UIDAI’s Mission Mode Drive: Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Update Completed for 12 Million Children
New Delhi, March 3, 2026 — The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has achieved a major milestone by completing its Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) drive in over 1,03,000 schools across the country. The massive nationwide exercise has enabled approximately 1.2 crore (12 million) school children to seamlessly update their Aadhaar biometrics directly on their school campuses.
UDISE+ Integration and Execution
The mission-mode drive was officially rolled out for school children in September 2025. The initiative was made possible through a technological integration with the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) application, managed by the Union Department of School Education & Literacy.
This digital integration provided UIDAI with direct visibility into the MBU status of students. It allowed authorities to easily identify children who were due for a biometric update and organize targeted operational camps directly within school premises.
The nationwide execution is being coordinated by UIDAI Regional and State Offices in collaboration with state and Union Territory education departments, district administrations, and ecosystem partners. Currently, at least 4,000 biometric update machines are deployed for the exercise, with UIDAI processing further augmentations to accelerate the pace.
Free Updates and Alternative Centers
To encourage maximum compliance, UIDAI has made the Mandatory Biometric Update completely free of cost for children in the 7-15 age group. This fee waiver is applicable for a period of one year, which began on October 1, 2025.
While the school camps are ongoing for a dedicated six-month period, UIDAI officials have clarified that children and parents can also complete the MBU process by visiting any standard Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra across India.
Why the Update is Crucial
Keeping biometric data updated is a mandatory requirement for children, particularly as they grow and their physical biometrics change. An updated Aadhaar ensures seamless authentication for:
Receiving direct benefits under various state and central government schemes.
Processing and acquiring educational scholarships.
Registering for major competitive and university entrance examinations, including NEET, JEE, and CUET.
UIDAI continues to urge parents and guardians who have not yet utilized the school camps to ensure their children’s biometrics are updated promptly.
