What is Aadhaar Card? Benefits, Eligibility, Application, Aadhaar Centres

The Aadhaar card is an Indian system for the residents of India that allows their online/offline identity verification. It is a 12-digit unique identity number or code that an Indian resident would possess.

This card is based on the verified biometric and demographic data of the people. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), an authority that the Government of India established in January 2009, is assigned to provide Aadhaar to all the residents of India.

The government of India and its agency UIDAI issue an Aadhaar card and is strictly responsible to keep the data of people private and restricted.

Aadhar Card

What is Aadhaar card?

The Aadhaar card is the most sophisticated system of giving proof of residence but not citizenship. Many other big authorities have proved the Aadhaar a reliable system for the Indian residents.

It is the world’s largest biometric ID system in which there are several rulings of the Government of India. The real Aadhaar card is based on the verified documents of an individual.

The 12-digit number is called Aadhaar which is linked to the resident’s photograph, ten fingerprints, and two iris scans. The information of the Aadhaar card goes straight to the centralized database.

History of Aadhar Card

The UIDAI authority was established on January 18th, 2009. On June 23rd, the co-founder of Infosys Nandan Nilekani was appointed as the head of the project by the government UPA.

It is a very big post equivalent to a cabinet minister. He became the chairman of the UIDAI and started working on the Aadhaar card.

In April 2010, the logo and the name of the company Aadhaar were launched. Nilekani also mentioned that he would support the legislation in all situations to protect the data that UIDAI has.

Further, in 2010 UIDAI published a list of 15 agencies to take part in enrollment. Later on, they also gave the list of 220 agencies to be a part of the enrollment process.

However, they needed to make at least 4,431 enrollment centers which was the estimated number yet they had to make 22,157 enrollment stations to provide Aadhaar to the Indian residents.

Additionally, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh launched an Aadhaar-linked direct benefit transfer scheme on November 26th, 2012. The purpose of this scheme is to prevent leakages in the data while transferring the amount to the recipient.

Additionally, the scheme was launched for the 51 districts and gradually it started expanding all over India.

What is a Smart Aadhaar Card?

Smart Aadhaar card is the card issued by UIDAI and it is also the same as the paper card yet it is compressed and smart. The smart Aadhaar card is printed on PVC material and has smart features such as QR code, hologram, micro-text, ghost image, guilloche pattern, issue date, Aadhaar logo, and print date. Moreover, these all features cover the Aadhaar card meaning with authentication.

What is Baal Aadhaar?

The UIDAI not only provides the unique identification number identity in the form of an Adhaar card to the elders only, but the Government also makes sure the enrollment of the kids under the age of.

To differentiate the Aadhaar card for elders from the kids, the UIDAI introduces the Baal Aadhaar card in blue color.

It is the identification card for Indian kids under the age of 5. The biometric information of the kids is not required for them to register for the Baal Aadhaar card.

This card has also a 12-digit number and the demographic details that are taken from any of the parents (Mother/Father). Additionally, biometric details are needed as the child turns 5.

Further, when the child turns 15 years, a set of biometric details are collected for updating his Baal Aadhaar card.

What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

As the name masked Aadhaar card itself suggests that it allows people to share their e-Aadhaar card without revealing their personal information.

This also includes the 12-digit code which is not revealed therefore, the card will be shared in a masked form.

Further, the card hides the first 8 digits out of the 12 and they are replaced by “xxxx-xxxx” while the last 4 digits are visible.

This is to ensure the prevention of any kind of fraud. The UIDAI’s official website says that the residents of India can share their masked Aadhaar cards without any risks.

Is Aadhaar Card Necessary?

An Aadhaar card is not mandatory as per the ruling made by the Government of India. However, an Aadhaar card can be necessary in some the cases such as mobile number verification, filing of IT returns, the opening of the bank account, and application of a PAN number.

Many legal actions are taken to link Aadhaar cards to various government schemes to eliminate the corruption and misuse factors.

Today, in India many government schemes require real Aadhaar cards from their beneficiaries to authenticate their legitimacy.

Out of 135 crores of the Indian population approximately 1.12 billion people have been issued the Aadhaar card. This shows that it is not necessarily provided and people can still use PAN cards or passports to authenticate their residency.

Is the Aadhaar Card Valid ID Proof?

The Aadhaar card provides a unique id for each Indian resident. It provides all the necessary information about the data.

The Indian agency UIDAI approves it to be a valid ID proof since it is based on the authentic data provided by the individual. The card tells about the verified person of India.

