Does linking my bank account, PAN, and other services with Aadhaar make me vulnerable?keyboard_arrow_down
No. As your bank information is not shared by the bank with anyone else, no one can have information about your bank account just by knowing your Aadhaar number. Also, UIDAI or any entity for that matter would not have any information about your bank account. For example, you give your mobile number at various places and to various authorities such as bank, passport authorities, income tax departments, etc. Would the telecom company have access to your bank information, income tax returns, etc.? Obviously no! Similarly, when you provide Aadhaar number to various service providers, your detail remains with the respective service providers and no single entity including the Government or UIDAI will have access to your personal information spread across various service providers.
Why am I asked to verify Bank account, Demat account, PAN and various other services with Aadhaar?keyboard_arrow_down
As per the Supreme Court Judgement in the Aadhaar case (494 of 2012), residents are no longer required to mandatorily verify Bank account with Aadhaar. PAN Aadhaar linking is mandatory. A resident can voluntarily use his Aadhaar number in physical or electronic form by way of authentication or offline verification, or in such other form as may be specified by UIDAI. Mandatory Aadhaar authentication can be performed if the purpose is backed by law or it is in State interest. However, for availing subsidies, benefits, services beneficiaries are required to undergo mandatory Aadhaar authentication. when you link your bank account, demat account, mutual fund account, PAN, etc., with Aadhaar, you secure yourself because no one can impersonate you to avail these services. Often the fraudsters carry out transactions and transfer money from someone else’s account to their accounts and go untraced as they generally submit their fake identities to the bank while opening their accounts. They operate bank accounts in fictitious names/companies and run shell companies’ accounts to carry out money laundering or stash black money. Therefore, when all the bank accounts are verified with Aadhaar then it would not be possible for these unscrupulous elements to go untraced and banking as a whole would become more safe and secure as the identity of each bank account holders is established uniquely beyond doubt through eKYC. As of now 96 crore bank accounts out of total 110 crore accounts have been linked to Aadhaar.
At the same time, you also contribute to serve the vital national interests by making the system rid of bogus, fakes and duplicates who could misuse IDs to evade taxes, siphon off public money, etc. Through use of Aadhaar and other process improvements, the Government has been able to weed out more than 6 crore fakes, duplicates and ghosts beneficiaries and save more than Rs. 90,000 crore of public money. Also, ghost and shell entities and companies used to be created for tax evasion, money laundering, terror financing, etc. Verification of identity through Aadhaar has helped curb these practices. Similarly, use of Aadhaar has checked unscrupulous elements that used to resort to impersonation in various examination and tests for college admission and jobs, etc., and thereby denying the genuine candidates of their rightful dues. There are number of other areas where verification of identity through Aadhaar has brought in fairness and transparency in the system.
Can a fraudster withdraw money from my Aadhaar linked bank account if he knows my Aadhaar number or has my Aadhaar card? Has any Aadhaar holder suffered any financial or other loss or identity theft on account of impersonation or misuse?keyboard_arrow_down
Just like by merely knowing your bank account number, one cannot withdraw money from your account, similarly by merely knowing your Aadhaar number, no one can withdraw money from Aadhaar linked bank account. As in bank for withdrawing money, your signature, debit card, PIN, OTP, etc., is required, similarly for withdrawing money from your Aadhaar linked bank account through Aadhaar, your fingerprint, IRIS or OTP sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile will be required. No Aadhaar holder has suffered any financial or other loss or identity theft on account of any said misuse or attempted impersonation of Aadhaar. Notably, everyday more than 3 crore Authentications are carried out on the Aadhaar platform. In the last eight years, so far more than 3,012.5 crore authentications (till 28th May 2019) have been successfully done. UIDAI keeps upgrading and reviewing its security systems and safety mechanisms to make Aadhaar more secure and more useable. There has not been a single instance of biometric data breach from Aadhaar database. Therefore, people should freely use and give Aadhaar to prove their identity as and when required under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
There are many agencies that simply accept physical copy of Aadhaar and do not carry out any biometric or OTP authentication or verification. Is this a good practice?keyboard_arrow_down
Aadhaar authentication can be performed for availing benefits, services and benefits falling under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and if the purpose for which Aadhaar authentication is intended to be used is either backed by law made by parliament or is in the State interest. The verification of Aadhaar can be done offline through QR code available on the physical Aadhaar copy. If any agency does not follow these best practices, then that agency will be fully responsible for situations or losses arising out of possible misuse or impersonation. An Aadhaar holder is not responsible for the wrongful act of or by any agency.
