Aadhar must for students for scholarship and competing NEET (UG)-2025: State Nodal Officer

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 3, 2025

Aadhar number is a must for students for availing scholarships for higher studies as well as for competing national-level entrance exams such as NEET (UG)-2025 and other examination, said Meghalaya State Nodal Officer (Aadhar) Dr. Joram Beda IAS on the 26th of this month while emphasizing on the importance of Aadhar enrolment.

Informing this, Beda urged all citizens including children who have not yet enrolled for Aadhaar to complete their enrolment for Aadhar and also encouraged the parents to ensure the mandatory biometric updates of their children for seamless access to essential services and also to avoid any inconvenience in near future.

Clarifying that there is no age limit for Aadhaar registration, and even newborns, the State Nodal Officer said that for children aged 0-5 years, parents must provide their Aadhaar number along with the child’s birth certificate at any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. He also added that at this stage, only the child’s photograph is captured, and no biometric data (fingerprints or iris scans) is collected.

Regarding Children whose Aadhaar was already generated, Beda informed it is essential to complete the mandatory biometric updates at two specific age intervals: 5 to 7 years and 15 to 17 years and these updates ensure the accuracy and reliability of the child’s Aadhaar data as they grow.

Beda informed that if there is any failure to Complete Aadhaar Biometric Updates (5-18 Years Age Group) then it will result in Aadhaar deactivation. He also said that many students have not yet completed the mandatory biometric updates, leading to difficulties in availing scholarships, registering for national-level entrance exams, and accessing services requiring Aadhaar authentication.

The State Nodal Officer said that the aspirants planning to compete in national-level entrance exams such as NEET (UG)-2025 must ensure that their Aadhaar details are updated as per their 10th Marksheet/Passing Certificate and that their Aadhaar is linked to a valid mobile number for OTP-based authentication. This step is crucial for smooth registration, verification, and to enhance the integrity of the examination process.

Beda informed Aadhaar enrolment for all age groups, well as mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5 to 7 years and 15 to 17 years, are provided free of charge and citizens can visit Aadhaar enrolment centres at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office of the Block Development Office for enrolment and updates.