Furthermore, any Aadhaar card holder is considered a valid ID proof as it contains POI and POA by RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, DOT, and PMLA.

Aadhaar Card Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for an Aadhaar card cover the following aspects:

• Any resident of India can apply for an Aadhaar card. While the Aadhaar Card is for adults and a Baal Aadhaar card is eligible for kids below 5.
• NRIs and foreigners who are staying in India for more than 12 months are eligible for an Aadhaar card. In addition, it is necessary to have an Aadhaar card for the NRIs to have an Indian passport without waiting for 180 days.

Documents Required for Aadhar Card

The documents serve as the identity for the individual to become eligible for an Aadhaar card. Here is the list of the documents that are a requirement for an Aadhaar card:

• PAN card
• Photobank ATM card
• ECHS/CGHS photo card
• Driving license
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Ration Card
• NREGS job card
• Government photo ID cards
• Kissan photo passbook
• Pensioner photo card
• Freedom fighter photo card
• Disability ID card or handicapped medical certificate
• An address card that contains the name and picture that the Department of Posts issues
• Arms license
• Educational institutions issue an authorized Photo ID
• Photo credit card
• A certificate of identity with a photo that the gazetted officer or Tehsildar issues

How to Get an Aadhaar Card?

The process of getting an Aadhaar card for the residents and non-residents of India is the same. Here are the following steps for the NRIs and the residents to follow at the Aadhaar card enrollment center.

Step 1: Submit Documents

First, an individual needs to submit all the documents that prove his/her identity. Some of the documents include residence proof, PAN card, and birth certificate. For the NRI it is important to produce some documents that prove his relationship with another country. Furthermore, the responsible agency will then verify the documents to find if the individual is eligible for the Aadhaar card or not.

Step 2: Scanning Fingerprints

Second, the applicant will then give his biometric scanning of all ten fingerprints. He will place his fingers on the platen to enable the capture. This biometric scan will be saved in the government database which creates a unique identity.

Step 3: Scanning Iris

For further accuracy, the individual will have to sit in front of the iris-capturing software. This software will capture his iris to make sure that his identity is never confused with any other person.

Step 4: Photograph

After all the 3 steps, the Aadhaar card enrollment center will take a passport-size photograph of the applicant. The officials will print the picture on the Aadhaar documents including the card. At the end of the procedure, the individual will receive an acknowledgment slip that allows him to track his card.

Aadhar Card Offices

The applicant for an Aadhaar card can reach any aadhaar card enrollment center near him. Here is the list of Aadhaar card offices.

Hyderabad

1. Speedboat Communication, Ambedkar Nagar Government School, Chintal, Quthbullapur, Hyderabad, Tirumalagiri, Chintal, Telangana – 500054
2. BANJARA HILLS MEESEVA, ROAD NO 7 VIMALNAGAR BANJARA HILLS, Hyderabad, Khairatabad, Telangana – 500034
3. Meeseva, 6-9/3,Kapra New Municipal office, Kapra, Near ECIL Bus stop, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Telangana – 500062
4. Pnb, 21-1-172 to 176 opp high court Ghansi Bazar, Hyderabad, Charminar, Telangana – 500002

Delhi

1. Government of India Bangla Sahib Rd, Behind Kali Mandir, Gole Market, New Delhi – 110001
2. NIRMAN BHAWAN, NIRMAN BHAWAN POST OFFICE, Central Delhi, New Delhi, Nirman Bhawan, Delhi – 110011
3. POST OFFICE, Rajender Nagar, Central Delhi, New Delhi, Rajender Nagar, Delhi – 110060
4. BKID0006048, Bank of India, 6 Lodhi Road, electronics Niketan, to complex, Central Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi High Court, Delhi – 110003
5. BKID0006048, Bank of India, 6 Lodhi Road, electronics Niketan, to complex, Central Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi High Court, Delhi – 110003

Gurgaon

1. FARRUKH NAGAR POST OFFICE, MAIN MARKET, FARUKHNAGAR, NEAR DELHI GATE, Gurgaon, Farrukhnagar, Farukh Nagar, Haryana – 122506
2. Indiapost, Galleria Dlf Ph4, Gurgaon, Farrukhnagar, Galleria DLF-IV, Haryana – 122009
3. PALAM VIHAR POST OFFICE, NEAR VYAPAR KENDRA PALAM VIHAR GURGAON, Gurgaon, Farrukhnagar, Cartarpuri Alias Daulatpur Nasirabad (63, Haryana – 122017
4. Sarv Haryana Gramin bank, Abhaypur, Gurgaon, Sohna, Damdma(174), Haryana – 122102
5. URBAN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER, RAJENDRA PARK GURGAON, Gurgaon, Gurgaon, Adampur(90), Haryana – 122001

