Archive · 22 Aug 2026
UIDAI Completes 2 Crore Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children
Young children initially receive Aadhaar using their basic details and a photograph.
Their fingerprints and eye scans are not recorded before age five.
As children grow, these details need to be added or refreshed.
This is called a Mandatory Biometric Update, or MBU.
Children need one update after turning five and another after turning 15.
The update includes fingerprints, iris scans, and a new photograph.
It is currently free for children aged 5 to 17 until 30 September 2026.
Parents must take their child to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to complete it.
UIDAI has completed more than 2 crore Mandatory Biometric Updates for school children nationwide.
The drive, launched in September 2025, covered more than 1.56 lakh schools.
Children must complete one biometric update after turning 5 and another after turning 15.
MBU is free for children aged 5 to 17 until 30 September 2026, subject to UIDAI rules.
Parents must take the child to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre because biometric updates cannot be completed online.
- Who
- The Unique Identification Authority of India, state and Union Territory education departments, schools, and children needing biometric updates.
- What
- A nationwide drive has completed more than 2 crore Mandatory Biometric Updates for school children.
- When
- The drive began in September 2025, and the update is free for eligible children until 30 September 2026.
- Where
- Across India, including biometric update camps organised at more than 1.56 lakh schools.
- Why
- To keep children’s biometric records current and help reduce authentication problems for education services, government benefits, examinations, and other Aadhaar-linked services.
- Updates completed
- More than 2 crore Mandatory Biometric Updates
- Schools covered
- More than 1.56 lakh schools
- Drive launched
- September 2025
- First MBU
- After the child turns 5
- Second MBU
- After the child turns 15
- Free eligibility
- Children aged 5 to 17 until 30 September 2026, subject to UIDAI rules
- Where to apply
- An Aadhaar Enrolment Centre; the process is not available online