PIB: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has taken a proactive step by urging schools across the country to help students complete their Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). This applies to children aged 5 to 15 years, and aims to make the process seamless through school-led coordination.
Why the Update Matters
What the MBU involves: At age 5, children must update their Aadhaar with fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph this is done free of cost if completed by age 7. Missing this window may lead to a ₹100 fee.
Risk of deactivation: UIDAI has warned that Aadhaar numbers may be deactivated if the biometric update is not done even after age 7. Deactivation can disrupt access to school admissions, entrance exams, scholarships, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and other services.
Current gap: Over 7 crore children still haven’t completed their mandatory updates. UIDAI has begun sending SMS reminders to registered parents’ mobile numbers to prompt action.
The School Based Solution
UIDAI plans to make the process convenient by deploying portable biometric machines at district levels and rotating them through schools. With parental consent, children can get updated at school itself saving parents a trip to enrollment centres.
The technology is being tested and is expected to roll out in phases within the next 45 to 60 days.
A similar process is being planned for the second biometric update required at age 15, and schools will be the primary access point, followed by colleges later.
What This Means for Parents and Schools
Schools have been asked to support and coordinate the exercise informing parents, facilitating consent, and organizing scheduling as machines arrive.
Parents should act promptly especially between ages 5 and 7, when updates are free to avoid penalties or service disruptions.
UIDAI’s push also ties into its broader goals of making Aadhaar reliable, inclusive, and functional for public benefit schemes.
Quick Highlights
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who must update? | Children aged 5 to 15 YEARS |
| Free update window | Ages 5 to 7 years |
| Fee after 7 years | ₹100 |
| Risk of inaction | Aadhaar may be deactivated |
| How it’s done | UIDAI machines visiting schools for updates |
| Next phase | Second biometric update when children turn 15 |
