Understanding UIDAI – Unique ID Services in India

What is the UIDAI?

The government of India has made strides towards safeguarding the citizen’s financial and personal details over the years. This has helped reduce the frequency of incidences like money laundering, corruption, and identity theft. Although the rise in technology has made ordinary lives easier and more comfortable, it has also made people more vulnerable to fraudulent practices. The rate of cyber theft has been at an all-time high currently. In a move to combat the increasing rate of financial malpractices, the Government of India launched the UIDAI.

What is the full form of UIDAI?

The UIDAI full form in aadhar card is the Unique Identification Authority of India. It is a central government authority that functions to accumulate the country’s citizen’s personalized data such as fingerprints, photographs, and eye scans in the form of biometric collection under the different demographic divisions of the country and store them for information tracking. For record-keeping, the UIDAI issues Aadhaar card which contains a 12-digit unique code for each individual.

This Aadhaar card is now being used as a nationwide identification document and has become an essential document for every Indian citizen to have.

What are the Uses of UIDAI?

The Aadhaar card is a versatile tool used across India as a reliable form of identification. It significantly simplifies the KYC process, making it easier to access various services. It includes services like opening bank accounts, securing mobile connections, and applying for personal loans. Its online authentication feature ensures that identity verification is convenient and accessible anywhere. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who move across states.

History of the UIDAI

• Formation and Leadership:
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was founded in January 2009.
  • Nandan Nilekani served as the appointed chairman.
  • Nilekani designed the UIDAI logo and the name ‘Aadhaar,’ released in April 2010.
• Enrollment Process:
  • UIDAI listed about 220 qualified agencies for the enrollment process.
  • 15 agencies were listed to train personnel on the enrollment process.
• Online Verification Platform:
  • UIDAI launched an online platform for Aadhaar verification on February 7th, 2012.
  • Citizens could verify citizenship using their Aadhaar number.
• Aadhaar’s Popularity and Nationwide Spread:
  • In November 2012, Aadhaar gained popularity due to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Aadhaar-linked benefit transfer scheme.
  • The scheme aimed to track money transactions and prevent system leakage with direct money transfers to recipients’ bank accounts.
  • Initially launched in 20 states, it eventually spread nationwide.
• Supreme Court Mandate (August 11th, 2015):
  • The Supreme Court mandated Aadhaar’s use for purposes such as Kerosene, PDS, and LPG distribution.
• Aadhaar Act of 2016:
  • On March 11th, 2016, the Lok Sabha passed the Aadhaar Act.
  • The money bill introduced in March 2016 paved the way for the Aadhaar Act.
  • On March 26th, 2016, the Aadhaar Act became a part of the Gazette of India.
• UIDAI’s Growth and Statistics:
  • As per recent UIDAI records:
    • 40,810,314,699 authentications have been done.
    • About 1,257,514,195 people have generated Aadhaar cards
  • Aadhaar is widely incorporated into government/non-government procedures for identification.

Who Oversees UIDAI?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) operates under the NITI Aayog (formerly the Planning Commission of India). NITI Aayog provides strategic oversight and policy direction to ensure UIDAI aligns with the broader objectives of the government’s Digital India Initiative. The daily operations and strategic decisions of UIDAI are managed by a Chief Execution Officer (CEO). The CEO of UIDAI leads a team of experts in administration, finance, technology, and other critical sectors. 

This team handles various functions, including policy formulation, planning the rollout of Aadhaar across different demographics. They enhanced system security and ensured user data privacy. Professionals from diverse backgrounds contribute their expertise to manage one of the world’s largest identity databases. Their collective efforts ensure the seamless issuance of Aadhaar numbers, maintenance of Aadhaar data, and integration of this biometric system into public and private services. 

Importance of UIDAI

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) plays a crucial role in making life easier and more secure for millions of Indians. By issuing Aadhaar numbers, UIDAI provides everyone with a unique identity that is recognized nationwide. This simple 12-digit number is more than just an ID- it is a gateway to a host of essential services.