Chennai

1. SBIN0006463, SBI, ANNA UNIVERSITY, Chennai, Ekkaduthangal, Tamil Nadu – 600032
2. Engineering College post office, Chennai, Engineering College, Tamil Nadu – 600025
3. HIGH COURT BLDG SO, HIGH COURT BUILDINGS, Chennai, High Court Building, Tamil Nadu – 600104
4. RAPuram, 179 R K MUTT ROAD, Chennai, Raja Annamalaipuram, Tamil Nadu – 600028
5. BANK OF INDIA, 3, ETHIRAJ SALAI ROAD, MR NAGAR, KODUNGAIYUR,, Chennai, Kodungaiyur, Tamil Nadu – 600118

Bangalore

1. Nagarabhavi, Bangalore center Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru, Bangalore North, Karnataka – 560072
2. Bangalore One, AECS Layout Kundalahalli Colony, Bengaluru, Bangalore North, Karnataka – 560037
3. Bangalore One, Sub Division 7 Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, Bangalore North, Karnataka – 560017
4. Mathikere Mini Center, No 8 4th Cros Road Nethaji Circle Mathikere, Bengaluru, Bangalore North, Karnataka – 560054
5. Koramangala, Bangalore One Centre, Bengaluru, Bangalore South, Karnataka – 560047

Mumbai

1. BKDN0460021, Manoj Villa D J Road Next To Macdonald Vile Parle West, Mumbai Suburban, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400056
2. Apple sarkar Seva Kendra, GASK – NMMC WARD OFFICE, D WARD, C/o – Annabhau Sathe Smriti Bhavan, P.No.187, SEC.10, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400705
3. Andhra Bank, shrinath sweets & snacks, near, door no.1, main carter road sambhav darshan apt, Borivali East, Mumbai Suburban, Borivali, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400066
4. 40002102, New Yogakshema Post Office, Jeevan Bima Marg, Mumbai City, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400021
5. Maha E Seva Kendra, G Ward Office Gr, Floor Building Sector 3 Airoli, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400708

Ahmedabad

1. Indian bank, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Ahmadabad City, Gujarat – 380007
2. BKID00002014, BANK OF INDIA, OPP PUKHRAJ HOSPITAL, BULKIDAS RD, RAMNAGAR, SABARMATI, Ahmedabad, Ahmadabad City, Gujarat – 380005
3. CHANDLODIA UCD, CHANDLODIA CIVIC CENTER, Ahmedabad, Ahmadabad City, Chandlodiya (Ahmedabad City), Gujarat – 382481
4. ASK AHMEDABAD, BLOCK NO D, OFFICE NO 50-52, SUMEL 11, NAMSTE CIRCLE, SHAHIBAUG, AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT., Ahmedabad, Ahmadabad City, Gujarat – 380004
5. ASK AHMEDABAD, BLOCK NO D, OFFICE NO 50-52, SUMEL-11 NAMASTE CIRCLE, SHAHIBAUG, AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT-380004, Ahmedabad, Ahmadabad City, Gujarat – 380004

Patna

1. BORING CANAL ROAD, BORING CANAL ROAD POST OFFICE, Patna, Patna Sadar, Budda Colony, Bihar – 800001
2. DAKSHIN BIHAR GRAMIN BANK, NEAR PETROL PUMP, Patna, Paliganj, Paliganj, Bihar – 801110
3. BKID0004402, BANK OF INDIA KHAGAUL, Patna, Danapur, Adampur, Bihar – 801105
4. JAMAL ROAD, JAMAL ROAD, NEAR STATION ROAD PATNA JUNCTION, Patna Sadar, Exhibition Road, Bihar – 800001
5. Fatwa P.O, Near S.B.I.Bank, Fatwa, Patna, Fatuha, Fatwah, Bihar – 803201

