Aadhaar Enrolment for Children Aged 0–5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)

Aadhaar Enrolment for Children Aged 0–5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)Aadhaar Enrolment for Children Aged 0–5 Years (Baal Aadhaar) is now simpler with UIDAI’s latest update. This guide explains required documents, step-by-step process, important notes, etc to help parents complete enrolment without confusion.

Aadhaar has become the backbone of India’s digital identity system, providing a unique 12-digit identification number to residents. For children, Aadhaar is equally important, as it helps them access essential government schemes, healthcare services, education benefits, and social welfare programs. To make sure children are not excluded from the identity ecosystem, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a special Aadhaar version for kids between 0 and 5 years of age, commonly known as Baal Aadhaar.

Baal Aadhaar looks different from regular Aadhaar cards — it is blue in color and does not capture biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans. Instead, it is linked to the Aadhaar of one parent or guardian, and once the child turns 5, biometrics must be updated.

In 2025, UIDAI announced a major update to the Aadhaar enrolment process for children under 5, making the birth certificate the sole mandatory document for Aadhaar enrolment in this age group. This change is aimed at eliminating duplication and making the process simpler, more secure, and fully integrated with India’s Civil Registration System (CRS).

This article provides a complete, up-to-date guide on Aadhaar enrolment for children in the 0–5 age group, including the new rules, documents required, step-by-step process, benefits, and important things parents should know.

What is Baal Aadhaar?

Baal Aadhaar is the Aadhaar card issued to children below the age of 5 years. Unlike regular Aadhaar:

  • It is blue in color, so it is easily distinguishable.
  • It contains only the child’s demographic details (name, date of birth, gender, and address).
  • No biometric data (fingerprints or iris scans) is collected at this stage, as these features change with age.
  • A parent or guardian’s Aadhaar is mandatory for authentication and linking.

When the child turns 5 years old, biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan) must be updated at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrollment center. The process repeats again at 15 years of age for the final update.

Also Read: How to Check Aadhaar Deactivation Status of Deceased Family Member?

UIDAI’s 2025 Update: Birth Certificate Now Mandatory

In January 2025, UIDAI introduced a key reform in the Baal Aadhaar enrolment process. The Aadhaar enrolment for children in the 0–5 age group will now be carried out only on the basis of the birth certificate.

UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, while reviewing an Aadhaar enrolment drive in Pune, explained the reasoning behind this update:

  • Eliminating duplication: Earlier, many children were issued two Aadhaar numbers — one without biometrics at birth and another with biometrics later. This often happened due to parental oversight. By linking Aadhaar directly to the birth certificate, duplication will be eliminated.

  • Integration with Civil Registration System (CRS): UIDAI is working with the Registrar General of India (RGI) to integrate Aadhaar enrolment with birth registration under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

    • 25 states are already on CRS.

    • The remaining 11 are being linked separately.

    • Once complete, Aadhaar will be generated automatically at birth, along with the birth certificate.

  • Secure digital identity: With this linkage, a child cannot re-enrol again as an adult since their birth record is already mapped to UIDAI’s system. This ensures Aadhaar’s integrity and prevents fraud.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment (0–5 Years)

Earlier, parents had multiple options such as hospital discharge slips, immunization cards, or other local proofs. However, as per the new UIDAI guidelines (2025), the documents required have been streamlined:

  1. Child’s Birth Certificate (Mandatory)

    • This is the only valid proof of age and identity for Baal Aadhaar.

    • It ensures one-to-one mapping with CRS data to avoid duplication.

  2. Parent/Guardian’s Aadhaar (Mandatory)

    • Either father’s, mother’s, or legal guardian’s Aadhaar is required.

    • The parent’s Aadhaar will be linked to the child’s Aadhaar for authentication.

  3. Mobile Number and Email ID (Optional but Recommended)

    • Parents should provide a valid mobile number to receive SMS updates on Aadhaar generation, delivery, and future updates.

Note: No other documents are now accepted for Aadhaar enrolment of children in the 0–5 age group.