Thanks to UIDAI, opening a bank account, getting a mobile connection, or even applying for a loan has become much simpler and more efficient. The online authentication feature of Aadhaar means you can verify your identity quickly, no matter where you are in the country. This is especially helpful for people who move across states and need a consistent and reliable form of identification.

Moreover, Aadhaar’s ability to link directly to an individual’s biometrics makes it incredibly secure. It helps prevent duplicate identities and reduces the risk of fraud by detecting fake or ghost identities. This ensures that the benefits meant for you reach you, without getting lost in the system. 

In essence, UIDAI and Aadhaar have transformed the way we verify our identities and access services. It makes the overall processes smoother, faster, and safer for everyone. 

About UIDAI- Objectives, Functions, Missions & Core Values

The objective behind establishing the UIDAI

UIDAI was launched to assign the citizens of the country an identity that is unique to each individual along with an online platform where citizens can verify this unique identity from any part of the country.

With its UIDAI headquarters at MIT, Manesar, the UIDAI has the following objectives:

• Issue a unique identification method for the citizens of the country.
• To provide the citizens with a platform where they can easily corroborate their identification from any corner of the country.

Mission of the UIDAI

The UIDAI holds a specific set of goals behind its functioning and structure. The major missions that the UIDAI strives to achieve are as follows:

• To make sure that the citizens of the country receive their share of services from the consolidated fund of India. These services include subsidy delivery which is fair and efficient. The authority ensures that the expenditure of the services is incurred from the fund which can be utilized by any individual using their Aadhaar number.
• It is UIDAI’s mission to develop strong policies for the regulation of the Aadhaar card issuing and enrollment process where each individual that enrolls and provides their biometrics and other personal details gets the Aadhaar card delivered.
• To make sure that individuals who have undergone the enrollment process and have generated an Aadhaar card can digitally authenticate it successfully.
• To make sure that there is enough technological infrastructure in the country and that it reaches new horizons of extensibility and financial durability.
• To develop a strong foundation for the authority so that UIDAI can sustain for a long time and carry forward its goals and missions.
• To safeguard and maintain the security of the personal parameters submitted by a citizen in their records and maintain its confidentiality.
• To make sure that there is no defiance of the Aadhaar act by any citizen of the country and that all individuals follow its rules and regulations.
• To make sure that any policies that are developed in the future are compatible with the rules and regulations governed by the Aadhaar act and that there are no misnomers.

Functions carried out by the UIDAI

UIDAI is one of the most essential administrative authority in the country which draws various policies for the benefit of improved authentication of the citizens of the country. Some of the key functions which are performed by the UIDAI include:

• Authority over the database showcasing the biometrics and demographic details of citizens.
• UIDAI provides citizens with an e-platform for the initial registration of the Aadhaar card.
• UIDAI provides a platform to the citizens of India to check the status of their Aadhaar card application on the UIDAI website.
• The UIDAI has the responsibility of the regular update and management of the new Aadhaar enrollments as well as keeping a track of the total number of generated Aadhaar cards to date.
• The UIDAI is the central authority to supervise the unique identification schemes and its rules and regulations.
• The main function of the authority is to help the citizens in the enrollment process of Aadhaar card as well as the generation of the unique identification upon completion of the enrollment process.
• The UIDAI also has to perform services like linking the collected individual parameters to the generated Aadhaar number and incorporate it into the central database of the authority.
• Another facet of UIDAI duties is to make sure that the unique identification is on track with the individual’s life stages and carry out its management and operation.
• UIDAI functions to develop new policies according to the needs of citizens and make sure that these policies operate well within the UID boundaries.
• UIDAI also provides information to citizens regarding the use and applications of their Aadhaar card for the available services.