What happens if some fraudster who obtains a copy of my Aadhaar card and tries to open a bank account in my name without my knowledge. Will I not be harmed?keyboard_arrow_down
Under the PML Rules Aadhaar is one of the officially valid documents accepted for opening bank account and the bank is required to do other due diligence for banking transaction or KYC. If at all some fraudster tries to open bank account using Aadhaar and bank doensn’t carry any due diligence then in such case an Aadhaar holder cannot be held responsible for bank’s fault. It is just like if some fraudster opens a bank account by presenting someone else’s Voter card/Ration card, it is the bank that would be held responsible not the voter or ration card holder. Till date no Aadhaar holder has suffered any financial loss on account of such misuse.
I gave my Aadhaar card to a service provider for proving my identity. Can anyone harm me by knowing and misusing my Aadhaar number?keyboard_arrow_down
No. Just, by knowing your Aadhaar number, no one can harm you. It’s just like any other identity document such as passport, voter ID, PAN card, ration card, driving license, etc., that you have been using freely for decades with service providers. Aadhaar identity, instead, is instantly verifiable and hence more trusted. Also, as per the Aadhaar Act 2016, the Aadhaar card is required to be verified either by in physical or electronic formby way of authentication or offline verification, or in such other form as may be specified. Verification is done through fingerprint, iris scan, OTP authentication, and QR code etc. Hence, it is near impossible to impersonate you if you use Aadhaar to prove your identity. People have been freely giving other identity documents such as passport, voter ID, PAN card, ration card, driving license, etc. But did they stop using these documents for the fear that somebody would use them to impersonate? No! They continue using them and if any fraud happens, the law enforcement agencies handle them as per law. The same logic will apply to Aadhaar. In fact, Aadhaar is more secure than many other identity documents, because unlike other IDs, Aadhaar is instantly verifiable through biometric and OTP authentication and QR code. Further, under the Aadhaar Act, 2016 stringent penalties, including fines and imprisonment are provided whenever a person misuses your Aadhaar number or tries to cause any harm to you.
If Aadhaar has to be freely used for proving identity and it is safe to do so, then why has UIDAI advised people not to put up their Aadhaar number in Social Media or public domain?keyboard_arrow_down
You use PAN card, debit card, credit card, bank cheques wherever required. But do you put these details openly on internet and social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Obviously no! You do not put such personal details unnecessarily in public domain so that there is no unwarranted invasion attempt on your privacy. The same logic needs to be applied in case of uses of Aadhaar.
Recently, UIDAI has issued an advisory asking people not to share their Aadhaar number openly in the public domain especially on Social Media or other public platforms. Does this mean that I should not use Aadhaar freely?keyboard_arrow_down
You should use your Aadhaar without any hesitation for proving your identity and doing transactions, just like you use your bank account number, PAN card, debit card, credit card, etc., wherever required. What UIDAI has advised is that Aadhaar card should be freely used for proving identity and doing transactions, but should not be put on public platforms like Twitter, Facebook, etc. People give their debit card or credit card details or cheque (which has bank account number) when they purchase goods, or pay school fee, water, electricity, telephone and other utility bills, etc. Similarly, you can freely use your Aadhaar to establish your identity as and when required without any fear. While using Aadhaar, you should do the same level of due diligence as you do in case of other ID cards – not more, not less.
