Aadhaar is a biometric ID program by the Indian Government, providing a 12-digit unique ID linked to residents’ biometric and demographic data. Aadhaar authentication is the procedure of validating and confirming the authenticity of Aadhaar details. This process involves verifying the accuracy of demographic details submitted to the UIDAI to ensure their correctness.

Private and public agencies, in order to provide subsidies and benefits to individuals, require authentication of documents. To learn more about the benefits offered by Aadhaar, CLICK HERE. The implementation of Aadhaar has led to a more secure and dependable method of verifying the submitted documents. The UIDAI provides authentication services upon request. In the authentication process, a requesting entity sends a request to an authority, which checks if there’s a match in the CIDR database. If there’s a match, the response is ‘yes,’ but no personal details are disclosed to protect privacy.

WHY IS AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION IMPORTANT / BENEFITS OF AUTHENTICATION?

1. Reduce the Stack of Documents: Residents provide their Aadhaar numbers to service providers for identity authentication, eliminating the need for multiple proofs of identity.

2. Simplify the Authentication Process: Contacting a single governing body, CIDR, simplifies the process of verifying an individual’s identity as Aadhaar contains both demographic and biometric information, making it quicker.

3. Identify Deserving Residents: Aadhaar authentication helps service providers verify that entitled individuals are claiming benefits or services, reducing fraud and ensuring deserving recipients receive their benefits.

4. Authenticate Online Transactions: Aadhaar authentication enhances security and reliability by verifying online financial transactions through UPI-based mobile applications like BHIM.

5. Allow Selective Access to Areas: High-security areas like airports and banks use Aadhaar authentication to control access, granting entry only after successful verification.

6. Scalability and Efficiency: CIDR handles billions of authentications daily, and Aadhaar is known for its advanced features, speed, security, accuracy, and reliability.

VARIOUS MODES OF AUTHENTICATION: 

1. Demographic Authentication: This form of authentication involves Aadhaar holders’ demographic information, including name, address, age, gender, etc. Government authorities link the details to the Aadhaar number and store them in CIDR, which they can access.

2. Biometric-based Authentication: This critical form of authentication utilizes unique biological traits like fingerprints, retina, and iris patterns to ensure exclusive identification of a citizen. You can also lock / unlock your Aadhaar Biometric Data for further protection.

3. OTP-based Authentication: Increasingly popular, this method requires linking Aadhaar with a mobile number to receive a one-time password. Residents can authenticate their Aadhaar details by entering the OTP received on the registered mobile or email ID.

4. Multi-factor Authentication: This type combines two or more authentication methods, such as OTP, biometric, or demographic. Offering stricter security, it prevents unauthorized access and manipulation of the process.

HOW TO DO AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION ONLINE:

1. Visit the official website of Aadhaar.

2. Utilize a QR code scanner to scan the QR code present on your Aadhaar card. This will allow you to proceed with the verification process.

3. Navigate to the “My Aadhaar” section on the website and from the drop-down list, choose the option “Verify an Aadhaar number.”

4. Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number along with the relevant demographic details required for the verification of the current data associated with your Aadhaar. This step ensures the accuracy and validity of the provided information.

Other than your Aadhaar card, no additional documents are necessary. However, it is essential to have your registered mobile number for receiving OTP, and you need to provide your biometric details to authenticate your Aadhaar. Typically, the government levies a fee of ₹ 0.50 for an Aadhaar card’s Yes/No authentication or e-KYC transaction.

HOW TO CHECK AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION HISTORY:

1: Access the UIDAI website and log in using your credentials. Navigate to the “Aadhaar Update” section.

2: Choose “Aadhaar Update History” and provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number along with the security code.

3: Opt to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number and enter it.

4: Click “Submit,” and you will see a display of all authentication updates, including changes to biometric or demographic data.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. How are Aadhaar details authenticated?

A. Aadhaar details are typically verified using the OTP (One-Time Password) function. The agency requesting authentication sends a request to UIDAI, and in response, UIDAI sends an OTP to the registered mobile number. The user must enter this OTP to authenticate the details.

Q. What is the next step if Authentication is rejected?

A. If your authentication is rejected for any reason, you can try using an alternative method like biometrics or TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password).

Q. What should I do if it says ‘Aadhaar Authentication Failed’ while updating my KYC details on my EPF Portal?

A. If your Aadhaar authentication fails while updating your KYC details on your EPF portal, you can attempt the update process again to see if it gets approved by UIDAI.

Q. What should I do in case my Aadhaar Fingerprint Authentication is not approved for a new mobile SIM?

A. If your Aadhaar fingerprint authentication fails for a new mobile SIM, attempt biometric authentication with your other fingers. Any of your fingers that match the records in the Aadhaar database should work for the authentication process.