Summary: UIDAI has temporarily waived the biometric-update fee for children aged 7 to 15 until September 30, 2026. Parents should use this window if a child missed the mandatory Aadhaar biometric update after turning five. Updated biometrics can help prevent authentication problems during school admissions, entrance-exam registration, scholarship applications, DBT services and APAAR-related processes.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Key highlights
- The temporary free window for children aged 7–15 ends on September 30, 2026.
- The update records the child’s latest photograph, all ten fingerprints and both iris scans.
- Biometric updates cannot be completed online; the child must visit an Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Centre.
- UIDAI’s normal rules already make the first mandatory update free at ages 5–7 and the first or second update free at ages 15–17.
- UIDAI has warned that missing the required updates at the prescribed ages may lead to Aadhaar deactivation under existing rules.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Temporary fee waiver for ages 7–15 began | October 1, 2025 |
| Last date to use the temporary free biometric-update window | September 30, 2026 |
Who is affected?
The September 30 deadline is most important for children who are currently between 7 and 15 years old and did not complete the mandatory biometric update after turning five. Parents and guardians should also check whether a child approaching admission, exam, scholarship or benefit deadlines has current Aadhaar biometrics.
Children aged 5–7 and 15–17 are covered by UIDAI’s regular free mandatory-update rules. The temporary waiver closes the fee gap for children aged 7–15, giving families time to complete a missed update without the usual biometric-update charge.
What students and parents should do
Check the child’s age and Aadhaar update history. If the biometric update due after age five has not been completed, locate a nearby centre and finish the process before September 30, 2026. Do not wait until an admission or examination portal rejects an Aadhaar-based authentication attempt.
Step-by-step Aadhaar biometric update process
- Visit UIDAI’s official Get Aadhaar page to book an appointment where available, or use the official Bhuvan Aadhaar Centre locator.
- Take the child to the selected Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Centre. The biometric update must be completed in person.
- Provide the child’s Aadhaar number and request the mandatory biometric update.
- The operator will capture a new photograph, all ten fingerprints and both iris scans.
- Check the details shown by the operator before confirming the request.
- Collect the acknowledgement slip and keep the update request number safely.
- Use UIDAI’s official services to check the update status and download the updated e-Aadhaar after processing.
Why this matters for students
UIDAI says an updated Aadhaar can support smoother access to school admissions, entrance-examination registration, scholarships, Direct Benefit Transfer schemes and APAAR-related services where Aadhaar authentication is used. Completing the update early gives families time to resolve any issue before a separate student deadline.
Official fee rules
UIDAI’s current Aadhaar enrolment and update charges state that the first update between ages 5–7 is free, the first or second update between ages 15–17 is free, and biometric updates for ages 7–15 are free only up to September 30, 2026. Families should ask for an acknowledgement slip and verify any charge against the official schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child’s biometric update be completed online?
No. UIDAI states that fingerprint, iris and photograph updates require an in-person visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Centre.
Who has the September 30, 2026 fee-waiver deadline?
The temporary deadline is especially relevant to children aged 7–15 who missed the mandatory biometric update after turning five.
Is the update free for children aged 5–7 and 15–17?
Yes, subject to UIDAI’s stated update-count conditions. The first mandatory update at ages 5–7 is free, and the first or second update at ages 15–17 is free under the regular fee schedule.
Will the Aadhaar number change after the update?
No. UIDAI’s FAQ confirms that the Aadhaar number remains the same after an update.
Where can parents verify the rules?
Read UIDAI’s official enrolment and update FAQ, the mandatory biometric update fee FAQ, and the Government of India’s official awareness release.
EntranceAlert.com is an independent education information platform and is not affiliated with UIDAI, any examination authority, university, government department or admission body. Students and parents should verify current charges and instructions through the official UIDAI website before visiting a centre.