UIDAI Waives Fees for Mandatory Biometric Updates for Children Until September 2026

In a major move to streamline digital identification for the youth, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children aged between 5 and 17 years are now entirely free of cost.
This initiative, aimed at ensuring that every student has an updated and functional Aadhaar, will remain in effect until September 30, 2026.
Why the Update is Necessary
As children grow, their physical characteristics—specifically fingerprints and iris patterns—undergo significant changes. To maintain the accuracy and security of the Aadhaar database, the UIDAI requires two mandatory updates:
At age 5: To capture the first set of adult-like biometrics.
At age 15: To record final, stable biometrics that will serve the individual through adulthood.
By providing this service for free, the government aims to remove financial barriers for families, ensuring no child is left behind in accessing essential services.
Key Benefits of an Updated Aadhaar
An updated biometric record is not just a formality; it is a prerequisite for several critical services:
Education: Hassle-free school admissions and verification for board examinations.
Financial Support: Uninterrupted access to government scholarships and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.
Identity Verification: Seamless authentication for competitive exams and future employment.
What Happens During the Update?
Parents are encouraged to take their children to the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. The process is quick and involves:
Facial Photograph: Capturing a fresh image of the child.
Iris Scan: Recording the unique patterns of both eyes.
Fingerprints: Scanning all ten fingers to ensure high-accuracy authentication.
Note: While the biometric update is free, any additional "Demographic Updates" (such as changing an address or name) requested at the same time may still attract a nominal fee if performed outside the specific MBU window.
How to Locate a Centre
To find the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra, residents can:
Scan the QR code provided on official UIDAI posters.
Visit the official Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal.
Use the mAadhaar app on their smartphones.
With the deadline set for September 30, 2026, authorities are urging parents not to wait until the final months to avoid potential rushes at local centres.