In a major relief for parents, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that all charges for the mandatory biometric updates (MBU) of children’s Aadhaar cards have been waived till October 2026. The decision, which came into effect on October 1, is expected to benefit nearly six crore children across the country.
According to UIDAI, this pro-people measure will ensure that children in the 5–17 age group can update their Aadhaar biometrics, fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph, without any charge for one year. Earlier, families were required to pay Rs 125 per update if the process was conducted outside specific age windows.
“In a pro-people measure, UIDAI has waived off all charges for Mandatory Biometric Update, a move that is expected to benefit around six crore children,” the official statement read.
Under the Aadhaar enrolment process, children below five years are issued an Aadhaar number based on basic demographic data, name, date of birth, gender, address, and a photograph. However, fingerprints and iris biometrics are not captured at that age, as they are not fully developed.
Once a child turns five, they must undergo their first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU-1), where their fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph are recorded. A second update (MBU-2) is required when the child reaches 15 years of age to ensure the data reflects the matured biometrics accurately.
So far, both updates were free only if done between the ages of 5-7 and 15-17, respectively. Beyond these windows, parents had to pay Rs 125 per update. With the latest decision, the fee waiver now extends to all children aged 5-17, irrespective of when the updates are done within the next year.
UIDAI has urged parents and guardians to take advantage of this window and update their children’s Aadhaar biometrics at the earliest. Updated biometrics, officials said, ensure seamless access to key services, including school admissions, government scholarships, and entrance examinations.
“Having an Aadhaar with updated biometrics can make processes like school admissions and exam registrations completely seamless. Parents are advised to update their children’s Aadhaar data on priority,” an official said.
The decision also aligns with the government’s broader push toward ease of living and digital inclusion, ensuring that every child’s Aadhaar remains accurate and usable across public service platforms.
Parents can visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised enrolment centres with their child to update the biometric details. The process involves verifying existing demographic details and capturing fingerprints and iris scans.
The UIDAI’s move to waive all biometric update charges for one year is expected to significantly reduce the financial and procedural burden on millions of Indian families, while ensuring that children’s Aadhaar data remains current and valid.
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