New Delhi, Aug 2026 : The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that the mandatory biometric update for children between five and 17 years of age will continue to be available free of cost until September 30, urging parents and guardians to complete the process within the stipulated deadline.
UIDAI has advised parents to ensure that children undergo the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) when they turn five and again at the age of 15. The exercise is intended to keep Aadhaar records updated as children’s biometric features develop with age.
The authority said maintaining accurate Aadhaar information can help children verify their identity without difficulty for purposes such as school admissions, examinations, scholarships and access to various government welfare schemes.
“Complete Mandatory Biometric Updates of children when they reach the age of 5 and 15,” UIDAI said in a social media post, highlighting that the service is currently available free of charge.
At the time of Aadhaar enrolment, children below five years are provided an Aadhaar number based on their demographic information and photograph. Their fingerprints and iris details are not initially captured because biometric characteristics are still developing at that age.
Once a child turns five, biometric information is required to be added to the Aadhaar record. A further update is recommended at the age of 15 to ensure that the biometric details continue to accurately represent the individual.
To encourage parents to complete the process, UIDAI had waived charges for mandatory biometric updates for children aged seven to 15 from October 1, 2025, for a period of one year. The current free-of-cost facility is scheduled to remain available until September 30.
UIDAI has urged parents and guardians not to postpone the update until the final days of the facility and has advised them to visit the nearest Aadhaar centre to complete the process.
The 12-digit Aadhaar number serves as a widely used identity document for residents of India and is utilised for authentication and accessing a range of government services and benefits.