How do I link PAN with Aadhaar?keyboard_arrow_down
You can link your PAN with Aadhaar by following process:
a) Open the Income Tax e-filing portal - https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/
b) Register on it (if not already done). Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) will be your user id.
c) Log in by entering the User ID, password and date of birth.
d) A pop up window will appear, prompting you to link your PAN with Aadhaar. If not, go to ‘Profile Settings’ on Menu bar and click on ‘Link Aadhaar’.
e) Details such as name date of birth and gender will already be mentioned as per the PAN details.
f) Verify the PAN details on screen with the ones mentioned on your Aadhaar. Pls. note that if there is a mismatch, you need to get the same corrected in either of the documents.
g) If the details match, enter your Aadhaar number and click on the “link now” button.
h) A pop-up message will inform you that your Aadhaar has been successfully linked to your PAN
i) You may also visit https://www.utiitsl.com/ OR https://www.egov-nsdl.co.in/ to link your PAN and Aadhaar.
What is Aadhaar smart card or plastic card? Is it mandatory for getting services?keyboard_arrow_down
There is no concept such as smart Aadhaar card. Aadhaar letter or Aadhaar downloaded from UIDAI website, in the form as may be specified from time to time, is sufficient and a valid form of Aadhaar. Only visit authorized common service centres or Aadhaar permanent enrolment centres for Aadhaar related services. For further info see this press release: https://goo.gl/TccM9f.
I applied for Aadhaar earlier but did not get it. So, I re-applied. When will I get my Aadhaar?keyboard_arrow_down
If your Aadhaar was generated from the first Enrolment then every attempt to re-enrol will be rejected. DO NOT re-apply. You can retrieve your Aadhaar:
(a) Online using https://resident.uidai.gov.in/lost-uideid (if you have the registered mobile no)
(b) By visiting at permanent enrolment centre
(c) By dialing 1947
I recently updated my Aadhaar. Can you please expedite it? I need it urgently.keyboard_arrow_down
Aadhaar updation has a fixed process which takes up to 90 days from the date of requested. The updation process cannot be altered. Please wait. You may check the status from https://ssup.uidai.gov.in/ssup/
I updated my Aadhaar recently. But it shows under manual check. When will it get updated?keyboard_arrow_down
Aadhaar updation takes up to 90 days. If your update request is more than 90 days old, then Please dial 1947 (toll free) or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further assistance.
After I get Enroled, how long will it take to get my Aadhaar letter? And how do I get my Aadhaar letter?keyboard_arrow_down
Aadhaar generation may take up to 90 days. Aadhaar letter is delivered by post. Once Aadhaar is generated, you also get a sms on registered mobile (if mobile number provided during enrolment).
What can the Resident do if there are spelling mistakes/other demographic error in his/her Aadhaar Enrolment Slip (96 Hour Correction Window)keyboard_arrow_down
The resident gets an opportunity to notice and correct such errors during enrolment while the data is being entered. One more opportunity is given to the resident to make corrections prior to finalization of Enrolment request and printing of the Enrolment Acknowledgment. In the event that both these opportunities are missed, resident can get the name address corrected by visiting the enrolment centre along with relevant documents and enrolment slip within 96 hours of enrolment.
What if Aadhaar letter does not get delivered to a Resident?keyboard_arrow_down
If resident does not get Aadhaar letter he/she should contact UIDAI contact centre with his/her Enrolment number or he/she may check Aadhaar status here.https://resident.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar-status or meanwhile resident can download e-Aadhaar .
What if Resident misplaces his Aadhaar number?keyboard_arrow_down
a) Resident can find his Aadhaar number using Aadhaar Service - Retrieve Lost UID/EID
b) Resident can call 1947 where our Contact Centre Agent will help him/her in getting his/her EID number. The resident can further use this EID to download his/her eAadhaar from Resident Portal - eAadhaar
d) Resident can also get his/her Aadhaar number from EID number on IVRS system by calling 1947
Aadhaar letter section - What if a Resident misplaces his Aadhaar letter /forgets his Aadhaar?keyboard_arrow_down
The resident can contact the Contact Centre (through phone / portal / email) with the enrolment number and make a request for sending a new letter communicating Aadhaar.
What if a Resident gets rejected by the UIDAI and is not issued Aadhaar?keyboard_arrow_down
The reason for rejection along with steps to be taken post rejection will be communicated to the resident and the Registrar.
