With identity verification becoming a necessity in today’s world, the Government of India has made a considerate move by launching the Blue Aadhaar Card, or as it is popularly referred to as, the Baal Aadhaar. The Blue Aadhaar Card is specifically meant for children who are under the age of 5 and is considered their first official ID. Although small in nature and easy to process, this card has several advantages that can benefit a child’s healthcare access, education, and government welfare programs.
What is the Blue Aadhaar Card?
The Blue Aadhaar is a special edition of the regular Aadhaar card, which is given to children who are below 5 years of age. In contrast to the white regular Aadhaar card, this edition is blue in color to clearly identify that it does not feature biometric information like fingerprints or iris scans. It does feature a photo of the child, demographic information, and a special 12-digit Aadhaar number.
The feature that makes Baal Aadhaar especially useful is that it may be used for admission of kids to schools, hospitals, and welfare programs requiring identity authentication. While biometric authentication is suspended until the kid reaches the age of 5, Blue Aadhaar is still a valid ID and residence certificate.
Key Benefits and Features
Issued Under Age 5: Only available for children aged under five.
No Biometric Required: A photo only is taken; fingerprints and iris scans are done at 5 years old.
Associated with Parent’s Aadhaar: Ensures safety and tracing.
Convenient for School Admissions: Provides a safe ID for admission to pre-schools and elementary schools.
Access to Government Schemes: Facilitates eligibility for programs such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, immunization services, and more.
Free of Charge: There is no charge for the initial registration.
How to Apply for the Blue Aadhaar Card
Getting a Baal Aadhaar is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Collect the Required Documents
You’ll need:
Child’s Birth Certificate
Parent’s Aadhaar Card (either mother or father)
Proof of Address (if different from what is on the parent’s Aadhaar)
Step 2: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
Visit your local Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolled enrolment center. You can find one by visiting the official UIDAI website.
Step 3: Enrolment Process
At the centre:
Photograph of the child will be taken.
No fingerprints and no eye scan is required.
Aadhaar of the child will be connected with the parent or guardian’s Aadhaar number.
You will be provided an Acknowledgement Slip with an enrolment number.
Step 4: Aadhaar Generation and Delivery
The information is processed by UIDAI, and the Aadhaar number is typically generated within 2–4 weeks. The Blue Aadhaar card is then sent to your registered address.
Important: Mandatory Updates
When your child attains the age of 5, biometric updates such as fingerprints and iris scans need to be submitted. An update is also needed when they are 15 years old to make sure that Aadhaar remains valid. All these updates are at no cost and can be performed at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Aadhaar card might be small, but it opens the door to critical services for your child. With an easy application process and real advantages, it’s a clever and proactive move every parent can take. From admission to school, access to healthcare, or government help in the future, the Baal Aadhaar sets the stage for your child’s digital identity early.