Core values of UIDAI

The authority has also laid out some specific core values which it abides by to serve the citizens of the country efficiently. These core values are –

• UIDAI believes in establishing good governance.
• UIDAI cherishes integrity.
• UIDAI has made a commitment of nation-building which is all-inclusive.
• UIDAI has a collaborative approach where they share the value of partnership.
• UIDAI strives for achieving excellence in providing its citizens with good services.
• UIDAI focuses on quality improvements along with a conducive learning.
• UIDAI has a desire of creating innovative strategies.
• UIDAI strives to build an organization which is transparent and fair in its operation.

What Distinguishes the Aadhaar Card from UIDAI?

While “Aadhaar card” and “UIDAI” are often used interchangeably, they refer to different things. The Aadhaar card is a physical document issued by the UIDAI that contains an individual’s unique identification number and biometric data. UIDAI, however, is the organization responsible for the Aadhaar program. It includes generating Aadhaar numbers and maintaining Aadhaar data. 

Services offered by UIDAI

A citizen can reach out to UIDAI for several Aadhaar card related services like – https://uidai.gov.in/

Salient features of Aadhaar card

• The Aadhaar card was launched to provide a unique identification method for the citizens of India and safeguard them against any fraudulent practices. This initiative by the Government of India aims to ensure that every resident has a unique identity number that is linked to their biometrics and demographic information. It prevents duplication and ensures security.
• The Government of India notified Aadhaar card as a valid proof of any individual’s name, age, and address on December 16^th, 2010. This official recognition means that Aadhaar being the unique identification of India, is widely accepted across various services and institutions. It makes it easier for individuals to access government and private services without the hassle of multiple identity proofs.
• The individual’s Aadhaar number does not start with 0 or 1 as the first digit. This design choice ensures a uniform and consistent format for all Aadhaar numbers, contributing to the system’s overall efficiency and security.
• UIDAI features an open-source technology for Aadhaar card. The use of this open-source technology enhances transparency, flexibility, and innovation in the Aadhaar system. It allows for continuous improvement and adaptation to new technological advancements.
• Aadhaar card offers citizens with unique services like NSAP, digital lockers, pension schemes, e-sign, and getting a SIM card. These services provide significant benefits and convenience for Aadhaar holders. It helps to secure pensions and social assistance payments under the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP). It also aids in storing important information in digital lockers, signing documents electronically with e-sign, and simplifying the process of obtaining a SIM card.
• The details in the Aadhaar card can be cross-checked by any individual online on UIDAI. This feature ensures that individuals can easily verify and update their information. It maintains the accuracy and reliability of the Aadhaar database.
• Citizens are registered in the national population don’t need Aadhaar registration. This stipulation means that those already recorded in the national population register have their identity needs covered. It simplifies the administrative process and reduces redundancy.
  Overall, the Adhar card stands as a useful tool for identification, streamlining access to various services, and enhancing security for individuals across India. Its wide range of features and services underscores its importance in the daily lives of Indian citizens.

Functional structure of UIDAI:

UIDAI works as an organization consisting of different functional divisions which include:

