Who: UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India).
What: Waiver of biometric update charges for children aged 7–15 for one year, and a partnership with Behavioural Insights Ltd (BIT) to boost timely updates.
When: Waiver effective 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026.
Where: All authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centres / Aadhaar Seva Kendras (book via UIDAI/Bhuvan portal or mAadhaar).
Why it matters: Timely Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) avoids verification problems for school admissions, welfare schemes and other Aadhaar-linked services.
What UIDAI announced (short summary)
On 6 October 2025 UIDAI officially announced a one-year waiver of charges for Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children aged 7–15. The move is part of a broader plan to ensure accurate Baal/Blue Aadhaar records and to reduce friction for millions of families. UIDAI has also signed a collaboration with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIT) to design reminders and simple communications that help parents complete updates on time.
Why parents miss biometric updates (and how UIDAI will help)
UIDAI’s research shows many parents delay MBUs because they are unclear about the process, forget the timing, or find it inconvenient to visit a centre. To address this, UIDAI will use behavioural science — testing nudges, reminder messages and simplified instructions — so caregivers receive timely, easy-to-follow prompts and face fewer barriers to updating their child’s biometrics. This partnership aims to convert intent into action.
Who benefits — scale and impact
According to UIDAI documents, around six crore (60 million) children will benefit from the waiver and outreach push. The fee waiver applies to the MBU milestone between ages 7 and 15, helping families who might otherwise postpone the update. The programme is expected to reduce future verification failures for schools, scholarships, and other welfare services that rely on Aadhaar biometrics.
Step-by-step: How to update Blue (Baal) Aadhaar biometrics — free of charge
Follow these simple steps to complete the Aadhaar biometric update for children (7–15) during the free period:
- Check eligibility
Children aged 7–15 are eligible for free MBU between 1 Oct 2025 and 30 Sept 2026. If your child has already done MBU in this window, no additional charge applies. UIDAI - Locate your nearest centre
Use the UIDAI website, Bhuvan Aadhaar portal or the mAadhaar app to find authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centres or an Aadhaar Seva Kendra near you. Centres list and timings are on the UIDAI portal. - Book or walk-in
Many centres accept walk-ins, but booking a slot (where available) reduces waiting time. Check centre details and availability online. - Carry required documents
- Child’s Baal/Blue Aadhaar (if issued) or Aadhaar number.
- Parent/guardian’s Aadhaar for verification.
- Any supporting original documents if demographic details are being changed (address, name, DOB).
- On-site biometric capture
At the enrolment centre, officials will capture the child’s photograph, fingerprints and iris scans as required for MBU. These are taken freshly and updated into the Aadhaar record. The process is standard and should be completed during the visit. - Receive URN (Update Request Number)
After submission you will receive a URN. Use this number on the UIDAI portal to check the status of the update. - Download updated Aadhaar
Once processed, the updated Aadhaar PDF/e-Aadhaar can be downloaded from UIDAI or accessed via the mAadhaar app. Keep a soft copy and print if necessary.
Frequently asked questions (quick answers)
Q: Is the biometric update free for all children aged 5–17 now?
A: The waiver announced specifically covers children aged 7–15 for one year (1 Oct 2025–30 Sept 2026). UIDAI’s MBU policy already notes that MBUs at ages 5–7 and 15–17 are normally free; this waiver removes fees that might have applied for the 7–15 bracket during this period. Check UIDAI for exact age categories and operational details. UIDAI
Q: Will the waiver be extended?
A: UIDAI has not announced an automatic extension; continuation will depend on uptake and policy review. Parents should use the free window to avoid future charges. UIDAI
Q: Can I update other details (address, name) during MBU?
A: Yes — demographic corrections (address, name, DOB, mobile, email) can be made at enrolment centres. Different forms or supporting documents may be required.
What UIDAI and BIT say (official context)
UIDAI emphasised this is a pro-people measure combining technology with behavioural design. UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar noted the waiver and the collaboration aim to reduce friction and make biometric updation intuitive for families. BIT’s leadership underlined that evidence-based nudges and simplified communications can raise timely compliance and ensure children continue to access Aadhaar-linked services. (Paraphrased from UIDAI / BIT releases.)
Why timely MBU matters — practical consequences
Accurate biometrics ensure seamless authentication for:
- School admissions and scholarships
- Government welfare programmes (scholarships, mid-day meals, immunisation records)
- Banking and fintech KYC where biometrics are used
- Future eKYC and benefit transfers
Outdated biometric data can cause failed authentications and denied access — an avoidable administrative hurdle for children and families. The waiver therefore removes cost as a barrier and, together with behavioural nudges, aims to increase on-time updates.
Tips for parents — make the visit smooth
- Book a slot where possible.
- Visit early morning when centres are less crowded.
- Carry originals and photocopies of parent and child documents.
- Keep the child calm (avoid mud or ink on fingers).
- Use the URN to track status online.
- Download the updated Aadhaar from the UIDAI site or mAadhaar once notified.
What is Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)?
MBU is a feature of Aadhaar that asks for fresh biometrics at key growth stages — traditionally once between ages 5–7 and again after age 15 — because a child’s fingerprints and iris patterns change as they grow. The update ensures authentication accuracy over time. UIDAI’s move to incentivise timely MBUs is part of easing access to services that depend on Aadhaar.
What to watch next — rollout and outreach
- Behavioural trials: Expect pilot communications and reminder experiments in sample districts before nationwide roll-out. Press Information Bureau
- Centre readiness: UIDAI will work to ensure enrolment centres are equipped to handle higher footfall. UIDAI
- Impact metrics: Watch for UIDAI updates on uptake rates and measured improvements in MBU compliance.
This waiver and the UIDAI–BIT collaboration remove cost and communications barriers that kept many families from updating Baal Aadhaar biometrics on time. Parents should use the free window (1 Oct 2025–30 Sept 2026) to update their child’s Aadhaar and avoid future verification problems. For the latest centre lists and status tracking, always refer to the official UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
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