The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has urged parents and guardians to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children who have turned seven and have not yet updated their Aadhaar biometrics. This is a key requirement under Aadhaar, and the update can be done at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or designated centre.
For children below five years, Aadhaar enrolment is done using a photograph and demographic details, without capturing fingerprints or iris scans due to the immaturity of biometric traits. Once a child turns five, it is mandatory to update their biometrics—fingerprints, iris, and photo. This first MBU is free if done between the ages of five and seven. However, after the child turns seven, a fee of Rs. 100 is applicable.
Timely completion of the MBU ensures the reliability of biometric records. If the update is not done even after the age of seven, the Aadhaar number is liable to be deactivated as per UIDAI rules.
From enrolment to opportunity
An Aadhaar with updated biometrics enables smooth access to a variety of essential services including school admissions, entrance exams, scholarships, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. UIDAI is sending SMS alerts to the mobile numbers registered with the Aadhaar of such children, urging parents to prioritize the update.
With an updated Aadhaar, children are empowered at every step of their journey, and parents are encouraged to act promptly to ensure uninterrupted access to services and benefits.
