Over 2 crore Aadhaar biometric updates for school children completed: Here’s how to do it for free till 30 September

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has completed more than 2 crore Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs) for school children as part of a nationwide drive, according to a press release by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The drive, launched in September 2025, has covered more than 1.56 lakh schools. UIDAI has worked with State and Union Territory education departments to organise biometric update camps at schools, making it easier for children to complete the process.

Here’s what parents need to know about Aadhaar biometric updates for children.

What is a Mandatory Biometric Update?

Children below five years are enrolled in Aadhaar using demographic details and a photograph. Their fingerprints and iris scans are not recorded at that stage.

As children grow, these biometric details need to be added and refreshed. An MBU is required:

• Once after the child turns 5
• Again after the child turns 15

The update includes fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph.

Is Aadhaar biometric update free for children?

Yes. MBU is free for children aged 5 to 17 years until 30 September 2026.

“To encourage timely completion and make the service more accessible, UIDAI had waived the charges for MBU for children in the 7–15 years age group from 1 October 2025 for a period of one year. MBU for children in the 5–7 years and 15–17 years age groups continue to be free of charge,” as per the release.

Therefore, parents currently do not have to pay for an MBU if the child is between 5 and 17 years old, subject to the applicable UIDAI rules.

Why is the update important?

Keeping children’s biometric information updated can help reduce authentication-related problems as they move through school and higher education.

UIDAI has also highlighted that outdated biometrics could create difficulties when Aadhaar authentication is needed for:

How can parents update their child’s Aadhaar biometrics?

Parents need to take the child to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre for the mandatory biometric update, as the process cannot be completed online. Parents should complete the first MBU after the child turns 5 and the second after turning 15.

• Find the nearest centre: Parents can locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre through the Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal.
• Take the child to the centre: The child must be physically present because fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph need to be captured.
• Carry the Aadhaar number: Parents should carry the child’s Aadhaar number for the MBU process.
• Complete the update: At the centre, the child’s fingerprints, iris, and photograph will be captured and updated in the Aadhaar record.
• Keep the acknowledgement slip: Parents should retain the acknowledgement containing the Update Request Number (URN) to track the update request.
• Check the update status: The request can be tracked using the URN on the UIDAI website. Updates generally reflect within a few weeks.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Please visit the official website for the latest updates.