The Brahminy River Turtle exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females significantly larger than males. The carapace is deep dark brown or black with a fading yellow margin, and the plastron is pale yellow with two large black blotches on each scute, extending to abdominal regions. Limbs are olive, spotted with yellow, fully webbed digits, and the carapace and plastron consist of various shields. The snout is pointed. The dark-brown to black head has four yellowish-orange bands, including one on the snout’s top and another curving along the side of the head and neck.