Free Aadhaar Card Update: The Aadhaar card is considered an essential document; without it, accomplishing various tasks becomes difficult. You cannot carry out government or non-government work if you do not possess an Aadhaar card. It is used for purposes such as school admissions, availing benefits of government schemes, banking, filing income tax, and applying for jobs. Given this, it has become extremely important. Everyone, from children to the elderly, uses the Aadhaar card. Special Aadhaar cards are issued for children. A new deadline regarding Aadhaar cards has recently been announced; let us look at the details.
Deadline of September 30
For your information, the deadline issued by the UIDAI (the body responsible for issuing Aadhaar cards) specifically concerns children’s Aadhaar cards. A time limit has been set for obtaining a free biometric update under the ‘Baal Aadhaar’ (Child Aadhaar) scheme. This process must be completed by September 30.
Mandatory for children over 5 years of age
According to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), September 30, 2026, has been set as the date for the mandatory biometric update for children aged between 5 and 17 years. During this period, the biometric update can be done for free—meaning there will be no charge. If the update is done after this date, a fee will have to be paid.
Information not recorded for 5-year-olds
Reportedly, details regarding fingerprints and iris scans are not recorded when an Aadhaar card is created for children under the age of 5. However, once a child crosses the age of 5, biometric details—such as a photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan—are updated for the first time. Subsequently, a second biometric update becomes mandatory upon reaching the age of 15.
Free Aadhaar Updates for Specific Groups
The UIDAI had previously waived update fees for a one-year period for individuals aged 7 to 15 (and older). Consequently, the UIDAI is currently offering mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5 to 17 free of charge.
Where and How to Get the Update Done
Parents can complete this process by taking their children to a nearby Aadhaar enrolment centre. Special camps are also being organised in many schools. Under this initiative, biometric updates have already been completed for over 20 million (2 crore) children across more than 156,000 schools.
What Happens If You Don’t Update?
Updating on time significantly reduces the risk of facing difficulties regarding Aadhaar-based identity verification—whether for school or college admissions, scholarships, government schemes, or entrance exams like NEET, JEE, and CUET. Failing to get the update done could lead to complications.