Aadhaar Biometric Update: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has successfully conducted over 2 crore mandatory biometric updates (MBU) for school children nationwide as part of a significant initiative. A press release from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology states that this special campaign began in September 2025, covering more than 1.56 lakh schools to date. UIDAI, in partnership with the education departments of various states and union territories, has set up special camps in schools to ensure that children can easily update their biometrics.
What is Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) and why is it essential? When children under the age of 5 are registered for Aadhaar, only their demographic information and photo are collected. Fingerprints and iris scans are not captured at that stage. As children grow, their physical features change, necessitating the update of their biometric data. Regulations stipulate that the first update must occur when the child turns 5, and the second when they reach 15. During this process, the child’s fingerprint, iris scan, and most recent photo are taken.
Free service available until 30 September 2026: The most reassuring news for parents is that mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5 to 17 are entirely free. UIDAI has announced that the fee has been waived for children aged 7 to 15 for one year, starting from October 1, 2025. However, this service is already free for children aged 5 to 7 and 15 to 17. Thus, parents can complete this update for their children without any charges until September 30, 2026.
Why is it necessary for future exams and government schemes?
Timely updating of biometric data is crucial to avoid potential issues for children later on. UIDAI has emphasized that outdated biometric information can obstruct authentication. This update is vital for the following services.
Scholarships and Government Schemes:- To avail scholarships and other government benefits during school and higher education.
Competitive Exams:- For biometric verification in national level entrance and competitive exams like JEE, NEET and CUET.
Verification Process (KYC):- During identity authentication for opening a bank account or other educational and official services.
Step by step process to update Aadhaar biometrics
Biometric updates for children cannot be done online, as they require fingerprint and iris scans. Parents must accompany their children to the enrollment center:
Search Center:- Parents Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal (Bhuvan Aadhaar PortalYou can locate your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre through ).
Child’s presence:- It is mandatory for the child to be present at the time of the procedure so that their fingerprints, iris and photo can be captured.
Important Documents:- It is necessary to carry the child’s Aadhaar number while going to the centre.
Enrolling Biometric Data: The representative at the centre will update the child’s fingerprint, iris scan and photo in the system.
Keep the receipt safe:- After completion of the process, you will get an acknowledgement receipt, which contains the Update Request Number (URN).
Check Status: You can track the status of the update on the official UIDAI website using your URN. The new data is usually updated in the system within a few weeks.