Understanding Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children
Children below five years are enrolled for Aadhaar using their photograph, name, date of birth, gender, address, and birth certificate. Fingerprints and iris scans are not captured at this age as they are not fully developed. Therefore, Aadhaar requires children to update their biometrics at age five, known as the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU), and again at age 15, the second MBU.
Under previous rules, MBUs performed between ages 5–7 and 15–17 were free, after which a fee of ₹125 applied. With the new waiver, all children aged 5–17 can now update their Aadhaar biometrics without any charge, facilitating access to various services.
Benefits of Biometric Updates
Updated Aadhaar biometrics play a crucial role in ensuring seamless access to services. Schools, educational institutions, and scholarship authorities increasingly rely on Aadhaar verification for admissions and grant disbursements. Similarly, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes use Aadhaar authentication to provide subsidies, scholarships, and other welfare benefits directly to eligible children and their families.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to prioritize biometric updates for their wards to avoid service disruptions and to ensure uninterrupted access to benefits. By updating biometrics, children are also able to participate in government examinations and avail other age-specific entitlements.
How to Update Aadhaar Biometrics
Biometric updates can be performed at any authorized Aadhaar Enrollment or Update Centre. Parents must carry the child’s Aadhaar number, valid ID documents, and a parent/guardian’s ID proof. The update process includes fingerprint and iris scans, along with a fresh photograph of the child, ensuring accurate authentication for future services.
UIDAI has emphasized that the waiver is temporary and will last one year, highlighting the importance of timely biometric updates to avoid paying fees later.
Government’s Pro-Child Initiative
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to improving ease of living and inclusive access to welfare schemes. By removing the cost barrier for biometric updates, UIDAI is facilitating educational opportunities, financial inclusivity, and timely participation in government programs for millions of children across India.
Experts highlight that regular biometric updates also strengthen the security and reliability of Aadhaar as a national identity system, reducing errors and enabling smoother verification processes for all services that require Aadhaar authentication.
