Aadhaar has become an important identification document in India and is required for several financial, government and other services. It is commonly used for tasks such as opening a bank account, accessing government scheme benefits, applying for a passport and obtaining a mobile SIM card.
Parents with children between 5 and 17 years of age should check whether their child’s Aadhaar biometric details have been updated. Under the current UIDAI initiative, the mandatory biometric update for eligible children is available free of charge until September 30, 2026. After the deadline, a prescribed fee may apply.
Which Children Need an Aadhaar Biometric Update?
When Aadhaar is initially enrolled for a young child, fingerprint and iris information is generally not captured. The first mandatory biometric update is required when the child reaches the age of 5. Another biometric update is required at the age of 15.
Children who have reached either of these age milestones but have not completed their biometric update should get the process completed. Under the current initiative, children aged 5 to 17 can have their mandatory biometric details updated without paying the applicable update fee until September 30, 2026.
How to Update a Child’s Aadhaar Biometrics
Parents or guardians can take the child to the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to complete the update.
The child’s Aadhaar details and the Aadhaar information of the parent or guardian should be carried to the centre. The required biometric information will then be recorded and updated at the centre.
Parents are advised to complete the process before the September 30 deadline to take advantage of the current free-update facility.
Why Is the Biometric Update Important?
Children undergo significant physical changes as they grow, which is why Aadhaar biometric information is updated at specific ages. The process ensures that the biometric details associated with the child’s Aadhaar are updated as required.
UIDAI has previously provided fee waivers for biometric updates for certain age groups. An update facility had earlier been made free for individuals aged 7 to 15 years or older for a specified period. Under the current initiative, the mandatory biometric update for children aged 5 to 17 is available free of charge until September 30, 2026.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the details provided in the source material. Aadhaar rules, eligibility requirements, fees and deadlines may be revised by UIDAI. Parents and guardians should verify the latest information and applicable requirements through official UIDAI channels before visiting an Aadhaar centre.