply Online | NSDL PAN Application Form |
Tips to Meet DPI Requirements Easily
- Always set DPI in your scanner before saving the file—don’t leave it on default.
- Not all online resizers adjust DPI. Use a PAN-specific tool like PanResizer.com to avoid mistakes.
- After resizing, right-click the image, go to Properties → Details (on Windows) to confirm DPI metadata.
- Keep original scans safe. If DPI requirements change, you can reprocess them easily.
Always double-check before uploading!