The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIT), a behavioural research organisation, to make the Aadhaar biometric update process smoother for children. The collaboration between the two focuses on improving the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU), which every child must complete at the ages of 5 and 15. These updates include fresh fingerprints, iris scans and photographs.
Delays in Biometric Updates by Parents?
UIDAI has found that many parents delay biometric updates due to confusion, lack of awareness, or inconvenience. This means children sometimes miss out on important Aadhaar-linked services.
Therefore with help from BIT, UIDAI plans to study the behaviour patterns of parents and identify what stops them from completing the update on time. The research team will then design simple nudges, reminders, and communication tools to guide families to complete the process without stress.
Fee Waiver to Encourage More Updates:
To further boost participation, UIDAI has waived the biometric update fee for children aged 7 to 15 years for one year, starting 1 October 2025. This move is expected to benefit millions of families by removing financial barriers. The temporary waiver is aimed at encouraging parents to complete the MBU promptly.
Importance of the Initiative:
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar shared that blending technology with an understanding of human behaviour will help make Aadhaar services more user-friendly. He added that the initiative is designed to create a smoother experience for families and ensure that children’s Aadhaar records remain accurate.
BIT CEO Rachel Coyle highlighted that evidence-based behavioural methods can make a major difference in increasing the rate of timely updates, ensuring children continue to access essential services linked to Aadhaar.
Why Timely Updates Matter:
Updating biometrics at the right age ensures that a child’s Aadhaar details stay accurate and valid. This is important because Aadhaar is linked to various government schemes, identity documents, education benefits, and welfare programmes. Therefore when records are updated properly, children face fewer issues while accessing these services.
Parents can visit any authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with their child’s Aadhaar number to update fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs. The full list of centres is available on the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal.