Kolkata

1. IndusInd, Astor Tolly 184 N S C Bose Road, Kolkata, Regent Park, West Bengal – 700040
2. HDFC0001128, HDFC BANK LTD. IB-154, SALT LAKE SECTOR-3 KOLKATA WEST BENGAL, North 24 Parganas, Bidhannagar(M), West Bengal – 700106
3. HDFC0000105, HDFC BANK LTD, CONSTANTIA BLDG, 11, DR.U.N.BRAHMACHARI STREET KOLKATA WEST BENGAL, Kolkata, Circus Avenue, West Bengal – 700017
4. HDFC0000349, HDFC BANK LTD. An 869, LAKE TOWN, NEAR JAYA CINEMA, KOLKATA WEST BENGAL, North 24 Parganas, Lake Town, West Bengal – 700089
5. HDFC BANK LTD, 55/1 BHUPENDRA BOSE AVENUE, Kolkata, Shyambazar Mail, West Bengal – 700004

Noida

1. Noida Ho, B- 189, Sector – 19, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201301
2. BARB0MORNAX, Morna branch Surbhi Hospital Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh – 201301
3. Punjab and Sind bank, Kaison tower alpha 1 commercial belt branch, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Surajpur, Uttar Pradesh – 201306
4. CRPF GREATER NOIDA, CRPF CAMP GREATER NOIDA, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Surajpur, Uttar Pradesh – 201306
5. Sec-122 Post Office, Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Noida, Noida Sector 34, Uttar Pradesh – 201307

How NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) Can Get Aadhaar Card?

The NRIs have to submit some of the documents at the enrollment center. Where an NRI wants to have the card similarly the authentic documents are equally important. The Aadhaar card details for the non-resident Indians include the following steps on how to apply for the Aadhaar card:

1. A valid Indian passport is a requirement as proof of identity (POI), proof of address (POA), and date of birth (DOB).
2. In case the applicant does not have an Indian address, he has the authority to show any authentic documents from UIDAI of any other address.
3. Revised enrollment form with NRI’s modified declaration as an annexure.
4. It is necessary for the verifiers at the Aadhaar center to ensure the above steps for the NRI since it can cause trouble with the approval of CEO UIDAI.

Appointment for Aadhaar Card

Here are the following steps to follow to book yourself an appointment for an Aadhaar card:

• Visit the official UIDAI website
• Go to “My Aadhaar” and press the “Book an Appointment” button
• You can book an appointment at both UIDAI run Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Register run Aadhaar Seva Kendra
• Choose your location
• Click on “Manage appointment” or “Book appointment”
• Add your mobile number, and captcha code, and click on “Get OTP”
• Submit your OTP
• Insert your Aadhaar details and other required information
• Select the date and time of your choice
• You will receive your appointment schedule accordingly

Even though the online platforms nowadays are quite helpful they allow you to do your things instantly. However, some people do not know the usage of the internet or some want to do the things in front of them.

Therefore, the Aadhaar card offices provide the facility of getting an offline appointment for an Aadhaar card. You will have to visit the nearest office and follow these steps:

• Apply for the card enrollment
• Secondly, update your name, mobile number, email ID, gender, date of birth, and address
• The officials will take your biometrics such as photos, fingerprints, and iris
• Once all of the above steps are followed, they will book your card appointment

How to Get an Aadhar in Card Format?

According to the official website of UIDAI, the PVC Aadhaar card or plastic Aadhaar card is the latest format which is more reliable and durable. This card contains a QR code, photograph, demographic details, and some security features.

You can get this card online using your Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID along with Rs. 50/- and you will receive your PVC card through speed post at your address.

Difference Between an Aadhaar Card and Pan Card?

PAN stands for Permanent Account Number that a person possesses who pay taxes. While Aadhaar card is a unique identity card that authorizes the residents of India.

Many people confuse the purpose of these two cards and what is Aadhaar number. They think the two cards serve the same purpose of Identity proof.

However, that is not the case. A PAN card helps track all the financial transactions of a person, especially the tax payment.

But this card can also be used as identity proof which is not its primary job because an Aadhaar card is for this purpose.

In contrast, the Aadhaar card is a unique identity and provides a 12-digit code to the Indian resident. The UIDAI, a central government agency of India provides Aadhaar to the people.

This card can help track some of the features of the individual in the database to authorize the identity immediately.

What is the Aadhar Card Used For?

Here are some of the uses of the Aadhaar card:

1) Link to the Public Subsidy

Aadhaar card is linked to some public subsidies and unemployment benefit schemes like domestic LPG for which the subsidy transfers the amount directly to the bank which is linked with the Aadhaar.

