According to Paul Romer, Chief Economist, The World Bank, India’s (Aadhaar) system is the most advanced (identification system) he’s ever seen. It serves as the foundation for various linkages, including financial transactions. If governments across the globe adopt this system, it can bring big benefits. Many nations are considering similar initiatives, but research shows that it is ideal to have a single standardized system so that people may carry their IDs with them everywhere they go.
So, what exactly is this identification system that has been well received and appreciated globally? What all should you know about your Aadhaar and Aadhaar enrollment?
Here, we will walk you through all the basics and intricacies you need to know for your Aadhaar enrollment process. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- Aadhaar is a verifiable free 12-digit identifying number given by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
- It is important that your Aadhaar Data is correct and is updated at all times.
- You will need to go to an Aadhaar Enrolment Center to enroll for Aadhaar for yourself or a family member.
What is Aadhaar?
The aadhaar number is a 12-digit random number provided by the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) to residents of India who have completed the authority’s verification process. Regardless of age or gender, anyone living in India is eligible to apply for an Aadhaar number. Those interested in enrolling must give minimum demographic and biometric information for this completely free-cost signup process. Because the uniqueness is obtained through demographic and biometric de-duplication, an individual only needs to enroll for Aadhaar once, and only one Aadhaar will be generated after de-duplication.
It is possible to verify the Aadhaar number online in a cost-effective way. It is distinctive and resilient enough to prevent duplication and fake identities. It may be used as the foundation/primary identity for a wide range of government aid systems and programmes, promoting transparency and good governance. This is the only program of its kind in the world that provides people with a free state-of-the-art digital and online ID on such a broad scale, and it can change the way the country’s service delivery system operates.
Aadhaar is a non-intelligent number that does not discriminate against people based on their caste, religion, income, health, or region. The Aadhaar number is evidence of identity. However, it does not grant the holder of an Aadhaar number any right of citizenship or residence.
Documents You Need for Aadhar Enrolment
Knowing the basics of Aadhaar enrollment might have been helpful, but it is of no use if you don’t know the required documents and the process. So, here we are at your service, helping you out with the documentation part.
The Aadhaar enrollment process includes visiting the Enrolment Centre, filling out the enrolment form, getting demographic and biometric data captured and submitting proof of identity and address documents before collecting the acknowledgement slip containing the Enrolment ID.
The Aadhaar Enrollment process of UIDAI accepts a variety of Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents.
Apart from the above-linked documents, UIDAI also permits your photo ID cards like PAN card and Govt. ID cards as proof of identity. You may include documents like water-electricity bill/ landline telephone bills for the last three months for your address proof.
If you don’t have the following proofs, a Certificate of Identity with a photo issued by a Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead will suffice. A genuine PoA would include a certificate of address with a photo issued on a letterhead by a Member of Parliament (MP), a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), a Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar, or a Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural regions).
Residents can also seek aid from introducers at the enrolment centers if they don’t have any documents. The Registrar usually notifies the Introducers. However, you should connect with the Registrar’s office for more information before going there.
Did You Know?
Ever wondered how many Aadhaar the UIDAI must have issued till date? Although we don’t have a precise figure, the nodal authorities have issued over 120 crore Aadhaar numbers to Indian citizens!
Why Enroll for Aadhaar?
If you’ve reached here, kudos! Because by now, you know the basics of Jan Aadhaar Enrolment and the documents you’d require to move ahead with the process. But why exactly do you need to enroll? This section will spill all the beans, so probably try being patient because good things come to those who wait.
Oh! From the waiting we just remembered something you should know! After receiving resident data packets in CIDR, the waiting time for Aadhaar can range from 60 to 90 days.
So, to add to your Aadhaar enrollment knowledge here’s something you should know. UIDAI and the Office of the Registrar General of India oversee enrolment in all states and union territories (RGI). In Assam and Meghalaya, RGI is solely responsible for Aadhaar enrolment and the National Population Register (NPR) production. All other states/UTs must enroll only at an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre/Aadhaar Camps or any Permanent Enrolment Centre.
Aadhaar and its platform provide the government with a unique opportunity to improve their benefits scheme delivery mechanisms, assuring transparency and efficiency. By preventing the need to produce several documents to establish one’s identification, the use of Aadhaar as an identity document allows recipients to get their entitlements immediately, conveniently, and seamlessly.
