Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Indian government through the Unique Identification Authority of India. It was initiated in 2009 to assign a single identity to every citizen in India for identification and verification of addresses. Thus, it has grown over the years into one of the significant biometric identification systems in the world, with enrollment crossing 1.3 billion people as of 2023.
Examples of personal data under this system include:
• Biometric Information: Fingerprints, iris scans
• DEM query: Name, date of birth, gender, and address
Moreover, Aadhaar has become very important in all government welfare schemes, financial inclusion programs, and digital services. Under Aadhaar, one can avail services regarding opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, filing for income tax returns, and receiving government subsidies.
Aadhaar Enrollment and Update Process
Though a large number of Indians have already enrolled in Aadhaar, many cases require updating in view of changed personal information or applications that need to be made for new Aadhaar. UIDAI has facilitated online appointments for new enrollments and updated Aadhaar very smoothly
Here is a step-by-step guide to understand how an online appointment for an Aadhaar service is made:
Steps Guiding Towards an Online Appointment for Aadhaar Services
Starting from updating the details of Aadhaar to applying for a new Aadhaar, UIDAI has made it relatively easy through its official website. The following is the procedure in booking an online appointment.
1. Visit Official Website of UIDAI
• Go to the official website of UIDAI: https://uidai.gov.in.
• You will find the ‘Book an Appointment’ section on the homepage.
2. Select the Place of Performance
Choose your state and city from the drop-down list provided. You will be shown the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or any authorized enrollment center where such service provision is permitted.
3. Choose Aadhaar Service Type
There are mainly two big services provided:
• New enrolment of Aadhaar: In case a fresher is seeking to get an Aadhaar card,
• Aadhaar Update: In case you need any modification in the demographic or biometric information.
Common requests for updates include:
• Change of address
• Change in name
• Phone number update
• Updated biometric details: fingerprint, iris scan, or photograph
4. Enter Your Aadhaar Number for Updates
You will have to request an update, stating or providing your Aadhaar Number to start a process that makes sure that a change matches the right Aadhaar record.
5. Personal Information
Provide your:
• Full Name
• Cell Phone Number
• Email ID: This is optional but recommended, as confirmations and updates about your appointment are sent to you through it.
6. Choose a Date and Time Slot
After that, you will select the desired date and time of your appointment as per the availability slot of the visit for Aadhaar service. The availability slots will vary with respect to location and service types.
7. Confirm Your Appointment
After selecting the time slot, review the details and submit the request. You will receive confirmation via your mobile number and email address if provided.
8. Attend the Appointment
On the date of the appointment, visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra or the enrollment center chosen. Bring with you all the necessary documents like:
• POI – Proof of Identity
• Proof of Address (POA)
• Date of Birth (DOB) Proof
You may find a detailed list of the accepted documents on the UIDAI website.
Overview of Aadhaar Seva Kendra
ASKs are specialized centers set up by UIDAI to manage the services related to Aadhaar more effectively. They remain open six days a week, and their services include the following:
• New registrations
• Update of Aadhaar details, namely demographic and biometric.
• Reprint requests for Aadhaar card
They are meant to handle vast volumes of requests and have quick turnaround times. They work in an open environment that is hassle-free, normally complete with a token system in place so they do not have overcrowding.
Importance of Aadhaar Update
The following reasons are important to keep your Aadhaar details updated:
1. There needs to be accuracy in documentation because Aadhaar is linked to a number of services like bank accounts and other schemes, so any recorded information that is incorrect might create a problem.
2. Eligibility for Government Services: Most governmental subsidizations and pension plans require verification linked with Aadhaar. [Keeping updated Aadhaar details ensures that you don’t miss those services.].
3. Financial Transactions: Aadhaar is used more and more for e-KYC processes in financial institutions; meanwhile, incorrect representations or outdated information lead to rejected transactions or an account freeze.
Costs of using Aadhaar services
Whereas enrollment to Aadhaar enrollments is free, a little nominal charge is there for:
• Change in demographic data: ₹ 50 (name, address, date of birth etc.)
• Biometric Update: ₹ 100
Worth mentioning here is that these charges are at the discretion of UIDAI, and the enrollment centers must charge nothing extra.
• Mobile Number, Email Updates
It is of foremost importance to update your mobile number linked with Aadhaar because this is the contact by which one gets OTPs for online authentication at many service points. You can update your mobile number either by:
Some of the options are: Visiting any Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Visiting any authorized center.
• Making any type of appointment through the online portal
Verification of Status and Requirements of Documents
You can verify the status of your Aadhaar request through the UIDAI portal in case of an update or enrollment using:
• Your Aadhaar enrollment ID that is provided at the enrollment/update of Aadhaar
• Your mobile number on which you want updates
The following documents are essential for updating or enrolment in Aadhar:
POI (Proof of Identity): PAN card, passport, driving license, etc.
• Proof of Address – POA: Utility bills, bank statements, voter ID, etc.
• The Proof of Age: Birth Certificate, Passport, or SSC Certificate.
The documents are to be either in their original or as self-attested copies and to be submitted at the Aadhaar center.
Conclusion
Aadhaar has turned out to be an important structure in digital identity within India, ensuring access to services, benefits, and banking is effective and seamless. An online appointment system for Aadhaar enrollment and updates will certainly guarantee convenience through reduced waiting times and increased service efficiency. Over the years, the Aadhaar is going to find more inroads into the Indian digital and financial ecosystems.
You can log in to the UIDAI website to learn more or book an appointment.