What are rooted devices?keyboard_arrow_down
Rooting is the process of allowing users of smart phones, tablets and other devices running the Android mobile operating system to attain privileged control (known as root access) over various Android subsystems.
Does mAadhaar works on rooted devices?keyboard_arrow_down
No, mAadhaar does not works on rooted devices.
Is mAadhaar available for iOS?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes, mAadhaar is available for iOS devices.
Is there any mobile specific Android version?keyboard_arrow_down
Android Version 5.0 and up.
Why my profile on mAadhaar gets inactive when have changed to new phone with registered mobile number?keyboard_arrow_down
One Aadhaar profile can be active on only one device at a time. If you create profile on another device by inserting the SIM in another device, the previous profile would become inactive and would be deleted from older device whenever any operation is attempted from that device.
What is the maximum number of profiles can be added in mAadhaar App?keyboard_arrow_down
A user can add maximum 3 profiles in his device, all having same mobile number registered in their Aadhaar. Auto-fill OTP is valid and hence user cannot add any profiles which are registered with any other mobile number. If members of your family have the same mobile number registered as you in their Aadhaar, you can add their profile in your device.
How to share QR-Code?keyboard_arrow_down
- Open your profile
- Click on the top RHS corner.
- Select ‘Show QR-Code’.
- A pop-up to re-enter password will appear if Profile is Password Protected.
- QR Code will be displayed.
- Select one sharing option from the available options.
What is registered mobile number?keyboard_arrow_down
Registered mobile number is the mobile submitted at the time of Aadhaar enrollment or update.
Is it compulsory to have registered mobile number to use m-Aadhaar?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes, it is compulsory to have registered Mobile Number.OTP will be shared and auto-filled via registered mobile number in mAadhaar app. In case you’re mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
What is Temporary and Permanent Biometric un-Locking?keyboard_arrow_down
Resident can unlock Biometrics in 2 ways
- Temporary Unlock – Unlocked valid for 10 minutes
- Permanent Unlock – Unlocked Permanently
Note: In order to permanently unlock Biometrics it takes 6 hours, so might be resident will not be able to Authenticate for next 6 hours.
How resident can unlock their Biometrics?keyboard_arrow_down
- Open your profile
- Click on the top RHS corner.
- Select Biometric Settings.
- To unlock biometrics select check box ‘Enable Biometric Lock’.
- To save your selection, click on Tick Mark on top RHS.
- An OTP will be generated and auto-filled and biometrics will be locked.
- The Biometric will be un-locked permanently till unlocked.
Note: In order to permanently unlock Biometrics it takes 6 hours, so might be resident will not be able to Authenticate for next 6 hours.
How resident can lock their Biometrics?keyboard_arrow_down
- Open your profile
- Click on the top RHS corner.
- Select Biometric Settings.
- To lock biometrics select check box ‘Enable Biometric Lock’.
- To save your selection, click on Tick Mark on top RHS.
- An OTP will be generated and auto-filled and biometrics will be locked.
- The Biometric will be locked permanently till unlocked.
What are biometric locking /Unlocking?keyboard_arrow_down
This feature is to secure biometric authentication by locking biometrics data of the resident. Biometric remains locked till the Aadhaar Holder chose to either unlock it (which is temporary) or Disable the Locking system.
How to configure?keyboard_arrow_down
- Download mAadhaar android mobile application
- Create new resident profile.
- Navigate to TOTP page view, your TOTP should be visible and is valid for 30 seconds.
How TOTP is generated?keyboard_arrow_down
TOTP is generated in mobile application like mAadhaar. However, the Client mobile device’s time should be in sync with IST time-zone.
Why to use TOTP?keyboard_arrow_down
TOTPs avoid a number of shortcomings that are associated with traditional SMS based OTP. The most important shortcoming that is addressed by TOTPs is that resident will not be dependent on mobile network for SMS delivery. Generating and sending OTP requires users to go through a completely unrelated workflow.
What is TOTP?keyboard_arrow_down
- It is an one-time temporary password (OTP), that is generated by an algorithm and valid only for 30 seconds. Because of this time variable characteristic, it is called TOTP.
