In a historic decision, the UIDAI has completely waived all fees for the mandatory biometric update (MBU-1) for children aged 7 to 15 years. This significant move has provided direct relief to approximately 60 million children in the country. This extraordinary waiver came into effect on October 1st and will remain valid for a full year, until October 1st, 2026. Now, parents will not have to pay any fees to update their children’s Aadhaar.
Why Biometric Updates Are Important for Children
UIDAI issued an official statement on October 4th, explaining the key reasons behind this decision. Biometric updates in Aadhaar are mandatory so that children can easily avail of government services such as education, scholarships, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.
The biometric update process involves children’s fingerprints, iris scans, and a new photo. As children grow older, their biometrics change, so this update is essential to maintain their identity accuracy. This free update will also facilitate their school admissions and entrance exams.
How much will the fee waiver benefit children
This unprecedented move by UIDAI will directly benefit approximately 6 crore children. Previously, a fee was charged for biometric updates.
Old Rule
Previously, the first and second mandatory biometric updates performed between the ages of 5-7 and 15-17 were free. However, after that, a fixed fee of ₹125 was charged for each MBU (mandatory biometric update). This fee has now been completely waived for children between the ages of 7 and 15.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology clarified that making Aadhaar biometric updates free will ensure children’s access to DBT and scholarship schemes. This is a strong step towards securing children’s future.
Which children will not be subject to this rule
This powerful rule will not apply to children under the age of 5. Fingerprints and iris scans are not required for Aadhaar cards for children under 5. Their Aadhaar is linked to their parents’ biometrics. Therefore, this free update exemption is only applicable to children between the ages of 7 and 15, whose biometric data changes as they age.
Parents now have a full year, until October 1, 2026, to update their children’s Aadhaar biometrics without any financial burden, and to prevent them from being deprived of government benefits.