The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that all charges for the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for Baal Aadhaar or blue Aadhaar cards—issued to children between 5 and 17 years—have waived for an entire year.
According to UIDAI, the MBU process requires children holding blue Aadhaar cards to update their biometrics once they turn 5 years (MBU 1) and again at 15 years (MBU 2). These updates ensure that the Aadhaar database contains accurate fingerprints, iris scans and photographs, which cannot be captured reliably before the age of five.
The move, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, will remain free for one year. After October 2026, each biometric update will cost the standard fee of ₹125.
What is Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)?
When a child below the age of five gets a blue Aadhaar card, only demographic details—name, DOB, gender, address and photo—captured. Fingerprints and iris scans not collected due to their immaturity at that age.
Once the child turns 5 years, complete biometrics must updated under MBU 1, which functions like a fresh enrolment but retains the original Aadhaar number.
Upon turning 15 years, the holder must again submit updated biometrics under MBU 2.
Who Will Benefit?
The government has estimated that nearly 6 crore children across the country will benefit from this one-year waiver on biometric update charges.
Documents Needed for MBU
Children completing their MBU must carry:
- The Baal Aadhaar (blue Aadhaar card)
- Aadhaar card of the parent or guardian
- Original documents as required
Updates can completed at the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra, with location details available on the official UIDAI website.
