Aadhaar biometric update fee for children aged 7–15 waived by UIDAI until September 2026. Learn about benefits, eligibility, and government initiatives for digital inclusion.
UIDAI Waives Aadhaar Biometric Update Charges for Children Aged 7–15
Introduction
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a significant policy change regarding Aadhaar biometric updates. Effective from October 1, 2025, the biometric update fee for children aged 7 to 15 years has been waived for one year. This move is expected to benefit approximately 6 crore children across the country.
Details of the Waiver
Previously, parents and guardians were required to pay ₹125 for each biometric update, which includes fingerprint, iris scan, and photograph, for children in this age group. With the new policy, these updates will be free of charge until September 30, 2026. This waiver applies to both the first and second Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs), which are typically required when children reach the ages of 5 and 15, respectively.
Implications of the Waiver
The fee waiver is expected to ease the financial burden on families and ensure that children’s Aadhaar records are updated in a timely manner. Accurate and up-to-date biometric data is crucial for accessing various government services, including education, scholarships, and welfare schemes. By removing the cost barrier, UIDAI aims to promote inclusivity and ensure that all children have access to essential services.
Conclusion
This initiative by UIDAI underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of public services. By facilitating free biometric updates for children, the policy not only supports families but also strengthens the foundation for a digitally inclusive India.
Why This News Is Important
Enhancing Accessibility to Government Services
The waiver of biometric update fees for children ensures that all minors, regardless of their financial background, can have their Aadhaar data updated. This is particularly important as Aadhaar is increasingly used to access various government services, including education, healthcare, and welfare schemes.
Promoting Digital Inclusion
By removing financial barriers, UIDAI is promoting digital inclusion. Ensuring that every child has an updated Aadhaar record contributes to a more inclusive digital ecosystem, where all citizens can participate equally.
Encouraging Timely Updates
The fee waiver incentivizes parents and guardians to update their children’s Aadhaar data promptly. Timely updates are essential for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the Aadhaar database, which is crucial for the effective delivery of services.
Reducing Administrative Burden
With more children having updated Aadhaar records, the administrative burden on government agencies is reduced. This leads to more efficient service delivery and better resource allocation.
Aligning with National Digital Initiatives
This move aligns with the government’s broader digital initiatives, such as Digital India, which aim to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
Historical Context
Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric ID system, was introduced in 2009 by the Indian government to provide a unique identification number to residents of India. The system aims to streamline the delivery of welfare services and reduce fraud. Over the years, Aadhaar has become a critical tool for accessing various services, including subsidies, scholarships, and healthcare.
Biometric updates are essential to ensure that the data remains accurate as individuals grow and their physical characteristics change. Initially, biometric updates were free only during specific age windows (5–7 and 15–17 years). The recent policy change to waive fees for children aged 7–15 represents a significant step towards making Aadhaar updates more accessible to all.
Key Takeaways from UIDAI Waives Aadhaar Biometric Update Charges for Children Aged 7–15
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | UIDAI has waived the ₹125 fee for Aadhaar biometric updates for children aged 7–15. |
| 2 | The fee waiver is effective from October 1, 2025, and will remain in place until September 30, 2026. |
| 3 | Approximately 6 crore children are expected to benefit from this initiative. |
| 4 | The waiver applies to both the first and second Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs). |
| 5 | This move aims to promote digital inclusion and ensure timely updates of Aadhaar data for children. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the new policy announced by UIDAI regarding Aadhaar biometric updates for children?
UIDAI has waived the ₹125 fee for biometric updates for children aged 7–15 years, effective from October 1, 2025, for a period of one year.
2. Who will benefit from the Aadhaar biometric fee waiver?
Approximately 6 crore children in India aged 7–15 years will benefit from this initiative.
3. Which Aadhaar updates are covered under this fee waiver?
Both the first and second Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs), typically required at ages 5 and 15, are included in this fee waiver.
4. Why are Aadhaar biometric updates important for children?
Biometric updates ensure that children’s fingerprint, iris scan, and photograph data remain accurate, which is essential for accessing government services, education, and welfare schemes.
5. Until when will the Aadhaar biometric update fee waiver be applicable?
The fee waiver will remain in effect until September 30, 2026.
6. How does this initiative promote digital inclusion?
By removing the cost barrier, all children, regardless of their financial background, can update their Aadhaar data, contributing to a digitally inclusive ecosystem.
7. What was the previous fee for Aadhaar biometric updates for children?
Previously, parents and guardians had to pay ₹125 for each biometric update for children in this age group.
8. How does the fee waiver affect government service delivery?
Timely biometric updates reduce administrative burdens, ensure accurate records, and improve the efficiency of delivering government schemes.
9. Is the waiver applicable for adults or only children?
This waiver is only applicable for children aged 7–15 years. Adults will continue to pay the existing fees for biometric updates.
10. How does this move align with Digital India initiatives?
It supports the broader Digital India mission by promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that Aadhaar data remains up-to-date for all children.
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