• Registration agency/Registrar: Any individual wishing to generate an Aadhaar card has to go to the registrar office. This division takes care of the registration process of Aadhaar enrollment and enters the information in the database. This division has to make sure that the rules and regulations of UID schemes are abided.
• Enrollment office: This agency takes care of Aadhaar enrollments. It works under the authorization of the registrar office and takes part in the collection of demographic and biometric information of the candidate and they can do so by setting up enrolment centers. This division supervises the enrolment activities and the relaying of data to the CIDR in time.
• Operating agency: Enrolment centers appoint a team of operators who manage the proper enrolment procedures like eye scans, fingerprint scans, and form completion. The operators are in charge of collecting and verifying the documents submitted by the citizen during the enrolment process. They also have some supervising teams to overlook the efficiency of their operations.
• CDAs- Content Development Agencies help the enrolment process by providing the tools required for the training of the operators. These agencies utilize the knowledge of databases to develop such training materials which can improve the efficiency of the enrolment process
• TCAs- The testing and certification agency is incorporated in the UIDAI structure to certify new operators as fit to carry out the enrolment process through a series of tests.
• Standardized Testing and Quality Certification agency – To ensure accuracy and fair means of the enrolment process, the government of India has instilled an agency like Standardized Testing and Quality Certification agency or STQC which carries out thorough testing of all the equipment that are utilized during the enrolment process and it includes biometric device testing. This agency approves lab certified devices and only after which they can be used for Aadhaar enrolments.
• Authentication: This agency is set up by UIDAI for genuine verifications of enrolments. The Authenticating services agencies help establish centers of the database from online enrolments or e-KYC processes which the UIDAI can recruit to check about the authenticity or repeating of any citizen’s credentials. Nowadays, the Banks have also deployed the authentication agencies for verifications of Aadhaar.
• Finance Agency: The financial division of UIDAI performs the function of planning the budget, expenses, and calculating the income of the authority and propose stringent actions for making the optimum finances and cash flow arrangements. The finance division plays the role of financial advisory for matters such as delegation of power, cost estimation, and income proposal to EFC, making provisions for activities which will implicate the appreciation of capital, evaluation of new rules and regulation in the UID schemes and their relevancy. The finance division also exercises control over the procurement manual for the supervision of abiding by the rules and regulations set by the Ministry of finance. This division also monitors the accounting offices and budget planning, internal audit, and issue of the final audit report to regional office and allocation among regional offices and the headquarter departments.

Distribution of UIDAI offices

• The UIDAI has its head office in New Delhi and a spread of 8 regional offices around the country in different states.
• The organization has its data centers at two locations namely, Hebbal, Karnataka, and Manesar, Haryana.
• Organizational hierarchy of UIDAI:
  • Now coming to the structure of authority in the organization, it is composed of –
  • Member Secretary of authority is the Chief Executive officer who is the member legal representative of the organization and 2 part-time members work in association with them.
  • An Authority Chairman

Who Can Apply for an Aadhaar Card?

Any resident of India or any individual who has resided in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application for enrollment can apply for an Aadhaar card. 

How to Apply for an Aadhaar Card?

The UIDAI oversees the issuance of Aadhaar cards. It ensures that the Aadhaar application process is straightforward and secure. Here’s how you can apply for an Aadhar card, whether through offline enrollment or online registration. 

Offline Application

Step 1: Visit https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 and enter your State/Pincode/Locality/District to find the nearest Aadhar enrollment center. 

Step 2: Bring original copies of your proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of date of birth.

Step 3: Go to the enrollment center and fill out the enrollment form with accurate information. 

Step 4: Hand in the completed enrollment form and your supporting documents. Your photo and biometric information (iris and fingerprint scans) will be taken. 

Step 5: The center representative will give you an acknowledgment slip with a 14-digit enrollment ID (EID). You can use this number to track your Aadhaar application status at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus.

Step 6: After verification, your Aadhaar card will be mailed to you. It may take up to 90 days (3 months) for the new card to arrive. 

Online Application

Step 1: To apply for an Aadhar online, follow the same procedure as the offline application. However, you can book an appointment at https://aadharcarduid.com/aadhaar-card-apply-online.

Step 2: Down the Aadhaar application form at

 https://uidai.gov.in/images/aadhaar_enrolment_correction_form_version_2.1.pdf.

Note: You must visit the center in person as your biometric is required.

How to Check Aadhaar Enrollment Status without Enrollment Number?

If you have forgotten your enrollment number or misplaced your acknowledgement slip, you can retrieve your enrollment number and then check your Aadhaar status using the UIDAI website:

Step 1: Visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/retrieve-eid-uid to retrieve your enrollment number. 

Step 2: Choose whether you want to retrieve your Aadhaar number or Enrollment number

Step 3: Provide your name, email address or mobile number, and the security code to reveiebe an OTP on your registered mobile number.

Step 4: Enter the OTP to verify.

