Aadhaar Card Update for Students: Everything You Need to Know About the Free Waiver
The most exciting part of this announcement is the cost factor or lack thereof. Starting from October 1, 2025, the Aadhaar biometric update for children is being offered free of cost for a full year. This waiver is specifically designed for children in the age group of 5 to 17 years. Usually, if you miss the standard age windows of 5 to 7 or 15 to 17, you would have to pay a fee of ₹125. However, with this new rule, that fee is gone until September 30, 2026. This is a brilliant pro-people measure to ensure every child has an updated digital identity without any financial burden on the parents.
Understanding the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)
You might be wondering why an Aadhaar biometric update for children is even necessary. When a child is first enrolled for a "Baal Aadhaar" (the blue card) before the age of five, their fingerprints and iris scans are not captured because they are not yet fully developed. Once the child turns five, they reach a milestone called the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). A second update is then required at age 15. These updates are crucial because they refresh the photo, fingerprints, and iris data to match the child’s growing features, ensuring their identity remains secure and verifiable.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Deadline
While the one-year window sounds like a long time, it is best to complete the Aadhaar biometric update for children as soon as possible. Updated biometrics are not just a formality; they are often mandatory for school admissions, entrance exams, and applying for government scholarships. Many state departments have already begun setting internal deadlines, such as March 2026, for schools to ensure all students are updated. If the biometrics are outdated, it could lead to hiccups when trying to access Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes or other essential welfare benefits provided by the government.
How to Get the Update Done Easily
To complete the Aadhaar biometric update for children, you simply need to visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra. You can find the closest location using the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal or the official UIDAI website. Make sure to carry the child’s current Aadhaar card and a parent’s Aadhaar for verification. The process is straightforward: the officials will take a new photograph and scan the child's fingerprints and iris. It is a quick visit that ensures your child’s documentation is valid for years to come.
A Smart Move for Every Indian Family
According to UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, "Biometric updates are essential for ensuring the long-term validity of Aadhaar." By making the Aadhaar biometric update for children free for this extended period, the government is helping families stay compliant while promoting ease of living. Whether your child is just turning five or is a teenager approaching 15, taking advantage of this free service is a smart move. Not only does it save you money, but it also secures your child’s access to a world of educational and financial opportunities without any interruptions.
Understanding the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)
You might be wondering why an Aadhaar biometric update for children is even necessary. When a child is first enrolled for a "Baal Aadhaar" (the blue card) before the age of five, their fingerprints and iris scans are not captured because they are not yet fully developed. Once the child turns five, they reach a milestone called the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). A second update is then required at age 15. These updates are crucial because they refresh the photo, fingerprints, and iris data to match the child’s growing features, ensuring their identity remains secure and verifiable.Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Deadline
While the one-year window sounds like a long time, it is best to complete the Aadhaar biometric update for children as soon as possible. Updated biometrics are not just a formality; they are often mandatory for school admissions, entrance exams, and applying for government scholarships. Many state departments have already begun setting internal deadlines, such as March 2026, for schools to ensure all students are updated. If the biometrics are outdated, it could lead to hiccups when trying to access Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes or other essential welfare benefits provided by the government.How to Get the Update Done Easily
To complete the Aadhaar biometric update for children, you simply need to visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra. You can find the closest location using the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal or the official UIDAI website. Make sure to carry the child’s current Aadhaar card and a parent’s Aadhaar for verification. The process is straightforward: the officials will take a new photograph and scan the child's fingerprints and iris. It is a quick visit that ensures your child’s documentation is valid for years to come. A Smart Move for Every Indian Family
According to UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, "Biometric updates are essential for ensuring the long-term validity of Aadhaar." By making the Aadhaar biometric update for children free for this extended period, the government is helping families stay compliant while promoting ease of living. Whether your child is just turning five or is a teenager approaching 15, taking advantage of this free service is a smart move. Not only does it save you money, but it also secures your child’s access to a world of educational and financial opportunities without any interruptions.Next Story