What is Baal Aadhaar?

Baal Aadhaar is a special category of Aadhaar issued to children below the age of five years.

Unlike the standard white Aadhaar card, the Baal Aadhaar is blue in color.

It is designed to provide a unique identity to infants and toddlers, which is increasingly required for school admissions and government welfare schemes.

Key Features of Blue Aadhaar

The most distinct feature of Baal Aadhaar is that no biometric data (fingerprints or iris scans) is collected for children under 5.

The identity is linked to the biometrics of the child's parents.

The card also carries a clear remark that it is valid only until the child reaches the age of five.

The Enrolment Process for Infants

To apply for a Baal Aadhaar:

  • The child must be present at the centre with at least one parent.
  • The Birth Certificate of the child is the primary document required.
  • The Aadhaar card of the parent is mandatory for linking.
  • A photograph of the child is taken at the centre.

Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU)

Since biometrics are not taken at birth, it is mandatory to update the child’s biometrics twice:

  • First MBU: When the child turns 5 years old. The blue card is then replaced with a regular Aadhaar.
  • Second MBU: When the child turns 15 years old.
Failure to perform these updates will result in the Aadhaar card becoming inactive.

Benefits for Parents

Having a Baal Aadhaar helps in maintaining a digital record of the child from birth.

It simplifies the process of applying for a child's passport and ensures that the child is eligible for various state-run nutrition and education programs.