- Free Updates: MBUs free for children aged 5–17.
- Effective From: 1 October 2025, valid for 1 year.
- Coverage: Nearly 6 crore children.
- Purpose: Eases access to school, scholarships, DBT schemes.
- Action: Parents should update children’s Aadhaar promptly
Source: PIB
In a pro-people move, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has waived charges for Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children, benefiting nearly 6 crore children across the country. The waiver came into effect on 1 October 2025 and will remain valid for one year.
Children under five initially enroll for Aadhaar by providing basic details such as name, date of birth, gender, address, and photograph, while fingerprints and iris scans are not captured due to immaturity of biometrics at that age. Accordingly, the first MBU is required at age 5, and the second at age 15, to update fingerprints, iris, and photographs.
Previously, MBUs conducted outside the 5–7 and 15–17 age ranges required a fee of Rs. 125 per update. With the new decision, MBUs are now free for all children aged 5–17, ensuring easier compliance and accessibility.
UIDAI emphasized that updated Aadhaar biometrics facilitate access to essential services, including school admissions, registration for entrance exams, scholarships, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. Parents and guardians are advised to update the biometrics of their children promptly to avoid disruptions in accessing these services.
This initiative aligns with UIDAI’s ongoing efforts to simplify citizen services and promote ease of living, making Aadhaar updates more accessible for families nationwide.
Key Highlights
- Effective Date: The waiver of Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) charges came into effect on 1 October 2025 and will remain in force for one year.
- Beneficiaries: Nearly 6 crore children in India aged 5–17 will benefit from free MBUs.
- Mandatory Updates: a. First MBU: At age 5–7 years (fingerprints, iris, and photo update) b. Second MBU: At age 15–17 years
- Previous Fee: Rs. 125 per MBU applied after these age ranges. With this waiver, MBUs for children are now free.
- Purpose: Ensures updated Aadhaar biometrics for school admissions, entrance exams, scholarships, DBT schemes, and other essential services.
- Advice to Parents/Guardians: Update children’s Aadhaar biometrics on priority to ensure seamless access to services.
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