The special MBU drive was launched by UIDAI in September 2025 following successful technological integration with the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+). This integration enabled real-time visibility of Aadhaar biometric update status of school-going children, allowing authorities to precisely identify those due for mandatory updates.
Armed with this data, UIDAI regional offices and school authorities jointly organised biometric update camps within school premises, ensuring convenience for students and parents alike. The strategy significantly reduced logistical barriers and accelerated coverage across urban and rural areas.
Strong Coordination With States and UTs
UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar personally reached out to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, seeking their support in conducting focused biometric update camps. UIDAI’s eight regional offices coordinated closely with education departments, district collectors, registrars, and school administrations.
This collaborative approach ensured uniform implementation and rapid scaling of the programme. The mission-mode campaign remains active and will continue until all eligible schoolchildren across the country are covered.
Why Mandatory Biometric Updates Matter
Children below the age of five are enrolled for Aadhaar using demographic details and a photograph, as biometric features like fingerprints and iris scans are not fully developed at that stage. As a result, Aadhaar holders are required to update their biometrics after crossing the ages of five and fifteen.
Failure to complete MBUs can lead to authentication issues while accessing benefits under government schemes or registering for major entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE, and CUET. UIDAI has consistently highlighted the importance of timely updates to avoid future inconvenience.
Free Biometric Updates to Encourage Participation
To promote wider participation, UIDAI waived all charges for Mandatory Biometric Updates for children in the 7–15 age group from October 1, 2025, for a period of one year. Additionally, MBUs for children aged 5–7 and 15–17 continue to remain free of cost.
This policy move played a crucial role in encouraging parents and schools to actively participate in the campaign, ensuring that cost did not become a deterrent.
Beyond Schools: Aadhaar Centres Play Key Role
In addition to school-based camps, children were also able to complete their biometric updates at Aadhaar enrolment centres and Aadhaar Seva Kendras across the country. During the same period, nearly 1.3 crore MBU transactions were recorded at these centres.
The combined efforts underscore UIDAI’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the Aadhaar ecosystem.