The Unique Identification Authority of India is taking a new step to make Aadhaar updates for children simpler, easier and more affordable. Biometric information in Aadhaar needs to be updated as children grow, especially between the ages of 5 and 15, when fingerprints and iris patterns change significantly.
To improve this process, UIDAI has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited, a behavioural research organisation, to study how families actually behave when it comes to Aadhaar updates and to design solutions that encourage timely biometric refresh. As part of this initiative, biometric update fees for children aged 7 to 15 years have been completely waived for one year starting from 1 October 2025.
This detailed guide explains why the mandatory biometric update is important, the challenges parents often face, how the free update scheme works, and the exact steps to update your child’s Aadhaar at the nearest enrolment centre.
What Is The Mandatory Biometric Update For Children
Aadhaar is a biometric based identity system that uses fingerprints, iris scans and a photograph, along with demographic details such as name, date of birth and address. While biometric data for adults is comparatively stable, children’s biometrics change as they grow.
Because of this, UIDAI has introduced a Mandatory Biometric Update for children between 5 and 15 years of age. In this update
- New fingerprints are captured.
- Fresh iris scans are taken.
- A new, recent photograph is recorded.
This ensures that the Aadhaar number remains accurately linked to the child’s current biometrics, avoiding authentication failures and service denial later in life.
Short Summary Table
Particular |
Details |
|---|---|
Scheme |
Free Aadhaar biometric update for children |
Age Group Covered |
Children between 7 and 15 years |
Fee Status |
Biometric update fee fully waived for 1 year |
Effective Period |
From 1 October 2025 for one year |
What Gets Updated |
Fingerprints, iris scans and recent photograph |
Where To Update |
Any authorised Aadhaar enrolment or update centre |
Centre Locator |
Bhuvan Aadhaar portal: https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/aadhaar |
Aadhaar Official Website |
UIDAI official site: https://uidai.gov.in |
Why Do Parents Often Delay Aadhaar Biometric Updates
UIDAI has observed that many parents postpone or completely miss the biometric update for their children. Some common reasons include
- Lack of clear information
Many parents are not aware that biometric updates are mandatory at certain ages or they are unsure about the exact age window and requirements. - Confusion about process and documents
Parents may not know which centre to visit, what documents to carry or whether they need an appointment. - Perceived inconvenience
Taking time off work, travelling to a centre, or managing long queues with children can feel difficult, which leads to repeated delays. - Additional cost barrier
Even a modest update fee can feel like an unnecessary expense for families already dealing with daily financial pressures.
As a result of these factors, many children end up with outdated biometric records, which can cause rejections when Aadhaar authentication is required for schemes, school processes or banking related services.
Behavioural Research Partnership With BIT
To address these real world challenges, UIDAI has joined hands with Behavioural Insights Limited. The goal of this partnership is to understand the psychology behind parents’ decision making and then redesign communication and processes accordingly.
Experts will
- Study why parents delay or skip biometric updates.
- Test different types of messages, reminders and notifications.
- Design simple and clear communication that nudges families to complete updates on time.
You can expect clearer SMSs, app notifications, and easy to understand reminders that tell you exactly what to do, when to do it and where to go.
One Year Fee Waiver For Children Aged 7 To 15 Years
To make the decision even easier for parents, UIDAI has fully waived the biometric update fee for children in the 7 to 15 age group.
Key features of this fee waiver
- The waiver is valid for one full year.
- It applies to biometric updates for children between 7 and 15 years of age.
- The effective date of the waiver is 1 October 2025.
- Families that had postponed the update due to fees now have a chance to complete it at no cost during this period.
This move is expected to benefit millions of families across the country, especially those who might otherwise delay updates due to financial reasons. Parents are strongly encouraged to use this one year window and complete their child’s mandatory biometric update without paying any update fee.
Why This Initiative Is Important For Children And Families
According to UIDAI, combining technological solutions with behavioural insights can significantly improve how citizens experience Aadhaar services. The free biometric update initiative has several important benefits.
- Accurate identity records for children
Updated biometrics reduce the chances of authentication failures at banks, schools, exam bodies or government departments. - Smooth access to schemes and benefits
Many government schemes and welfare programmes are Aadhaar linked. If a child’s Aadhaar fails verification, benefits may get delayed or blocked. Accurate biometrics help avoid such issues. - Reduced stress for families
Parents no longer need to worry about paying biometric update fees during the waiver period, which can be especially helpful for low income households with more than one child. - Long term reliability of Aadhaar
When biometric records are kept updated during key growth phases, Aadhaar remains a strong and reliable proof of identity throughout the child’s life.
