Child Aadhaar Update Deadline Near, Parents Told To Finish Process Fast

Parents Warned Over Aadhaar Delay, Child Services May Get Affected: Aadhaar has evolved into one of the most essential identity documents in India, playing a central role in accessing public services, education, and financial systems. Its importance extends equally to children, whose identification records must remain accurate as they grow. Authorities have reiterated that biometric updates for children are mandatory at specific ages. Missing these timelines could lead to disruptions in Aadhaar-linked services, making timely updates crucial for parents and guardians across the country.

Why Aadhaar Updates Are Crucial for Children

When Aadhaar is first issued to young children, only basic demographic details and a photograph are recorded. Biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and iris scans are not captured at this stage because children’s biometric features are still developing and may change significantly over time.

As children grow, their biometric data stabilises. Updating this information ensures that Aadhaar remains a reliable and verifiable identity document. Without these updates, authentication failures may occur in the future when biometric verification becomes necessary for services.

Two-Stage Biometric Update System Explained

The biometric update process for children follows a structured two-stage framework designed to maintain long-term accuracy in identity records.

The first update becomes mandatory once a child turns five years old. At this stage, fingerprints, iris scans, and a fresh photograph are recorded for the first time. This marks the transition from a demographic-only Aadhaar to a biometric-linked identity document.

The second update takes place at the age of 15. This stage is considered the final biometric update, as physical growth is largely complete by then. The data captured during this phase becomes permanent and is used for all future Aadhaar authentication processes.

Consequences of Missing the Update Deadline

Failure to complete biometric updates within the prescribed timeframe can lead to multiple complications. Aadhaar records may remain incomplete, affecting authentication across platforms.

Children may face hurdles in school admissions, scholarship applications, competitive exam registrations, and direct benefit transfers. In some situations, Aadhaar may even become inactive due to outdated biometric records, delaying access to essential services and benefits.

Ensuring timely updates therefore helps families avoid administrative challenges and ensures continuity in service access.

Fee Rules and Government Relief Window

To encourage compliance, biometric updates for children have been made free for a specified period. This initiative was introduced from 1 October, 2025, and has been extended in many cases until 30 September, 2026.

The waiver aims to help parents complete updates without financial burden. However, if updates are carried out after the prescribed age window, standard service charges may apply. Authorities have advised families to utilise the free update period to avoid penalties later.

How to Complete the Child Aadhaar Update Process

Unlike some Aadhaar services, biometric updates for children cannot be completed online. Parents or guardians must visit an authorised Aadhaar service centre in person with the child.

Key documents typically required include the child’s birth certificate, school identification records where available, and the parent’s Aadhaar or identity proof. At the centre, officials capture a fresh photograph along with fingerprints and iris scans.

After submission, an acknowledgement receipt is issued. This receipt enables applicants to track the update status until the revised Aadhaar details are fully processed.

Government’s Broader Objective Behind the Update Drive

The structured update system reflects a broader administrative goal of strengthening identity verification from an early age. Accurate biometric records reduce the chances of duplication, identity disputes, and authentication failures.

By ensuring children’s Aadhaar data remains updated, authorities aim to provide uninterrupted access to welfare schemes, education benefits, and financial inclusion programmes. The move also supports the long-term reliability of India’s digital identity infrastructure.