Baal Aadhaar is a special Aadhaar card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for children below the age of 5 years. It serves as a unique identity document and helps children access government schemes, school admissions, healthcare services, and other benefits. Unlike a regular Aadhaar card, Baal Aadhaar is blue in colour and does not require biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) at the time of enrolment.
In 2026, parents or legal guardians can enroll their child for Baal Aadhaar free of cost by visiting an authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra, bank, post office, or Aadhaar enrolment centre. The child’s Aadhaar is linked to the Aadhaar of either the mother, father, or legal guardian. Once the child turns 5 years old, a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) must be completed, and another biometric update is required after the child turns 15 years old.
This guide explains everything about Aadhaar Enrollment for Children (Baal Aadhaar) 2026, including eligibility, required documents, enrolment process, biometric updates, benefits, and frequently asked questions.
What is Baal Aadhaar?
Baal Aadhaar is an Aadhaar card specially designed for children below the age of 5 years.
Unlike an adult Aadhaar card:
- It is blue in colour.
- No fingerprints are collected.
- No iris scan is collected.
- Only the child’s photograph and demographic details are captured.
- It is linked with the Aadhaar of the parent or legal guardian.
Benefits of Baal Aadhaar
Having a Baal Aadhaar offers several benefits.
- Unique identity for the child.
- Useful for school admissions.
- Required for many government welfare schemes.
- Helps in opening bank accounts for minors.
- Supports scholarship applications.
- Useful for health and vaccination programs.
- Accepted as proof of identity in many services.
Who Can Apply for Baal Aadhaar?
Children who are:
- Below 5 years of age.
- Residents of India.
- Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian having a valid Aadhaar Number.
Documents Required
Parents should carry the following documents during enrolment.
Child’s Documents
- Birth Certificate (or other accepted Proof of Date of Birth)
- Hospital Discharge Certificate (where accepted)
- Passport (if available)
Parent or Guardian’s Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Relationship (POR), if required
- Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar
Only the mother, father, or legal guardian can act as the Head of Family (HoF) for the child’s enrolment.
How to Apply for Baal Aadhaar 2026
Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Visit the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
Visit:
- Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Authorized Bank Aadhaar Centre
- India Post Aadhaar Centre
- UIDAI Enrolment Centre
Step 2: Carry Required Documents
Bring:
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Parent’s Aadhaar Card
- Other supporting documents (if applicable)
Step 3: Fill the Enrolment Form
Provide:
- Child’s Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Address
- Parent or Guardian Details
- Mobile Number
Step 4: Photograph Capture
The operator captures the child’s photograph.
For children below 5 years:
- No fingerprints are taken.
- No iris scan is taken.
Step 5: Parent Aadhaar Authentication
The parent or legal guardian’s Aadhaar is authenticated to complete the enrolment.
Step 6: Receive Enrolment Slip
You will receive an Enrolment ID (EID).
Use this EID to track your Aadhaar application.
Step 7: Download Aadhaar
After successful processing, you can download the child’s Aadhaar online or receive it by post.
Is Baal Aadhaar Free?
Yes.
UIDAI provides first-time Aadhaar enrolment for children completely free of cost.
Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)
Biometric updates are mandatory as the child grows.
At Age 5
When the child completes 5 years, parents must visit an Aadhaar Centre for:
- Fingerprint capture.
- Iris scan.
- Fresh photograph.
This update is generally free if completed within the prescribed age period.
At Age 15
Another mandatory biometric update is required after the child turns 15 years old to capture adult biometric data.
How to Check Baal Aadhaar Status
You can track the enrolment status by:
- Visiting the official UIDAI website.
- Selecting Check Aadhaar Status.
- Entering the Enrolment ID (EID).
- Viewing the application status online.
How to Download Baal Aadhaar
After Aadhaar generation:
- Visit the official UIDAI website.
- Select Download Aadhaar.
- Enter:
- Aadhaar Number or EID.
- OTP received on the registered mobile number.
- Download the child’s e-Aadhaar PDF.
You can also download it using the mAadhaar App or DigiLocker.
Common Reasons for Delay
Your Aadhaar enrolment may be delayed due to:
- Incorrect birth details.
- Parent Aadhaar mismatch.
- Incomplete documents.
- Verification pending.
- Technical issues during enrolment.
Therefore, verify all details carefully before submitting the application.
Important Tips
Before applying:
- Carry the original documents.
- Ensure the parent’s Aadhaar is active.
- Provide the correct mobile number.
- Keep the Enrolment ID safely.
- Complete the biometric update after the child turns 5 and again after turning 15.
- Visit only authorized UIDAI enrolment centres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Baal Aadhaar?
Baal Aadhaar is a blue-coloured Aadhaar card issued to children below 5 years of age without biometric data.
Is biometric data collected for children below 5 years?
No. Only the child’s photograph and demographic details are collected. Fingerprints and iris scans are not captured until the mandatory biometric update.
Is Baal Aadhaar free?
Yes. First-time Aadhaar enrolment for children is completely free.
When is biometric update required?
The first mandatory biometric update is required after the child turns 5 years, and the second after 15 years.
Can I download Baal Aadhaar online?
Yes. After Aadhaar generation, you can download the child’s e-Aadhaar through the UIDAI website, mAadhaar App, or DigiLocker.
Conclusion
The Aadhaar Enrollment for Children (Baal Aadhaar) 2026 process ensures that every child receives a unique digital identity from an early age. The enrolment process is simple, free, and completed through authorized UIDAI enrolment centres using the parent’s or legal guardian’s Aadhaar for authentication. Parents should also remember to complete the Mandatory Biometric Updates at the ages of 5 and 15 to keep the child’s Aadhaar active and valid for future services. Always use official UIDAI centres and portals for enrolment and Aadhaar-related services.
