The Indian vulture is a large bird, measuring 80 to 90 cm in length and weighing 5,500 to 6,300 grams. The wingspan is 190 to 260 cm.

These birds have a bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. The bill and cere are pale yellow. The neck is blackish with large white neck-ruff. The back and upper wing coverts are buff coloured. These birds make cackling, grunting and hissing sounds.