Authentication

“Aadhaar Authentication” is a process by which the Aadhaar number along with demographic information (such as name, date of birth, gender etc) or biometric information (Fingerprint or Iris) of an individual is submitted to UIDAI’s Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for its verification and UIDAI verifies the correctness of the details submitted, or the lack thereof, on the basis of information available with it.

Face recognition is 1:N Match (one-to-many). UIDAI does 1:1 match (match against the stored biometric of the Aadhaar number holder).

1. UIDAI uses face authentication as a process by which an Aadhaar number holder's identity can be verified. A successful face authentication confirms that your physical face which is being scanned for verification matches the one which was captured at the time of enrolment when your Aadhaar number was generated. A successful face authentication confirms that you are who you claim to be.

2. Face authentication is based on a 1:1 matching which means that the facial image captured during authentication is matched with your facial image which is stored in the Repository against your Aadhaar Number, which was captured at the time of enrolment.

3. Face authentication is consent based.

Various government schemes and private service providers such as PDS, NREGA, banks and telecom operators have adopted Aadhaar authentication for verification of their beneficiaries/customers. The authentication is generally done either at the time of delivery of benefits or subscribing to the service.

Aadhaar authentication provides an instant mechanism to prove your identity through online authentication. Therefore one need not carry any other ID proof except Aadhaar number.

UIDAI notifies the authentication on the registered email of the Aadhaar number holder. Every time UIDAI receives a biometric or OTP based authentication request against an Aadhaar number, a notification is sent to the registered email address.

UIDAI contact information, call centre number and e-mail Id are provided in the UIDAI’s notification email. You may contact UIDAI with the authentication details provided in the notification e-mail.

Aadhaar authentication can be achieved with any of the ten fingers. In addition Aadhaar authentication can be done by IRIS and Face too.

If fingerprint authentication fails, Aadhaar number holders can

• Retry with correct placement and pressure of finger on fingerprint scanner
• Retry with different fingers
• Cleaning the fingerprint scanner
• Cleaning the fingers

If biometric authentication fails repeatedly over a period of time, Aadhaar number holder may approach an Aadhaar update center and get their biometrics updated with UIDAI.

UIDAI and the service providers availing Aadhaar authentication recognize the fact that Aadhaar authentication is subject to certain technological and biometric limitations such as poor fingerprint quality, network availability etc. Therefore the service providers will have alternate processes to identify/ authenticate their beneficiaries/ customers, including exception handling mechanism at their point of presence, so that Aadhaar number holders are not denied entitlements due to technological or biometric limitations.

Authentication user agencies are advised to deploy alternate authentication mechanisms such as Face authentication, Iris authentication, OTP authentication to handle such issues. Additionally, service provider may have other methods of verification of their beneficiaries.

OTP can be requested through Authentication user agency (AUA)’ application requiring OTP authentication on mobile number registered with UIDAI.

A Smartphone/Tablet can be used for face authentication which meets the specifications as laid down in UIDAI Face RD API (subject to change time to time)

Yes, depending on the purpose as mentioned by the AUA/SUBAUA, face Authentication can be used in self-assisted mode. 

Face authentication has been introduced by UIDAI as an additional mode of authentication. Anyone who has a valid Aadhaar can authenticate using this mode of authentication.

Face authentication is a touch less mode of authentication, which is a best alternative towards providing a solution to worn out/ damaged finger minutiae.

This is always on enabled mode by default since individual gives the biometric including face at the time of capture.

Face authentication is a contactless method of authentication, which makes it more convenient than fingerprint or iris scanning.

Face authentication can be performed with any android mobile having the following specifications;
Android 9 and above
RAM: 4+ GB
Display Size: 5.5 Inches or greater
Camera resolution: 13 MP or greater
Disk space: 64 GB (Minimum 500MB free disk space)

To use face authentication one must download two applications, one of the entity and other of Aadhaar Face RD UIDAI. To download Aadhaar Face RD, go to Google Play Store and look for the "Aadhaar Face RD (Early Access) Application" from UIDAI (presently v0.7.43)  Link to download https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.uidai.facerd

i. Position yourself: Stand facing the camera or device, ensuring your entire face is clearly visible within the designated frame. Maintain a neutral expression with your eyes open and mouth closed and Stay still during the capture process to avoid blurry images.
ii. Focus and capture: The device or app will automatically attempt to focus on your face. Stay still and avoid sudden movements until the image is captured and follow specific instructions for capture, like blinking once or moving your head slightly. Look directly at the camera and maintain a neutral expression for successful capture.
iii. Lighting conditions: Stand in a well-lit environment with minimal shadows on your face and for successful capture good background with proper lighting conditions must be ensured.
iv. Remove any hats, glasses, or other coverings that might obscure your facial features.

UIDAI errors are displayed with an error code assigned for the causes leading to failure, one may contact to concerned entity with the error code to resolve.

 For More details Please download the FAQ Document: Click here for FAQs