Aadhaar Enrolment for Children Aged 0–5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)

Step-by-Step Process Aadhaar Enrolment for Children Aged 0–5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)

Here’s the latest step-by-step procedure, updated as per UIDAI’s 2025 framework:

Step 1: Locate the Nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Centre

  • Visit the UIDAI official portal: myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
  • Navigate to “Locate an Enrollment Centre”.
  • Enter your state, district, or PIN code to find the nearest center.
  • Confirm the center is active and handles children’s enrolment.
  • Check whether prior appointment booking is required.

Step 2: Visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Centre

  • Visit the selected center with your child.
  • Carry:

    • The child’s birth certificate.

    • The Aadhaar card of one parent/guardian.

  • Both the child and the parent/guardian must be present.

Step 3: Fill the Aadhaar Application Form

At the enrollment center, fill in the Aadhaar enrolment form with accurate details:

  • Full name of the child.
  • Date of birth (as per the birth certificate).
  • Gender.
  • Address (same as parent/guardian).
  • Mobile number (optional, but highly recommended).

Step 4: Provide a Valid Mobile Number

Providing a mobile number ensures:

  • You get SMS notifications about the Aadhaar enrolment status.
  • Updates and Aadhaar delivery information are sent directly to you.

Step 5: Photograph of the Child

  • The operator will capture the child’s photograph.
  • For children below 5 years:

    • No fingerprints or iris scan are taken.

    • Only demographic details + photo are recorded.

Step 6: Parent/Guardian Authentication

  • The parent or guardian undergoes biometric authentication using their Aadhaar.
  • This links the child’s Aadhaar to the parent’s Aadhaar.

Step 7: Verify Data on the Screen

  • The operator will display the entered data.
  • Carefully check:

    • Child’s name spelling.

    • Date of birth.

    • Address details.

  • Request corrections immediately if needed.

Step 8: Collect the Acknowledgement Slip

  • Once details are confirmed, you’ll receive an acknowledgement slip.
  • This slip contains the Enrollment ID (EID).
  • You can use this ID to track the Aadhaar application status online.

Step 9: Aadhaar Generation and Delivery

  • Aadhaar will be generated after backend verification.
  • You will get an SMS notification on your registered mobile number.
  • The Aadhaar letter will be dispatched to your address within 2–3 weeks.

Key Features of Baal Aadhaar

  • Blue-colored card to distinguish it from regular Aadhaar.
  • Valid till the child turns 5; after that, biometrics must be updated.
  • Free of cost for initial enrolment.
  • Serves as proof of identity and residence for children in multiple services.
  • Integrated with CRS to prevent duplication or fraud.

When to Update Baal Aadhaar?

At Age 5:

  • Biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan) are captured for the first time.
  • A fresh photograph is also taken.

At Age 15:

  • Final biometric update is required.
  • Ensures Aadhaar remains valid for life.

Failing to update may lead to Aadhaar becoming inactive or unusable.

Benefits of Baal Aadhaar

  • Access to Welfare Schemes: Children with Aadhaar can be enrolled in health, education, and nutrition-based government schemes.
  • School Admissions: Many schools request Aadhaar at the time of admission.
  • Healthcare Benefits: Aadhaar helps in linking to government vaccination drives and healthcare services.
  • Digital Identity: Provides a secure and verifiable identity right from birth.
  • Prevents Duplication: New CRS-linked system ensures only one Aadhaar is issued per child.

Important Notes for Parents

  • Aadhaar enrolment for children under 5 is completely free.
  • Keep your mobile number active for timely updates.
  • Baal Aadhaar must be updated at ages 5 and 15.
  • For orphans or cases where exact date of birth is unavailable, year of birth will be recorded.
  • Aadhaar generated under CRS integration cannot be duplicated.

Conclusion

Aadhaar enrolment for children aged 0–5 years has become simpler and more secure with UIDAI’s latest reforms. By making the birth certificate the only mandatory document and linking enrolment with the Civil Registration System, UIDAI has ensured that Baal Aadhaar remains fool-proof, duplication-free, and universally accessible.

For parents, enrolling a child for Aadhaar is not only a legal requirement under the Aadhaar Act but also a crucial step to secure their child’s access to essential government schemes, healthcare, and education. With a streamlined process, clear documentation requirements, and free enrolment, obtaining Baal Aadhaar is now more convenient than ever.

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