It also gives reliable data on beneficiaries to the government and allows for the implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) programmes. The use of Aadhaar authentication allows implementing agencies to verify beneficiaries during service/benefit delivery and guarantees that benefits are delivered to them in a targeted manner. All of these actions result in the following:
- Curbing Leakages Through Targeted Delivery
UIDAI’s authentication services benefit all social welfare programmes requiring verification of beneficiaries before service delivery. As a result, leakages will be reduced, and services will be supplied exclusively to those who need them. Subsidized food and kerosene delivery to PDS beneficiaries, workplace attendance of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) beneficiaries, are some examples.
- Improving Efficiency
Government can improve disbursement methods and use scarce development money more effectively and efficiently using the Aadhaar platform, giving accurate and transparent information about the service delivery mechanism.
How to Enroll for Aadhaar?
If a person desires to apply for a new Aadhaar card, they must first fill out a form available on the UIDAI’s official website and then submit it to one of the UIDAI-approved Aadhaar Enrolment Centers located throughout India. Not only that, but they must also include self-attested copies of specific supporting papers that are required for Aadhaar verification of the applicant’s provided information. Also, now that we’ve mentioned Enrollment Centers a couple times now, here’s how you can find one for yourself.
These documents are divided into four distinct groups, i.e., identity proof, address proof, DOB proof and proofs of relationships. These documents will be necessary if you want to apply for a new aadhaar card or make any modifications to your current one.
In a nutshell, there are 3 primary approaches for Aadhaar enrollment:
| Document – Based | Head Of Family (Hof) – Based | Introducer – Based |
| For this, you’ll need to furnish one valid Proof of Identity (PoI) alongside one valid Proof of Address (PoA) document. | For this, you will need to introduce family members using documents that will help establish the Proof of Relationship (PoR). | If you do not have valid Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents, you can leverage an introducer’s services. Appointed by the Registrar, an introducer should have a valid Aadhaar number. |
Also, if you wish to complete your Aadhaar enrolment online, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Step 1: Visit UIDAI’s official website and download the Aadhaar enrollment form and take a printout.
- Step 2: Fill out the form with relevant and true information.
- Step 3: Visit the nearest Aadhaar enrollment centre with the filled form and the necessary documents.
- Step 4: Submit the application form and documents and undergo the mandatory biometric process.
- Step 5: Once the necessary process is completed, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt.
A Guide to Aadhaar Enrollment Status: Things You Should Know
Once you complete your Jan Aadhaar enrollment, you become eligible to check your Aadhaar enrollment status, in case you have enrolled for it at an Enrollment Centre. In order to check your Aadhaar enrollment status, you will require your Enrollment ID or EID. You can find your EID on the top of your acknowledgement slip.
Your EID is a 28-digit number comprising of two parts, mainly:
- 14-digit enrolment number in the 012/01234/012345 format
- 14-digit date and time of enrolment in the dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm:ss format
However, you only need your 14-digit enrolment number to verify your Aadhaar enrollment status. It’s up to you if you want to provide the remaining 14 digits.
If you have your EID number, you can check your Aadhaar enrollment status on the UIDAI website by going to the Check Aadhaar Status page.
Also, here’s something you should take note of! During the Aadhaar enrollment process, you can check all of the information submitted and make any necessary adjustments or revisions on the spot. If you need to make any changes after you’ve already enrolled, you’ll have 96 hours to visit the centre, provide the acknowledgment slip, and make any changes to the information you’ve already submitted.
Word to Remember
Direct Benefit Transfer
DBT, or Direct Benefit Transfer, is an initiative by the Indian government to change the process for transferring subsidies, which began on January 1, 2013. This scheme aspires to provide subsidies directly to people’s bank accounts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to check in to hotels, verify your age at the nearest bar, or get vaccinated, Aadhaar is your go-to document.
So, make sure to have all the necessary paperwork by your side during Aadhaar enrollment.
Get your identity verified today!
FAQs
Yes. NRIs are eligible for Aadhaar enrollment provided that they have had resided in India for a period of 182 days or more in the last 12 months before applying.
No, there are no age restrictions for Aadhaar enrollment. Even newborns are eligible for an Aadhaar number.
Namely, two types of details are captured during the Aadhaar enrollment process:
Demographics details: Name, DOB, gender, and address. You can also provide the optional details which include your mobile number and e-mail ID.
Biometrics- A photograph, fingerprint of all 10 fingers and a scan of both irises. 
No, Aadhaar enrollment is completely free for Indian residents and the operator won’t charge any fee for it.
No, you’ll have to visit an Aadhaar enrollment Centre personally as you’ll have to submit your biometrics during the process.
Read more about Smart Aadhaar Card.
