To provide a near IR sensitive positive type photosensitive composition giving a fog-free high-contrast clear image after development and having such good suitability to printing as to stably give a print with a slight surface stain.

In a near IR sensitive positive type photosensitive composition with a recording layer containing a polymer soluble in an alkaline developing solution and a near IR absorbing dye, a near IR sensitive photosensitive layer having a higher alkali resistance than the recording layer is disposed as a top coat layer on the recording layer. A water-soluble polyethylene glycol compound is preferably incorporated into the top coat layer and/or the developing solution.