Aadhaar Update for 5-Yr-Olds to Soon Start in Schools

July 21, 2025 - India is preparing to launch a nationwide drive to update Aadhaar biometric data for children above the age of five through schools. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is currently conducting technical trials and the initiative is expected to begin within the next two months.

As per Aadhaar rules, children under five years of age receive an Aadhaar without biometric data. However, once they turn five, a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is required. UIDAI sources reveal that nearly seven crore children in the country who are now over five years old have not yet had their Aadhaar biometrics updated.

To address this, UIDAI will run special campaigns in schools to collect and update biometric data. The MBU includes capturing a photograph, fingerprints and an iris scan.

“UIDAI is working on a project to start updating the biometrics of children with parental consent through schools. We are at present testing the technology and it should be ready in 45-60 days,” UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Bhuvnesh Kumar said to the media.

Kumar said completing biometric updates will benefit school children by easing access to scholarships, admissions, examinations, and direct benefit transfers (DBT) under various government schemes.

Additionally, a second biometric update is mandatory when a child turns 15 years old, as per Aadhaar regulations. It is still undecided whether UIDAI will include the second MBU in the school campaign or not - a decision may be taken later.

With Media Inputs