In a major move aimed at improving access to essential services for school-age children, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a complete waiver of biometric update charges for children between the ages of 7 and 15 years. This waiver came into effect on October 1, 2025, and will remain in force for one year, until September 30, 2026.
The decision, announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is expected to benefit nearly 6 crore children across the country, making it easier for them to access education, government welfare schemes, and other Aadhaar-linked services.
📌 What Has UIDAI Announced?
Under the new directive:
- Children aged 7 to 15 years will no longer be required to pay the ₹125 biometric update charge.
- This waiver applies specifically to the Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs) — typically required at age 5 and again at age 15.
- Earlier, the biometric updates were free only if performed within a narrow window:
- Between 5 and 7 years (First MBU)
- Between 15 and 17 years (Second MBU)
Outside this window, ₹125 was charged per update.
- Now, biometric updates between 5 and 17 years of age are completely free.
👶 What is a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)?
Children under 5 years are enrolled for Aadhaar using only a photograph, along with basic demographic information like name, date of birth, gender, and address. Fingerprints and iris scans are not collected at that stage, as they are not developed enough for accurate capture.
Hence, UIDAI mandates two biometric updates:
- First MBU: After the child turns 5 years old
- Second MBU: After the child turns 15 years old
These updates ensure that the child’s Aadhaar remains accurate, reliable, and usable for verification in various services.
🎯 Why Is This Important?
An updated Aadhaar is crucial for children to:
- Get school admissions
- Apply for scholarships
- Register for competitive or entrance exams
- Access benefits under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes
- Use Aadhaar for identity verification wherever required
With millions of children relying on Aadhaar for access to government and educational services, removing the update fee will eliminate financial barriers for many families.
👨👩👧 UIDAI’s Advisory to Parents and Guardians
UIDAI is encouraging all parents and guardians to:
- Check if their child’s biometrics are up to date in Aadhaar
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrollment center
- Update fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph of the child as needed
These updates help ensure that Aadhaar remains functional and acceptable for all verification and benefit disbursement processes.
🗓️ Effective Period of the Waiver
| Effective From | Valid Until | Age Group Covered |
| October 1, 2025 | September 30, 2026 | 7 to 15 years |
💬 Conclusion
The waiver of Aadhaar biometric update charges by UIDAI is a progressive, people-first measure. It aligns with the government’s objective of “Ease of Living” and digital inclusion, especially for children from economically weaker sections. This initiative ensures that cost does not become a barrier in availing essential services that rely on Aadhaar authentication.
Parents are advised to make use of this one-year window and prioritize Aadhaar biometric updates for their children to prevent any disruption in accessing educational and welfare services.