Tamil Nadu’s School Education Department launched a statewide campaign to update Aadhaar biometrics for nearly 1.5 million school students. This initiative mandates students to complete the update by December 31 . Failure to meet this deadline will disrupt Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scholarships.
The campaign follows a central government order issued in July 2025 . This order requires Aadhaar-linked authentication for more than 143 government schemes. These schemes disburse a total of ₹790 crore annually. They provide financial support for students from pre-matric grants to postgraduate aid.
Ensuring Scholarship Continuity
Outdated Aadhaar biometrics have caused significant verification delays. These delays have prevented students from receiving timely financial aid. The aid covers essential school expenses like uniforms, textbooks, and tuition fees. Affected programs include the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS).
The Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is critical. It aims to safeguard the flow of funds across various welfare programs. The update also works to eliminate any potential for misuse of these funds. Proper authentication ensures that aid reaches eligible students directly.
How to Update Aadhaar Biometrics
The Education Department is running this program in partnership with India Post. This collaboration aims to overcome existing verification hurdles. India Post will organize enrolment camps directly at schools throughout the state. These camps offer complimentary services for core biometric captures.
Core biometric services include updating iris scans and fingerprints. These services are provided free of charge at the school camps. The camps commenced in September in several districts, including Coimbatore. Officials are working to ensure comprehensive coverage before the end of the year.
Costs and Additional Services
While core biometric updates are free, additional requests incur a fee. Corrections to personal details like names or addresses carry a nominal charge. These charges range from ₹49 to ₹99.
The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) plans to offer free add-on services for government school pupils. This includes corrections and other minor updates. ELCOT is currently awaiting approval from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Once approved, this service will be rolled out. “ELCOT is awaiting UIDAI approval, after which we’ll roll out free add-on services exclusively for state-run schools,” a Coimbatore district education officer confirmed.
Current Progress and School Directives
The update drive has seen slow participation rates. In Coimbatore district, for example, only 1,348 students out of a target of 31,000 have completed their biometric updates. This data covers the period since the drive began in September .
School heads have received clear directives. They must prominently display camp timetables within their institutions. Schools are also instructed to liaise closely with nearby post offices. This coordination aims to increase student and parent participation in the update camps.
Action Required by Students and Parents
Students and their guardians must prioritize completing the Aadhaar biometric update. The deadline is firm: December 31 . Non-compliance could lead to the suspension or delay of scholarship payments.
For detailed schedules of upcoming camps or assistance, individuals should contact their respective school administrations. Information is also available at local India Post offices involved in the campaign.