In a significant move aimed at easing access to Aadhaar-linked services, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that all charges for Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU-1) will be waived for children. The waiver, effective from October 1, 2025, will remain in place for one year and is expected to benefit around six crore children across the country.
Understanding Mandatory Biometric Updates for Children
Aadhaar enrolment for children below the age of five requires basic details like name, date of birth, gender, address, and proof documents, along with a photograph. Since fingerprints and iris scans are not fully developed in young children, these biometric details are not collected at the time of initial enrollment.
As per UIDAI rules, these biometric details must be updated once the child reaches the age of five. This process is known as the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU-1). While MBUs performed between five and seven years of age are traditionally free, updates beyond seven years carried a nominal fee of ₹100.
Furthermore, the second MBU, required between ages 15–17, is also free of cost. Beyond this, a fee of ₹125 per MBU is charged. With the new waiver, all MBUs for children aged 5–17 are now free, removing any financial barriers for parents or guardians.
Why Timely MBU is Important
The UIDAI has emphasized that completing MBUs on time is crucial for maintaining accuracy and reliability of biometric data. If a child fails to update their Aadhaar biometrics even after the prescribed age, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, which can affect access to essential services.
Updated Aadhaar biometrics ensure seamless use of the unique ID for a variety of purposes, including:
- School admissions
- Entrance examinations
- Scholarship applications
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes
- Other government services
UIDAI has advised parents and guardians to prioritize the biometric update of their children to avoid service disruptions in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Effective Date: October 1, 2025
- Age Group Covered: 5–17 years
- Fee Waiver: All MBUs free for one year
- Beneficiaries: Approximately six crore children
This initiative reflects UIDAI’s ongoing efforts to make Aadhaar more inclusive and accessible, particularly for children, ensuring they can avail essential benefits without facing financial or procedural hurdles.