2) Biometric Attendance

On July 14, the Aadhaar card was linked to the biometric attendance of the employees to keep a record of absenteeism and late arrival in the government offices. The website gave access to the public as well. They can also see the attendance. For this purpose, the employees add the last four digits of their Aadhaar digits and their fingerprints for authentication.

4) Used by the Central Government Agencies

In November 2014, the Minister of external affairs made sure that the residents having Aadhaar cards will get their passports in 10 days since it makes it easier to verify if the applicant has any criminal records. In addition, the ministry made it mandatory to have an Aadhaar card for all the passport holders.

5) Linking Aadhaar to SIM cards

The department of Telecom with the help of its operators collects the Aadhaar number of the applicants. This way the purchaser can activate his SIM card instantly and by pressing his fingerprints on the device.

6) Linking Aadhaar card to ration card

In the Hyderabad state of Telangana region, the Aadhaar card is linked to the ration card. This way the duplication of the ration card can be prevented. With the help of this approach, the government became strong enough to track more than 63,932 white ration cards. While 229,757 names were removed that were illegal.

Benefits of Aadhaar Card

The Aadhaar card is very reliable and provides many benefits to the people of India. The card is linked to various schemes that make your life easier. Some of the benefits of this card are as follows.

1) Income tax

The best benefit of an Aadhaar card is that you can track your field returns. This is an effective way to cut down on the trouble of documentation. You can simply log into the e-filing website income tax using your PAN number. Link your Aadhaar card and you are good to go. Choose the OTP option for your aadhaar card and it will come on your number.

2) Getting a passport in Less Time Than Ever

It is one of the best benefits that with an Aadhaar card, people can get their passport in 10 days. Doesn’t it sound unreal? But it is the best convenience that an Aadhaar card provides.

3) Bank Account Opening

Aadhaar card is enough to provide authentic legitimacy to the people. Therefore, when you have to open a bank account there is no need to rush for the documents and identity proofs. You can have your account in less to no time.

4) Get Pension Money on Time

Aadhaar card provides benefits to senior citizens as they can have their pension on time. With an Aadhaar card, they don’t have to hustle for the documents. They can simply give their Aadhaar card and can get their pay-outs.

5) Digital Life Creator

There is another benefit to the pensioners that they can enter their Aadhaar digits into the online platforms. They can get their digital life certificate. This is helpful to reduce the physical hassle.

6) Easy Provident Fund Disbursement

Aadhaar card allows ensures the provident fund disbursement to the pensioners so that they do not need to make efforts and consume time.

Disadvantages of Aadhar card

The Aadhaar card has the following disadvantages:

1) Foreign Data Handling

The private companies that are also working on the Aadhaar project, also work on research and development. This can give fear to the individuals of losing their privacy.

2) Issues Due to Centralization

Since the unique identification with Aadhaar is a scheme that the government leads, therefore, there can be issues with its centralization. In addition, this will create a major problem for the people and the government.

3) Individual Information May Be Compromised

An Aadhaar card consists of all the personal information of the individuals including their money transactions. This means the card is also attached to their bank accounts. Therefore, this can cause problems in case the data is not handled with accuracy. There is a risk that an individual’s information may be compromised.

4) Misuse in Banking Transactions

The Aadhaar card is linked to the bank accounts of the Indian people which means that when they use ATM, Debit, or Credit Cards their information will be used. This information can reach the account information of many people. So there are chances of misuse if any carelessness is done.

Summary

An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit number that gives a unique and authentic identity to the residents of India. The government saves the Aadhaar card information in its database. Furthermore, the central government agencies make it a valid identity to give a reliable system to the Indian residents. The Aadhaar is issued by UIDAI and it contains the photograph, biometric fingerprints, iris, and some legal documents that tell the individual’s relationship with the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: The Aadhaar card is a unique identification number given to every Indian citizen. It's like a national ID card which includes basic information such as the name, address, and photo of the individual that was issued by the Indian government.

Answer: Aadhar is an acronym for 'Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)' It is a 12-digit identification number that the government of India provides to its citizens in order for them to access government services, banks, and other institutions.

Answer: Aadhar card was first issued in 2010 to the residents of Delhi. Ranjana Sonawane was the first person to get an Aadhaar card.

Answer: The Aadhaar card, which is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), does not expire. However, the time period for which it can be used varies from state to state.

Answer: Aadhaar seeding is the process of adding customers that have been assigned an Aadhaar number to a specific database. It's important because it makes sure that you are able to provide your customers with a seamless experience that is secure and in accordance with the law.