In a major development benefiting millions of families, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that Aadhaar biometric updates for children aged between 5 and 17 years will now be completely free of cost. This initiative, effective from October 1, 2025, will remain valid for one year and is expected to help around 6 crore children across the country keep their Aadhaar records accurate and up to date.
Aadhaar plays a crucial role in accessing government schemes, educational benefits, and financial inclusion programs. However, since children’s biometric data—like fingerprints and iris scans—change as they grow, regular biometric updates are essential to maintain data accuracy. The UIDAI’s decision to make this update free ensures that no family hesitates to complete the process due to financial reasons.
Until now, Aadhaar biometric updates for children came with a fee of ₹125 per update, except for a few age groups where updates were already free. With the latest policy, all children between 5 and 17 years of age can now update their Aadhaar details without paying any charges at authorized Aadhaar enrollment centers.
For children under 5 years of age, Aadhaar enrollment is done using demographic data and the parent’s biometrics since fingerprints and iris scans are not yet developed.
When the child turns 5 years old, they must undergo their first mandatory biometric update (MBU). This includes capturing their fingerprints, iris scans, and an updated photograph.
Similarly, at 15 years of age, the child must complete the second mandatory biometric update, ensuring that their Aadhaar data remains accurate as they approach adulthood.
The free update window now covers the entire 5–17 age range, making the process simpler and more affordable for all parents and guardians.
To update their child’s Aadhaar biometric details, parents or guardians can visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorized enrollment center. They need to carry:
The child’s existing Aadhaar card
A valid school ID or any other age-proof document
Parent’s Aadhaar card for verification
The biometric update can be completed quickly and easily, and the new data is reflected in the Aadhaar database within a few days.
Accurate Identification:
Keeping Aadhaar records up to date ensures that children face no issues while accessing government and educational services.
Access to Government Schemes:
Updated Aadhaar details help children seamlessly benefit from various welfare programs such as scholarships, direct benefit transfers (DBT), and school enrollments.
Hassle-Free Verification:
Updated biometrics eliminate mismatches during authentication processes required for exams, admissions, and digital services.
Cost-Free Convenience:
The free update eliminates the previous ₹125 fee, reducing the financial burden on families and encouraging timely compliance.
The UIDAI’s initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of inclusive digital governance. By ensuring that Aadhaar data remains accurate for children, the authority is strengthening the foundation for digital identity across age groups. It also helps maintain the reliability of Aadhaar as the country’s most trusted identity document.
UIDAI has urged all parents and guardians to update their children’s Aadhaar biometrics at the earliest to avoid future inconveniences. Regular updates ensure smooth access to educational institutions, competitive exams, and social welfare programs.
The authority emphasized that this initiative is aimed at making Aadhaar more accessible, affordable, and child-friendly, reinforcing its commitment to simplifying digital identity management for every citizen.
The free Aadhaar biometric update for children aged 5 to 17 is a thoughtful step that not only lightens the financial load on families but also promotes inclusivity and digital accuracy. With this initiative, the government aims to make Aadhaar more reliable and efficient for young citizens who depend on it for numerous services.
Parents are advised to take advantage of this one-year free update window and ensure their child’s Aadhaar remains valid and updated. In the long run, this move will make life simpler for millions of children and help them benefit seamlessly from India’s growing network of digital and welfare services.
