In a significant step towards making digital identity more accessible for the nation’s youth, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced the waiver of all charges for the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU-1) for children aged 7 to 15.
This pro-people initiative is set to benefit nearly 6 crore children across the country, removing financial barriers that often hinder timely updates to their Aadhaar records.
The waiver took effect on October 1, 2025. It will remain in place for one year, providing families a crucial window to ensure their children’s Aadhaar profiles are up-to-date without any cost. Previously, while the first MBU was free if done between ages 5 and 7, and the second between 15 and 17, a fee of Rs. 125 applied for updates outside these narrow windows. With this new policy, MBUs are now effectively free for all children up to age 17, simplifying the process and promoting inclusivity.
Aadhaar Biometric Update Waiver: What You Need to Know
For context, children under five are enrolled in Aadhaar using basic details like photographs, names, dates of birth, gender, addresses, and birth certificates. At this tender age, fingerprints and iris scans are skipped as biometrics aren’t fully developed. However, upon turning five, the first mandatory update requires capturing these biometrics—fingerprints, iris, and a fresh photo—to keep the Aadhaar functional. A second update follows at age 15 for the same reason.
UIDAI emphasises that an updated Aadhaar is more than just a 12-digit number; it’s a gateway to essential services. “Aadhaar with updated biometrics facilitates ease of living and ensures seamless usage in availing services such as school admissions, registering for entrance examinations, availing benefits of scholarships, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes,” the authority stated in its official release.
This move is particularly timely as millions of children gear up for the new academic year, where outdated Aadhaar can lead to delays in enrollment or missed opportunities for government scholarships and welfare programs.
Parents and guardians are urged to prioritise these updates at the nearest Aadhaar Kendra, leveraging the fee-free period to avoid future hassles.
As India strides towards a fully digital future, such measures ensure no child is left behind in the Aadhaar ecosystem.
