Free Aadhaar biometric update for kids ends soon

The window for a complimentary biometric refresh of Aadhaar records for children is closing on 30 September, according to a public notice from UIDAI. The agency stresses that the update – which captures fingerprints and iris data – becomes mandatory at ages five and fifteen, aligning the database with the child’s growing biometric profile.

Without the update, students may encounter obstacles when applying for school seats, competitive exams, scholarships, or any scheme that requires Aadhaar verification. UIDAI’s outreach, which started in September 2025, has already processed biometric data for roughly 20 million children nationwide, covering more than 156 000 educational institutions.

Although the free service will cease after the deadline, the authority has not yet ruled out a continuation of fee waivers. Parents are therefore advised to avoid last‑minute crowds and complete the process at the nearest enrollment centre as soon as possible.