UIDAI Aadhaar Card Update: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has joined hands with Behavioral Insights Limited (BIT) to simplify the Aadhaar biometric update process for children. The partnership aims to improve the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU), which is two important milestones at the ages of 5 and 15, where every child is required to refresh their fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph.
Why are parents missing the update window?
UIDAI has observed that many families delay these updates because they are unsure about the process or find it inconvenient to schedule a visit to an enrolment centre. As a result, children often face hurdles while trying to access Aadhaar-linked services that rely on accurate biometric data.
Under the new initiative, BIT will work with UIDAI to understand exactly what is holding parents back, whether it is a lack of clarity, forgetfulness, or logistical issues. Based on this insight, the team will create nudges, reminders, and simplified communications to make the experience less stressful and more intuitive.
Fee waiver for one year to increase compliance
As a significant incentive, UIDAI has waived the biometric update fee for children aged 7 to 15 for a full year starting October 1, 2025. This move is expected to reduce financial concerns and encourage parents to complete the MBU within the proposed timeframe.
How children can update biometrics: Step-by-step guide
- Check eligibility: Children aged 7-15 can update Aadhaar biometrics for free between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.
- Find a centre: Find the nearest authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre through the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal or the UIDAI website.
- Carry the required details: Unless you are changing demographic details, only the child’s Aadhaar number is required.
- Meet the child: Fresh fingerprints, iris scan, and a photograph will be taken on the spot.
- Get URN: You will get an updated request number to track the progress on the UIDAI website.
- Download the updated Aadhaar: After processing, download it from the UIDAI portal or through mAadhaar.
What is UIDAI and BIT?
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar said that blending digital systems with behavioural understanding will make Aadhaar services more user-friendly for families. He stressed that the initiative aims to create a seamless experience and ensure that children’s Aadhaar details remain accurate.
Rachel Coyle, CEO of BIT, added that evidence-driven behavioral tools can dramatically improve timely biometric updates, helping children access the necessary Aadhaar-linked benefits.
Why timely biometric updates are important
Updating a child’s biometrics at the right stage is crucial to keep Aadhaar records valid. Since Aadhaar is linked to school admissions, government schemes, scholarships, and various welfare programmes, avoiding outdated information can cause possible delays and verification issues.
Parents can complete the update at any authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre by providing their child’s Aadhaar number. The complete list of centres can be found on the Bhuban Aadhaar portal.