The Aadhaar Card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It serves as proof of identity and address, offering access to various government services and benefits.

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What is an Aadhaar Card?

• A 12-digit unique number for Indian residents.
• Linked to demographic and biometric data (fingerprints, iris scans).
• Aims to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and enhance access to welfare schemes.

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Types of Aadhaar Cards

• Aadhaar for Indian Residents
• Available to all Indian citizens.

• Mandatory for taxpayers to link Aadhaar with PAN for filing Income Tax Returns.

• Aadhaar for NRIs

• NRIs with valid Indian passports can apply.

• Requires at least one year of residence in India.

• Baal Aadhaar (for Minors)

• Issued to children below five years of age.
• Blue-colored card; biometric updates required at ages 5 and 15.

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Key Features of Aadhaar

• Universal Acceptance

• Accepted as proof of identity and address nationwide.

• e-Aadhaar Services

• Online Aadhaar downloads.

• Aadhaar verification and updates available via the UIDAI portal.

• Integration with Financial Systems

• Linked with bank accounts for subsidies, pensions, and LPG benefits.

• Biometric Locking

• Option to lock/unlock biometrics for security.

• Authentication History

• View Aadhaar usage history for the past six months online.

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Benefits of Aadhaar Card

• Identity Proof

• Accepted as valid proof of identity and address by government and private entities.

• Access to Subsidies

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for LPG subsidies and other schemes.

• Simplified Banking Services

• Aadhaar serves as KYC for opening bank accounts.

• Faster Passport Issuance

• Aadhaar reduces passport processing time to 10 days.

• Income Tax Filing

• Mandatory linking with PAN for filing income tax returns.

• Ease of Access to Services

• Required for availing benefits under schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Mutual Funds, and Pension Schemes.

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Eligibility for Aadhaar

• Indian Residents: All age groups, including minors.
• NRIs and Foreigners: Eligible if residing in India for at least 1 year.

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How to Apply for Aadhaar Card

• Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Center

• Find the nearest center via UIDAI’s portal.

• Required Documents

• Identity Proof: Passport, Voter ID, Driving License.
• Address Proof: Utility bills, Bank statements.

• Date of Birth Proof: Birth certificate, PAN card.

• Biometric and Demographic Data Collection

• Provide fingerprints, iris scans, and demographic details.

• Verification and Acknowledgment

• Receive an acknowledgment slip with an Enrollment ID (EID).

• Aadhaar Issuance

• Aadhaar card will be delivered within 90 days post-verification.

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Updating Aadhaar Details

• Online Updates

• Update demographic data (name, address, DOB) via UIDAI's portal.

• Offline Updates

• Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Center for biometric updates.

• Documents Required for Updates

• Submit valid proof of identity and address for changes.

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Special Features: Aadhaar PVC Card

• Durable and Compact
• Can be ordered online for50.
• Features include a secure QR code, hologram, and microtext.

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Key Aadhaar Services

• Aadhaar-PAN Linking

• Mandatory for filing income tax returns.

• Aadhaar-Mobile Number Linking

• Required for KYC and security purposes.

• Aadhaar-Bank Account Linking

• Enables direct credit of subsidies and benefits.

• Aadhaar-Voter ID Linking

• Improves voter ID authentication.

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How to Download Aadhaar Card Online?

• Visit UIDAI’s Official Website.
• Go to the “My Aadhaar” section and select “Download Aadhaar.”
• Enter your Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID, or Virtual ID.
• Verify via OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• Download the PDF; use the first four letters of your name and birth year as the password to open it.

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Common FAQs About Aadhaar Card

• Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns?

• Yes, Aadhaar must be linked with PAN for tax filing.

• Q: What is a Masked Aadhaar?

• A version of Aadhaar where only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number are visible.

• Q: Can NRIs apply for Aadhaar?

• Yes, NRIs with valid Indian passports and a minimum one-year stay in India are eligible.

• Q: Can Aadhaar biometrics be locked for security?

• Yes, residents can lock/unlock their biometric data via UIDAI's portal.

• Q: What to do if Aadhaar is lost?

• Retrieve or download it online from the UIDAI portal using Enrollment ID or Aadhaar number.

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Summing it up

The Aadhaar card has revolutionized identity verification and streamlined access to government services in India. It ensures efficiency, transparency, and security across financial, governmental, and personal domains. Stay updated and manage your Aadhaar easily through the UIDAI portal.

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