Step 5: Your Enrollment number/Aadhaar will be sent to your registered mobile or email address. 

Step 6: Use this enrolment number to check the status of your Aadhaar. 

How to Check Aadhaar Card Update Status Online?

You can request updates to your Aadhar card details both online and offline by visiting the UIDAI website. Updates usually take up to 30 days but may occasionally be delayed. To check the status of your update request:

Step 1: Go to the status check page by clicking https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus  

Step 2: Input your SRN (Service Request Number) and the captcha code/

Step 3: The status of your update request will be displayed. 

How to Check Aadhaar PVC Card Order Status?

UIDAI offers Aadhaar cards as specialized PVC cards with enhanced security features. It usually takes up to 15 days for delivery. To check the status of your Aadhaar PVC card order:

Step 1: Go to the Check PVC card status page by visiting https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/checkStatus

Step 2: Provide your SRN and the captcha code.

Step 3: The status of your Aadhaar PVC card order will be displayed. 

How to Check Aadhaar Card Complaint Status?

Follow these steps in the UIDAI website to check the status of your Aadhaar card complaint:

Step 1:  Go to the “Contact & Support” section by clicking https://uidai.gov.in/en/contact-support.html 

Step 2: Click on “Check Complaint Status.”

Step 3: Provide your 14-digit complaint ID, captcha verification code, and click “Submit” to view the status of your complaint. 

How to Check Aadhaar Card Bank Linking Status?

To find out if your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account: 

Step 1:  Visit the UIDAI and go to the “My Aadhaar” section. 

Step 2: Click on “Bank Seeding Status.”

Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha code, and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. 

Step 4: Click on “Bank Seeding Status” under Services to view your Aadhaar bank linking status. 

mAadhaar 

The Unique Identification Authority of India has created a mobile app called mAadhaar. It is available for download on the Google Play Store. 

The app offers several services, including:

• Profile Creation: You can create your Aadhaar profile if you have a registered mobile number. 
• Biometric Lock/Unlock: Lock and unlock your biometric for added security. 
• Virtual ID Generation: Generate a Virtual ID for secure access. 

How to Create Your Profile on the mAadhaar App?

Follow the below steps for your profile creation on the app:

Step 1: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.

Step 2: Ensure your mobile data connection is active. Enter the required information and click “Verify.”

Step 3: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. 

How to Generate a Virtual ID on the mAadhaar App?

Step 1: Select the “VID Generation” option from the side menu.

Step 2: Choose to generate a new VID or use an existing one.

Step 3: Your VID will be displayed on the screen. 

How to Check Aadhaar Card Lock Status?

To see if your Aadhaar is locked or unlocked:

Step 1:  Launch the mAadhaar app on your phone, click on “My Aadhaar,” and enter your 4-digit PIN. 

Step 2: If your Aadhaar is locked, the Aadhaar Lock icon will appear in red. You will need to use your Virtual ID (VID) instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication.  

How to Check Biometric Lock/Unlock Status?

To check if your Aadhaar biometric are locked or unlocked:

Step 1:  Go to the mAadhaar app on your phone, click “My Aadhaar,” and enter your 4-digit PIN. 

Step 2: If your biometrics are locked, the Biometric Lock icon will appear in red and you would not be able to authenticate using your fingerprint or iris. This icon will also appear if you log in to your UIDAI account. 

Recent Developments in UIDAI

From the time of its establishment, the UIDAI has made quite a few developments. Some of them include-

• Recently the income tax department has made it mandatory for all working salaried professionals to have their PAN linked to Aadhaar by March 2021.
• The UIDAI has also incorporated the facility of Aadhaar update to the CSCs or Common Service Centres.
• At the start of 2020, UIDAI has opened 28 new Aadhaar enrollment centers
• The latest deadline to update Aadhaar for free is 14th September 2024 according to the UIDAI website. 
• UIDAI has advised citizens whose Aadhaar was issued more than 10 years ago and never updated to submit Proof of Identity and Proof of Address documents to revalidate their demographic information. This is for better service provision and more successful authentication.