- TOTP is 8 digit long numeric strings.
- TOTP is personal to the resident and is uniquely generated every 30 seconds for each resident separately.
- With time-based OTP, the TOTP validation server and token generation app(like mAadhaar) use their respective system times to generate OTPs. The TOTP algorithm assumes that the system times are synchronized.
How to share eKYC?keyboard_arrow_down
- Open your profile
- Click on the top RHS corner.
- Select /Tap on Share eKYC, pop-up will appear re-enter password.
- Select one sharing option from the available ( Gmail, Bluetooth, SHAREit, Skype etc.).
What is e-KYC? How it is the use of eKYC?keyboard_arrow_down
Electronic Know your Client or e KYC is the way of resident authentication used by organization like Banks, Aadhaar allows the residents to submit it as an address proof electronically which is valid as a Xerox copy of Aadhaar Card.
Where OTP can be entered, received OTP on non-registered mobile number?keyboard_arrow_down
There is no provision to manually enter the OTP anywhere in mAadhaar. This is a security feature. Please do not navigate from application if it is waiting for SMS. Aadhaar will automatically read the OTP once it is received.
Can mAadhaar app work offline?keyboard_arrow_down
mAadhaar needs to be connected and download data from UIDAI. So ensure that internet connectivity is available on your phone.
Is there any specific format to create password?keyboard_arrow_down
Application will ask for password as soon as it is opened as the first step. User should enter a password of minimum 8 and maximum 12 characters length. The password should contain at least 1 number, 1 alphabet, 1 special character ( @,#,&,%,*,!,-,(,) ) and 1 alphabet in capital e.g. Sharma@123.
How to avoid entering your password again and again, on opening the app?keyboard_arrow_down
- Select dropdown from the top left corner of the app.
- Go to Settings.
- Uncheck the checkbox: ‘Ask password for every time.
How resident can delete Profile from mAadhaar app?keyboard_arrow_down
Resident can view profile by following these steps:
- Open your profile and click on menu at top right.
- Select Delete Profile option.
- Ensure network connectivity on your mobile device before authenticating yourself by entering profile password.
- App will delete the profile.
How to Reset Password?keyboard_arrow_down
- Select "Reset Password" from top menu on the home screen
- Provide all the mandatory fields then click on "Reset Password" button at the bottom of the screen
- Enter new password to reset
How to View Updated Profile in mAadhaar?keyboard_arrow_down
- Open your profile
- Select "View updated Profile" on top right corner to view recently updated Aadhaar data
- On Tap OTP will be sent and auto-filled, Tap OK to confirm and view profile.
- Ensure network connectivity on your mobile device before initiating profile sync
- Upon successful sync latest Aadhaar data will be visible on your screen.
How resident can view Profile?keyboard_arrow_down
Resident can view profile by following these steps:
- Press your profile on the homepage of the app
- Authenticate yourself by entering profile password
- In the profile screen flip your profile to view address
How resident can create profile in mAadhaar app?keyboard_arrow_down
- Enter 12 digit Aadhaar Number or scan your Aadhaar card
- Ensure that your mobile connection is active and that the mobile number is same as that available with UIDAI as your registered mobile number.
- After providing the mandatory inputs press the button 'Verify', available at the bottom of the screen. After pressing 'Verify' button do not navigate away from the screen
- If details provided by you are found to be correct then application will receive OTP and will read OTP automatically from the phone.
Where can m-Aadhaar be used?keyboard_arrow_down
m-Aadhaar is accepted as proof of identity for undertaking journey in any reserved class in Indian Railways. For details view the Circular released by Indian Railway.
From where do I download m-Aadhaar App?keyboard_arrow_down
You can download 'm-Aadhaar' from Google Playstore Click here to download
Can the Registrar add / remove Introducers at a later stage?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes, Registrars can add / remove / modify Introducers at a later stage. The area of operations of an Introducer can also be modified at a later stage. UIDAI encourages Registrars to review performance of Introducers on an on-going basis and make changes to the list as required.