EPFO Update: New Rules Every EPF Member Must Know From August 2025
Share this article:
India’s retirement savings landscape is entering a new digital era. Starting 1 August 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made a significant shift—Aadhaar-based face authentication is now compulsory for all new Universal Account Number (UAN) generations and activations through the UMANG app. This transformative move puts power directly into the hands of EPFO members while eliminating paperwork, delays, and dependency on employers.
What’s New in the EPFO UAN Process?
The EPFO now requires new UANs to be generated exclusively using face recognition linked with Aadhaar, accessible via the UMANG app. This eliminates the need for employer intervention and ensures faster, more secure onboarding for employees joining the EPF scheme.
For those already holding a UAN, digital face verification is also necessary for activation and accessing EPFO services.
Who Is Affected?
Why Has EPFO Introduced This Change?
The objective behind this digital overhaul is to:
This transition makes UAN generation tamper-proof, real-time, and user-controlled, aligning EPFO with India’s growing digital-first ecosystem.
What You Need to Get Started
To use the new Aadhaar-based UAN generation system, ensure you have:
Step-by-Step: How to Generate or Activate Your UAN via Aadhaar Face Authentication
1. Open the UMANG app and choose "UAN Allotment and Activation."
2. Enter your Aadhaar number and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
3. Verify the OTP sent to your mobile.
4. Give consent for face authentication, then scan your face using the Aadhaar Face RD app.
5. The system checks if a UAN already exists:
7. Download your e-UAN card for future use or employer verification.
Immediate Benefits for Employees
With Aadhaar-based face authentication, EPFO has made a bold, digital-first move that not only simplifies the process but also empowers workers across India. Whether you’re starting a new job or activating your UAN, everything you need is now accessible through your smartphone—with no queues, no forms, and no confusion.
What’s New in the EPFO UAN Process?
The EPFO now requires new UANs to be generated exclusively using face recognition linked with Aadhaar, accessible via the UMANG app. This eliminates the need for employer intervention and ensures faster, more secure onboarding for employees joining the EPF scheme.
For those already holding a UAN, digital face verification is also necessary for activation and accessing EPFO services.
Who Is Affected?
- New Employees: Must generate their UAN using the Aadhaar Face RD app and UMANG.
- Existing EPFO Members: Will need face authentication for certain services and activation.
- Exemptions: Employees from Nepal, Bhutan, or international workers can still apply through their employers.
Why Has EPFO Introduced This Change?
The objective behind this digital overhaul is to:
- Remove human error and data mismatches
- Enable instant onboarding and service access
- Reduce paperwork and third-party dependency
- Strengthen security using biometric verification
- Allow full control over PF accounts via mobile
This transition makes UAN generation tamper-proof, real-time, and user-controlled, aligning EPFO with India’s growing digital-first ecosystem.
What You Need to Get Started
To use the new Aadhaar-based UAN generation system, ensure you have:
- A valid Aadhaar number
- The mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- The UMANG app
- The Aadhaar Face RD app installed on your device
Step-by-Step: How to Generate or Activate Your UAN via Aadhaar Face Authentication
1. Open the UMANG app and choose "UAN Allotment and Activation."
2. Enter your Aadhaar number and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
3. Verify the OTP sent to your mobile.
4. Give consent for face authentication, then scan your face using the Aadhaar Face RD app.
5. The system checks if a UAN already exists:
- If yes, it will be displayed.
- If no, a new UAN will be generated instantly.
7. Download your e-UAN card for future use or employer verification.
Immediate Benefits for Employees
- No paperwork, no middlemen
- Fast-tracked UAN generation and activation
- Secure identity verification using Aadhaar
- Instant access to EPF services like passbook view, claim submission, and KYC updates
- Self-service freedom to manage your PF account anytime, anywhere
With Aadhaar-based face authentication, EPFO has made a bold, digital-first move that not only simplifies the process but also empowers workers across India. Whether you’re starting a new job or activating your UAN, everything you need is now accessible through your smartphone—with no queues, no forms, and no confusion.
Next Story