EPFO Rule: Big news for employees. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has made a major change to the rules for creating Universal Account Numbers (UANs). From August 1, 2025, new UANs can only be created through the UMANG app. The EPFO has made Face Authentication Technology (FAT) mandatory in this new process to ensure a secure and error-free process.
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The new system was implemented on August 1
According to an official circular issued by the EPFO, the use of the UMANG app will now be mandatory for all new UANs. The organization states that the old system often faced complaints of duplicate or incorrect details being entered. Under the new rules, this process will be easier and more transparent, as face authentication will verify the user’s identity directly from the Aadhaar database.
Which employees will be required to use the UMANG app?
This rule applies to all employees who want to generate a new UAN for the first time or activate an existing one. Additionally, employees who want to update their EPFO details will also be required to use the UMANG app.
However, citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or foreign nationals working in India are currently exempt from this process. For such employees, the UAN number will be generated by the employer as before.
What is the UMANG app, and how will it help?
UMANG, or Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance, is the Government of India’s multi-service platform. It allows people to access multiple government services through a single app. The EPFO has now made this app the primary medium for UAN generation and activation.
Employees will also need to install the Aadhaar Face RD app on their smartphones. This app will enable authentication through facial recognition to prevent fraudulent accounts from being opened in someone else’s name.
How to Generate a New UAN Using the UMANG App
To generate a new UAN, employees must open the UMANG app on their smartphone. Go to the EPFO section and select the “UAN Allotment and Activation” option. Users must then enter their Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to it. After entering the information, an OTP will be sent to their mobile number, which must be verified.
After OTP verification, the system will perform face scan authentication through the Aadhaar Face RD app. If a UAN does not already exist in the individual’s name, the system will automatically generate a new UAN and send it to the registered mobile number.
UAN Activation Process Using the UMANG App
If you already have a UAN number and wish to activate it, open the UMANG app and select the “UAN Activation” option. Then, enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number to verify the OTP. Next, you’ll need to perform biometric authentication using the Aadhaar Face RD app.
Once face verification is complete, you’ll receive a temporary password on your registered mobile number. This password will allow you to log in to your EPFO account and complete further procedures.