Introduction
Aadhaar has become the backbone of identity management in India. From financial transactions to government benefits, from biometric attendance to Aadhaar-enabled payment systems (AEPS), the 12-digit unique identity number plays a crucial role in every citizen’s daily life.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) continuously issues new guidelines, policies, and updates to strengthen security, ease usage, and improve the reliability of Aadhaar authentication. In 2024, several important updates were announced, ranging from registered biometric devices to penalties on Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs), attendance systems in the postal department, relaxation in update fees, and clarification on Aadhaar’s validity as proof of date of birth.
This blog compiles all these updates, explains their implications, and provides a reference guide for Aadhaar users, operators, and government employees.
1. Fingerprint Registered Devices for Biometric Validation
One of the most critical updates in late 2024 was regarding L1 Fingerprint Registered Devices (RDs), which are now mandatory for Aadhaar-based biometric validation.
What Are L1 Fingerprint Devices?
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L1 devices are advanced fingerprint scanners certified under UIDAI standards.
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Unlike older models, these devices encrypt biometric data at the hardware level, ensuring end-to-end security.
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They are essential for authentication processes in banking, telecom, public distribution systems (PDS), and Aadhaar enrolment centres.
Benefits of L1 Devices
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Stronger encryption to prevent misuse of biometric data.
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Compatibility with UIDAI’s Aadhaar authentication ecosystem.
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Better accuracy and reliability compared to L0 devices.
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Required for Aadhaar enrolment, updates, and authentication services.
GEM Portal Direct Link
UIDAI has streamlined the purchase of these devices through the Government e-Marketplace (GEM). All government departments and Aadhaar centres are required to procure only UIDAI-approved L1 devices from GEM, eliminating unauthorized device usage.
This ensures:
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Standardization of biometric devices.
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Transparency in procurement.
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Enhanced security for Aadhaar authentication.
2. Biometric Attendance Using Personal Mobiles in Postal Department
In October 2024, UIDAI and the Department of Posts introduced a significant reform: allowing postal employees to mark biometric attendance using their own mobile phones.
How Does It Work?
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Employees install a registered mobile application linked with Aadhaar.
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Their attendance is marked through fingerprint or face authentication.
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No need to use centralized biometric machines, reducing dependency on physical infrastructure.
Advantages
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Flexible attendance marking from any location.
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Cost-saving for the department (no need for large biometric setups).
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Encourages digital transformation in government offices.
Challenges
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Requires reliable internet connectivity.
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Employees must have compatible smartphones with RD services enabled.
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Training and awareness are needed to avoid misuse.
This is a pilot project in postal services but may expand to other government departments soon.
3. Penalties on Aadhaar Centres
In October 2024, UIDAI revised penalty rules for Post Office Aadhaar Centres and other ASKs (Aadhaar Seva Kendras).
Why Penalties?
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To ensure that operators follow strict enrolment and update protocols.
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To avoid errors, fraud, or negligence during Aadhaar enrolment.
Common Violations & Penalties
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Wrong data entry – ₹100 penalty per case.
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Processing without valid documents – ₹500 per case.
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Fraudulent enrolments – severe financial penalties and blacklisting of operators.
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Negligence in handling biometric devices – ₹1000 or more depending on the severity.
Impact
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Increased accountability among Aadhaar operators.
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Improved quality of Aadhaar enrolment and updates.
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Citizens benefit from more reliable services.
4. Fee Relaxation for Document Update
UIDAI extended its fee relaxation for document updates through the myAadhaar portal up to December 14, 2024.
Key Details
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Normally, updating demographic details (like address, name, or gender) costs ₹50.
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During the relaxation period, updates via the myAadhaar portal are free of charge.
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This encourages citizens to keep their Aadhaar updated without worrying about costs.
Why Is This Important?
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Many citizens still hold old Aadhaar records (issued 10+ years ago).
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An updated Aadhaar ensures smoother KYC verification in banks, SIM activation, and government schemes.
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Free updates reduce the financial burden on rural and low-income citizens.
5. Aadhaar Operator / Supervisor Examination – Revised Question Bank
To maintain a high standard of service, UIDAI conducts an Aadhaar Supervisor/Operator Certification Examination.
In May 2024, UIDAI released a revised question bank for this examination.
Topics Covered in the Exam
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UIDAI policies and guidelines.
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Enrolment & update procedures.
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Biometric standards and RD services.
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Data privacy and security.
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Handling of exception cases (like iris failure, fingerprint mismatch, etc.).
Purpose
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To ensure operators are well-trained.
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To reduce errors during enrolment.
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To improve citizen experience at Aadhaar centres.
Operators failing to clear this exam are not permitted to work at Aadhaar enrolment/update centres.
6. Aadhaar Not a Proof of Date of Birth
In March 2024, UIDAI issued a clarification: Aadhaar cannot be treated as valid proof of Date of Birth (DOB).
Reason for Clarification
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Many government departments and institutions were wrongly accepting Aadhaar as a DOB proof.
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Aadhaar only serves as a proof of identity, not as proof of age or birth.
Acceptable Proofs of DOB Instead
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Birth Certificate.
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Passport.
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PAN Card.
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SSC/Matriculation certificate.
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Any government-issued document explicitly stating DOB.
This update prevents misuse and ensures better compliance in DOB verification.
7. List of Acceptable Supporting Documents for Aadhaar Enrolment/Updation
UIDAI has categorized documents required for enrolment and updation into four types:
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Proof of Identity (POI) – PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, etc.
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Proof of Address (POA) – Utility bills, Ration card, Bank statement, etc.
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Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) – Birth certificate, PAN card, Passport, etc.
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Proof of Relationship (POR) – PDS card, Passport of parents, Birth certificate with parents’ names.
Importance
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Prevents fraudulent enrolments.
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Ensures Aadhaar data remains accurate.
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Helps in smooth authentication across multiple services.
Conclusion
Aadhaar continues to be one of the most significant digital identity programs in the world. The updates in 2024–25 reflect UIDAI’s effort to improve security, reliability, and convenience for Indian citizens.
From mandatory L1 biometric devices to penalties for operators, from mobile-based attendance in postal services to free update windows, UIDAI is ensuring that Aadhaar remains a trusted and future-ready identity system.
As Aadhaar’s role expands into banking, telecom, education, and governance, both citizens and operators must stay informed about the latest changes. By following UIDAI’s guidelines, individuals can safeguard their identity while availing seamless services across India.