The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a significant initiative to ease Aadhaar updates for children. Effective October 1, 2025, biometric updates for children aged 5-17 years are now free of charge for one year. This move aims to benefit nearly 6 crore children across the country.
Why Biometric Updates are Necessary
When a child is enrolled for Aadhaar, those below the age of five only provide a photograph and demographic data. As the child grows, their biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, become more stable and reliable. To ensure the Aadhaar data remains accurate and useful, the UIDAI mandates biometric updates at two key stages: at age 5 and again at age 15.
- First Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU): This is required when the child turns 5 years old. It involves capturing fingerprints and iris scans for the first time.
- Second Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU): This update is required when the child reaches 15 years of age to ensure data accuracy as they approach adulthood.
These updates ensure that the Aadhaar remains a reliable form of identification for accessing various services and benefits.
Benefits of Updated Aadhaar
An updated Aadhaar ensures smooth access to essential services such as:
- School admissions
- Entrance examinations
- Scholarship programs
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes
How to Update Aadhaar Biometrics
To update a child's Aadhaar biometrics, parents or guardians can visit any authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre: Find the nearest authorized center using the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal.
- Carry Required Documents: Take the child’s Aadhaar number and proof of relationship document, such as a birth certificate or the Aadhaar card of the parent.
- Provide Biometric Data: At the center, the child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph will be updated.
- Submit the Request: After the update, you will receive an acknowledgment slip for your records.
One-Year Fee Waiver
The UIDAI has waived the ₹125 fee typically charged for biometric updates for children between 5 and 17 years. This waiver is valid for one year, starting from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. This initiative aims to encourage parents to update their children's Aadhaar details without incurring any costs.
UIDAI's Behavioral Insights Initiative
In a related effort, the UIDAI has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIT) to further boost biometric updates among children. This collaboration aims to identify and remove behavioral, logistical, and awareness barriers that prevent timely Aadhaar updates. By applying evidence-based behavioral strategies, the UIDAI seeks to make the update process more seamless and accessible for families.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and update their children's Aadhaar biometrics at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted access to Aadhaar-linked services and benefits.
