How UIDAI plans to simplify biometric Aadhaar updates for children

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is taking a people-centric approach to improve the adoption of the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children.

After recently waiving all charges for Aadhaar MBU, UIDAI has recently partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIT) to encourage the children and youngsters through timely biometric updates via behavioural science interventions.

Using behavioural science for better aadhaar adoption

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UIDAI is going to employ behavioral insights, application of techniques that are backed by research and easily understandable to the user—to make the Aadhaar biometrics updating process user-friendly and efficient.

The goal of the MoU is to improve the MBU in Aadhaar for the ages 5-15 years and to address the psychological, logistical, and information-related barriers that are the interventions leading to non-updates in time, hence denying access of the services and benefits associated with Aadhaar to the users.

To enhance participation, the project will adopt behavioral methods like communication directed toward specific groups, sending of notices, and making processes simpler.

The project’s goal is to make it easier for people to access government programs and digital services that are linked to Aadhaar.

Partnership with Behavioural Insights Ltd (BIT)

UIDAI has signed into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Behavioural Insights Ltd (BIT), a prominent worldwide consulting firm recognised for its use of behavioural science in public policy.

The MoU was signed by Ms. Tanusree Deb Barma, DDG UIDAI, and Sh. Ravi Gurumurthy, CEO of BIT, in the presence of Sh. Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO UIDAI and other team members of UIDAI.

The collaboration will help design and test behavioural interventions tailored to the needs of parents, children, and local enrolment centres.

Insights will be used to overcome barriers related to awareness, access, and behavioural inertia.

Leaders emphasise human-centric innovation

Bhuvnesh Kumar said, “When technology is aligned with human behaviour, digital identity evolves from a purely technical process into a more seamless, trustworthy, and empowering experience. Through this MoU, we hope to achieve this effect.”

Rachel Coyle, CEO of BIT underlined that a new evidence-based understanding of human behaviour can boost updates of Aadhaar and help Aadhaar number holders get access to crucial public services.

Free biometric updates for 6 crore children

In a major relief for families, UIDAI has waived all MBU charges for children aged 7 to 15 years from October 1, 2025, for a period of one year. This move is expected to benefit nearly 6 crore children across India.

With this partnersship, UIDAI aims to make Aadhaar not just a digital identity, but a user-friendly and inclusive tool supporting every child’s access to government benefits and opportunities.