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Free Aadhaar biometric update for children: UIDAI waives fee for one year

Free Aadhaar biometric update for children
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Free Aadhaar biometric update for children
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a complete waiver of charges for Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children aged 7 to 15 years.
Free Biometric Updates from October 2025 to September 2026
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Free Biometric Updates from October 2025 to September 2026
Starting October 1, 2025, parents can update their child’s fingerprints, iris, and photograph at Aadhaar centres without any fee. This waiver covers both the first and second Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs), ensuring all children aged 5–17 years can update their Aadhaar at no cost during this period.
Why are biometric updates important for children?
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Why are biometric updates important for children?
Updated Aadhaar ensures smooth access to education and welfare benefits. A biometrically updated Aadhaar helps children access crucial services seamlessly, such as school admissions, entrance examinations, scholarship benefits, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes.
Understanding Aadhaar’s biometric update cycle
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Understanding Aadhaar’s biometric update cycle
At age 5, the first mandatory biometric update is required when a child’s fingerprints and iris are captured for the first time. At age 15, the second MBU ensures data accuracy as the child enters adulthood. Earlier, a fee was applicable for these updates. With the new decision, UIDAI has made them completely free for all children aged 5–17 years.
What will be cost to update Aadhaar after the free update period?
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What will be cost to update Aadhaar after the free update period?
The first and second mandatory biometric updates, if performed between 5-7 and 15-17 years of age respectively, are free of cost. Thereafter, a prescribed fee of Rs. 125/- per MBU is charged. With this decision, MBU is now effectively free for all children in the age group of 5-17.
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