UIDAI to Launch School-Based Biometric Update Drive for Children’s Aadhaar

New Delhi, July 21: In a major move to streamline Aadhaar updates for children, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to roll out a school-based biometric update initiative across the country within the next two months. The drive aims to ensure timely biometric updates for over 7 crore children who have not yet updated their Aadhaar after attaining the age of five—a mandatory requirement under current Aadhaar guidelines.

UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, speaking to PTI, confirmed that the authority is currently testing the necessary technology and infrastructure. “UIDAI is working on a project to start updating the biometrics of children with parental consent through schools. We are at present testing the technology and it should be ready in 45-60 days,” he said.

The biometric update, officially known as the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU), is essential for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of Aadhaar data for children. Without this update, an Aadhaar number may be deactivated after the child turns seven.

The first MBU, done between ages five and seven, is free of cost, but a fee of ₹100 applies if the update is delayed beyond seven years of age.

An updated Aadhaar facilitates smoother access to services such as:

• School admissions

• Entrance examination registrations

• Scholarship and DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes

• Other government welfare benefits

To ease access and enhance outreach, UIDAI will partner with schools for biometric collection. District-level biometric kits will be deployed and rotated across schools, making the process more convenient for parents and children alike.

“We want children to get all the benefits at the right time. Through schools, we are trying to reach as many children in a convenient manner,” said Kumar.

In addition to the MBU at age five, UIDAI also mandates a second biometric update at age 15. Kumar mentioned that UIDAI is considering extending the school-based update mechanism to cover this age group as well by involving colleges and secondary schools in the future.

Currently, Aadhaar for newborns and children under five years is issued without capturing biometric data. Once a child turns five, a biometric update becomes compulsory to keep the Aadhaar valid.