UIDAI Sets Record by Updating Aadhaar Biometrics of 10 Million Children Across 83,000 Schools

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has achieved a major milestone by completing mandatory biometric updates (MBU) for over 10 million children studying in 83,000 schools across the country. The initiative aims to strengthen children’s Aadhaar records and ensure uninterrupted access to government services and educational opportunities.

UIDAI Achieves Major Aadhaar Milestone in Schools

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has successfully completed mandatory biometric updates (MBU) for more than one crore children studying in 83,000 schools nationwide. This large-scale drive is considered a significant step towards updating and strengthening Aadhaar records for children.

According to UIDAI, when Aadhaar is issued to children below the age of five, only basic demographic details such as photograph, name, date of birth, gender, address, and birth certificate are collected. At this age, fingerprints and iris data are not recorded because these biometric features are not fully developed.

As a result, biometric updates become mandatory when a child turns five and again at the age of 15. This process is known as Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU).

Why Mandatory Biometric Update Is Crucial

If Aadhaar biometric updates are not completed on time, children may face difficulties in availing government welfare schemes, completing identity verification, and registering for competitive and university entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE, and CUET.

To address these challenges, UIDAI launched a school-focused Aadhaar update campaign to ensure timely biometric updates for students.

School-Centric Aadhaar Campaign Launched in September 2025

The special campaign was launched in September 2025. As part of this initiative, UIDAI integrated its systems with the Ministry of Education’s UDISE+ platform. This technological integration enabled schools to clearly identify students whose biometric updates were pending.

Following this, special Aadhaar camps were organised within school premises, making it easier for children to complete their biometric updates without visiting external centres.

1.3 Crore Additional Biometric Updates Completed

UIDAI has made mandatory biometric updates completely free for children aged 7 to 15 years for a one-year period starting from October 1. UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Bhuvnesh Kumar wrote to the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, requesting their support in organising focused MBU camps in schools.

UIDAI stated that this mission-mode campaign will continue until all schools across the country are covered. Apart from schools, children can also complete their biometric updates at any Aadhaar enrolment centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

According to UIDAI, approximately 1.3 crore additional biometric updates have also been completed at these centres during the same period.

Centre and States Worked Together to Execute the Campaign

UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar sought cooperation from state governments and Union Territories to ensure the success of the initiative. UIDAI’s eight regional offices across the country worked closely with education departments, district administrations, and school managements to implement the campaign.

UIDAI has reiterated that the mission-mode drive will remain active until all schools nationwide are fully covered.