The  Aadhaar card was introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It aimed at providing residents of India a multi-purpose document serving as a unique proof of identity. It goes beyond being a mere identification number. However, eligibility to obtain an Aadhaar card extends beyond Indian citizens alone. The Aadhaar card is provided to every citizen of the country, including children in the form of BAAL AADHAAR. Serving as a proof of identity, it is mandatory for Indian citizens to possess an Aadhaar card. Failure to provide or carry an Aadhaar card can restrict individuals from engaging in numerous activities.

According to the Aadhaar Act of 2016, every Indian citizen has the right to obtain an Aadhaar number. They can do so by providing their identity and demographic details. The act specifies that individuals must have resided in the country for more than 182 days within the last 12 months at the time of applying for an Aadhaar card. To illustrate, if you are applying for an Aadhaar card today, you need to reflect on the past 12 months and determine if you have stayed in India for 182 days or more from the day of application. This also implies that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who meet this criteria are eligible to obtain an Aadhaar card. To know more about Aadhaar Card for NRIs, CLICK HERE.

Who is eligible for Aadhaar? Requirements:

• The applicant is an Indian citizen residing in India.
• The applicant is a non-resident Indian residing in India. (NRIs) 
• The applicant is an OCI cardholder who possesses a valid foreign passport and has resided in India for a minimum of 182 days in the last 12 months.
• The applicant is an LTV holder with a foreign passport issued by their country of origin, belonging to minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, such as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. 
• The applicant is a Nepal/Bhutan national. 
• Other resident foreigners who have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous year.
• Children – Baal Aadhaar Card is specifically designed for children below the age of 5 years.

Aadhaar Card Eligibility for Indian Residents:

All Indian citizens are eligible and have the option to apply for an Aadhaar card. Aadhaar is issued to individuals of all ages, including children and older citizens. In fact, even newborns can obtain an Aadhaar card. The child’s Aadhaar is linked to their parent or guardian’s Aadhaar. During the enrollment process, both biometric (photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan) and demographic (name, date of birth, address) information is required. There is no legal requirement for every Indian resident to obtain an Aadhaar card. However, it can be highly beneficial for availing government schemes and services. To learn more about how to apply for Aadhaar card, CLICK HERE.

Aadhaar Card Eligibility for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs):

Non-resident Indians (NRIs), including both minors and adults with a valid Indian Passport, are eligible and can apply for an Aadhaar card by visiting any Aadhaar Kendra. Previously, NRIs were required to stay in India for a minimum of 182 days within a 12-month period to be eligible for an Aadhaar card. However, an amendment in July 2019 introduced a new provision allowing NRIs to obtain Aadhaar cards upon their arrival in India. To avail this service, NRIs must possess Indian passports. It is important to note that the application process for NRI Aadhaar cards remains unchanged. To learn more about Aadhaar Card for NRIs, CLICK HERE.

Aadhaar Card Eligibility for OCI Holders:

An Aadhaar card holds significant importance for both residents and NRIs, as well as OCI cardholders who intend to have an extended stay in India. OCIs have the option to obtain an Aadhaar card and the process of applying for an OCI Aadhaar card is straightforward. However, it is important to note that OCIs who have not stayed in India for a total duration of 180 days or more within the last 12 months are ineligible to acquire an Aadhaar card. To learn more about Aadhaar Card for OCI Holders, CLICK HERE. 

Aadhaar Card Eligibility for Minors or Baal Aadhaar: 

Aadhaar enrolment is also available for minors, unlike the voter identification card. To apply for an Aadhaar card for children, parents must provide proof of their identity and address. Newborns can also be enrolled for Aadhaar. They are required to update their biometric data once they turn 5 and 15 years old. The Baal Aadhaar card for children below 5 years is distinguished by its blue color. To learn more about Baal Aadhaar, CLICK HERE. 

Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment:

During the Aadhaar enrolment process, you are required to provide document proofs such as Proof of Address, Proof of Identity, Proof of Relationship and Proof of Date of Birth. The commonly used documents for applying for an Aadhaar Card are listed below:

Passport of the applicant	PAN Card	Ration card or PDS Photo Card
Voter Identification Card	Driving License	NREGA Jobs Card
Photo Bank ATM Card	Voter Identification Card	Certificate of birth of the applicant

To know the exact list of documents required for Aadhaar card application, CLICK HERE.