UIDAI Announces Free Aadhaar Biometric Update For Children Aged 7–15: Complete Step-By-Step Guide

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a new initiative to make Aadhaar biometric updates for children aged 7 to 15 simpler and more accessible. Partnering with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIT), UIDAI aims to encourage parents to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) at the crucial ages of 5 and 15, ensuring accurate fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs.

Why Parents Delay Aadhaar Biometric Updates

Many parents miss the update window because they are unsure about the Aadhaar update process , forget deadlines, or face logistical challenges in visiting enrolment centres. This delay can affect children when accessing services that require up-to-date Aadhaar details, including scholarships, school admissions, and government benefits.

Free Biometric Update to Encourage Timely Action

To improve compliance, UIDAI has waived the biometric update fee for children aged 7–15 for one full year, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. This move removes financial barriers and motivates parents to update their child’s Aadhaar records on time.

Step-By-Step Guide to Update Child Aadhaar Biometrics

1. Check Eligibility: Children aged 7–15 can update their Aadhaar biometrics free of cost between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026.
2. Locate a Centre: Find the nearest authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre through the UIDAI website or Bhuvan Aadhaar portal.
3. Prepare Required Details: Only the child’s Aadhaar number is needed unless demographic information also requires updating.
4. Visit the Enrolment Centre: Children’s fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs will be captured on-site.
5. Receive Update Request Number (URN): Track the progress of the Aadhaar update online using the URN.
6. Download Updated Aadhaar: Once processed, the updated Aadhaar can be downloaded from the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar app.

UIDAI and BIT on the Initiative

UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar stated that combining digital systems with behavioural insights will make Aadhaar services more user-friendly for families. BIT CEO Rachel Coyle added that evidence-based behavioural tools can significantly improve timely biometric updates, ensuring children continue to access essential Aadhaar-linked services.

Importance of Timely Biometric Updates

Updating a child’s Aadhaar biometrics at the correct age ensures smooth access to school admissions, government schemes, welfare programmes, and scholarships. Outdated data can cause unnecessary delays and verification issues, making timely updates essential for all parents.

Parents can complete the update at any authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre by providing the child’s Aadhaar number. A full list of centres is available on the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal.