UIDAI makes Aadhaar biometric update charges free for children

In a major relief for parents and students, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a complete waiver of charges for Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs) for children aged 7 to 15 years.
The decision, effective from October 1, 2025, will remain in force for one year and is expected to benefit nearly 6 crore children across the country.

Under Aadhaar rules, children below the age of five are enrolled only with a photograph and basic details such as name, date of birth, gender, address, and birth certificate, since their fingerprints and iris biometrics are not mature enough.

Once the child turns five years, a first biometric update (MBU-1) is required, followed by a second biometric update (MBU-2) at the age of 15 years.

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While these updates are normally free if carried out between 5–7 years and 15–17 years, beyond this window a fee of Rs 125 is usually charged. With the latest decision, all biometric updates for children in the 5–17-year age group will now be free of cost, ensuring a wider coverage of updated Aadhaar records.

The government emphasized that updated Aadhaar is crucial for ensuring seamless access to services such as school admissions, scholarships, entrance examinations, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. Parents and guardians have been urged to update their children’s Aadhaar biometrics at the earliest.

Officials said this move reflects UIDAI’s commitment to ease of living, education access, and digital empowerment for children and families.