Why Timely Biometric Updates Are Crucial
Updating Aadhaar biometrics on time is not just a compliance requirement. It directly affects a child’s ability to
- Prove identity for school admissions and scholarships.
- Receive benefits from government welfare schemes.
- Access bank accounts or minor savings schemes linked to Aadhaar.
- Use Aadhaar based digital services in the future.
If biometrics are outdated, authentication systems may fail to match the stored data with the child’s current fingerprints or iris pattern. This can lead to repeated rejections, extra visits to centres and avoidable delays. Timely updates prevent these problems before they appear.
Where And How To Update Aadhaar Biometric Information
Parents can update their child’s Aadhaar biometrics at any authorised Aadhaar enrolment or update centre. The process is straightforward.
Step 1: Locate The Nearest Aadhaar Centre
You can use the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal to find an authorised centre near you.
- Visit the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal: https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/aadhaar
- Click on the Centres Nearby option.
- Enter your location or PIN code and select the radius within which you want to search.
- The portal will display a list and map of nearby Aadhaar centres along with addresses and centre type.
Alternatively, you can reach the Bhuvan Aadhaar link through the My Aadhaar section on the official UIDAI site.
Step 2: Visit The Enrolment Or Update Centre
On the selected date
- Take your child along to the chosen Aadhaar centre.
- Carry the child’s existing Aadhaar card or Aadhaar letter.
- Keep one valid identity proof and address proof of the parent or guardian if requested.
Step 3: Capture New Biometric Data
At the centre
- The operator will first verify your Aadhaar and the child’s Aadhaar.
- Updated fingerprints of the child will be captured.
- Fresh iris scans will be taken.
- A new, recent photograph of the child will be clicked.
The operator will then submit the biometric update request and give you an acknowledgement slip or receipt number for tracking.
Step 4: Confirmation Of Update
In a few days, once the update is processed, you can
- Check Aadhaar update status on the UIDAI website.
- Download an updated Aadhaar copy from the My Aadhaar portal if required.
During the one year waiver window for the 7 to 15 age group, you should not be charged any biometric update fee for the child’s Aadhaar.
Practical Tips For Parents Before Visiting The Centre
- Try to visit during less crowded hours such as early morning on working days.
- Explain the process gently to your child so they are comfortable with fingerprint and iris scanning.
- Carry originals of all required documents and, if possible, one set of photocopies.
- Preserve the acknowledgement slip until you have confirmed that the update is successfully completed.
Key Takeaways At A Glance
- Children’s Aadhaar biometrics must be updated during the 5 to 15 age window to keep identity records accurate.
- UIDAI has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited to understand and solve the reasons behind delayed updates.
- From 1 October 2025, biometric updates for children aged 7 to 15 years will be free for one year, removing the fee barrier.
- Parents should use the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal to find the nearest authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre and complete updates on time.
- Updated biometrics help children access Aadhaar linked services, schemes and educational benefits smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which children are eligible for free Aadhaar biometric updates
Children who are between 7 and 15 years of age during the one year window starting 1 October 2025 are eligible for free biometric updates. The waiver applies to the mandatory biometric update that captures fresh fingerprints, iris scans and photograph of the child.
2. How long will the biometric update fee waiver be available
The biometric update fee waiver for children aged 7 to 15 years is available for one year from 1 October 2025. Parents should aim to complete their child’s biometric update within this period so that no fee is charged for the update.
3. Do parents need to book an appointment before visiting the Aadhaar centre
Appointment rules can vary by centre. In many locations, you can walk in directly, while some Aadhaar Seva Kendras may encourage or require online appointments. It is a good idea to call the centre or check through the UIDAI website before visiting, especially in busy urban areas.
4. Can demographic details also be updated along with biometrics
Yes, in most cases you can request changes to demographic details such as address or mobile number during the same visit, subject to document requirements and applicable rules. However, the fee waiver announced is specifically for biometric updates of children in the 7 to 15 age group. Separate charges may apply for other types of updates depending on UIDAI guidelines at that time.
5. What happens if I do not update my child’s biometrics on time
If biometrics are not updated within the recommended age window, your child’s Aadhaar may face authentication issues in the future. This can lead to difficulties in using Aadhaar for school processes, bank accounts, government schemes or digital services. It may also require multiple visits later to rectify the records. Updating biometrics during the free waiver period avoids these problems and keeps the Aadhaar record accurate and valid.
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