The vision of establishing an authority such as UIDAI has now become a reality. What may have started as an initiative for providing safety to the citizens against any malpractices, the UIDAI has now become one of the frontiers of the identification method in India.

The Aadhaar is now used as an identification document in several activities both governmental or non-governmental. It is now been mandated by the Income-tax commission of India to link the Aadhaar card with PAN card and the citizen shall be ineligible for tax filing if he/she fails to do so.

UIDAI provides a good platform to the citizens of the country which fulfilling their authentication needs and having all the facilities in one place. This authority has made strides in making the lives of citizens easier by taking their burden of heavy documents and cutting it to half.

Read More:
Aadhar Card Status
Aadhaar Card Download
Instant PAN Card through Aadhaar
PAN Card Mistakes – To Avoid
How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Card

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register myself on the UIDAI website?

Any individual can register on the UIDAI website by visiting the website – https://uidai.gov.in/ and then head over to the registration tab where the individual can enter the details like name, email address phone number etc. to complete the registration process.

2. Where is the head office of UIDAI situated?

The UIDAI head office is located in New Delhi.

3. How can I locate nearest UIDAI regional office?

One can refer to the state wise list of regional offices on the UIDAI website to locate the regional office nearest to them.

4. What is the procedure for obtaining address verification by UIDAI?

The most convenient way of obtaining the address verification letter is by going to the UIDAI website and choose the option of ‘request Aadhaar validation letter’ in the Aadhaar update drop down menu.

5. How can I locate a UIDAI enrollment center?

To know about the enrollment centers near you, visit the UIDAI website and go over the ‘enrollment center search’ tab where you can carry out a search either using your state or providing your PIN code.

6. Is there a facility to register for the Aadhaar card online?

Yes, any individual can go for the pre-registration of Aadhaar by visiting the official website of UIDAI and applying for registration. The individual can also track the Aadhaar registration and application status by downloading the mAadhaar app.

7. What is biometric locking/unlocking?

The Biometric locking/unlocking is a facility made available by the UIDAI where an individual can choose to lock his/her biometric details and hide it from other people. This facility increases the security of personal details and prevents any illegal use.

8. What is an e-KYC?

KYC or know your customer/client is a practice used to authenticate an individual before providing any services. An e-KYC is the online method of KYC authentication and utilizes your online Aadhaar card as valid proof of name and address.

9. Is there any provision of Aadhaar reprint?

Any citizen can ensure recovery of their Aadhaar card through UIDAI’s ‘order Aadhaar reprint’ service. The individual can reprint their Aadhaar letter by depositing a nominal fee.

10. What is the cost of reprinting the Aadhaar card letter?

The Aadhaar reprint process charges about Rs.50 to the individual.

11. What is SRN?

During the process of Aadhaar reprinting, the individual receives a service request number which is a 28-digit code required for raising a reprint request.

12. How do I find out my e-Aadhaar password?

Your e-Aadhaar password consists of the individual’s name and year of birth. The first 4 alphabets of your + your year of birth= e-Aadhaar password

13. Which software is required to open an e-Aadhaar?

An individual’s e-Aadhaar can be viewed in software such as ‘Adobe reader’.

14. How can I download e-Aadhaar?

There are two ways of downloading e-Aadhaar- • Via Enrollment number: The individual has to enter his/her Aadhaar enrollment number with name and PIN. An OTP shall be sent to the Aadhaar registered phone number which the individual can enter to download the e-Aadhaar. • Via Aadhaar number: This process is similar to the one using the enrollment number. The candidate has to enter his/her 12-digit Aadhaar number along with their name and pin code number. The individual shall receive an OTP on the Aadhaar registered phone number which they have to enter to download their e-Aadhaar. Another way is to use the mAadhaar app to download e-Aadhaar by generating the TOTP.