Centre makes Aadhaar verification mandatory for scholarship under PM CARES
NEW DELHI: Children who are receiving scholarship benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme have to complete Aadhaar verification or provide proof that they have an Aadhaar number. However, the children who do not have Aadhaar or are facing difficulties in completing verification will not be denied any assistance for this reason alone. In a notification dated October 14, 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said the requirement applies to beneficiaries of the Special Scholarship Scheme under PM CARES for Children.
Under the PM Cares scheme, eligible children can continue their studies from Class 1 to Class 12 with the help of financial assistance.
In such cases, officials will verify the child’s identity and relationship with their parent or legal guardian using other approved documents. Children who have not received an Aadhaar number will be required to apply for enrolment with the consent of a parent or legal guardian, wherever applicable. The department will also assist beneficiaries with Aadhaar enrolment and updating their details.
Children below 18 years of age who do not have an Aadhaar number can submit an enrolment acknowledgement containing their Enrolment ID along with a document proving their age. Accepted documents include:
They must also submit an approved photograph-bearing document to establish their relationship with a parent or legal guardian. The notification also provides for certain child-care institution certificates, documents for foreign nationals and legal guardianship documents in applicable cases.
Those aged 18 years or above who do not have an Aadhaar number must submit their enrolment acknowledgement along with an approved identity document bearing their photograph. The listed documents include an Election Commission-issued voter identity card (EPIC), ration card, Indian passport, driving licence, Class 10 or Class 12 certificate or marks statement, and specified caste or domicile certificates.
If your fingerprints cannot be matched or Aadhaar verification fails for any other reason, you may be allowed to verify your identity through another biometric method or OTP. If these methods do not work, officials can use a secure QR code or an Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC document to complete the verification. The department will keep records of such cases and review them regularly.
The notification also provides alternative documents for certain foreign national beneficiaries and allows documents such as an adoption order to prove legal guardianship, where applicable.
The new rules explain how beneficiaries can verify their identity and which documents they need to submit. Children and their guardians should keep the required documents ready to complete the verification process.
