If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Ms. Leela Devi from the vibrant city of Avantika recently updated her digital identification record’s contact number. Upon downloading the revised e-document from the official portal, she was dismayed to find that her birth details only displayed the year of birth, omitting the specific date and month. This unexpected change has caused her considerable anxiety, as she is preparing for the highly competitive ‘National Eligibility & Aptitude Test’ (NEAT) next year, where a precise match between the identification document and the examination admit card is crucial. She is now grappling with the urgent question of how to rectify this discrepancy and whether she needs to undergo another update process.

Advice in such cases 🤔

It is not uncommon for individuals to encounter discrepancies or partial information on their updated Aadhaar cards. While it can be concerning, especially when critical examinations like the NEAT are on the horizon, there are clear procedures to rectify such issues. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has established mechanisms for data correction and updates.

In Ms. Leela Devi’s situation, the most straightforward approach is to initiate another update request specifically for the Date of Birth (DoB) correction. It appears that during the mobile number update, the DoB field might have been inadvertently altered or truncated to just the year, or perhaps the original record only contained the year and the recent update did not prompt for full DoB verification.

Here’s what she should do:

• Gather Supporting Documents: Collect original documents that clearly state the full Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY). Valid documents include a Birth Certificate, Passport, Mark Sheet issued by a Government Board/University, or a Government Photo ID Card/Photo Identity Card issued by a PSU.
• Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre: Locate the nearest authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
• Fill the Correction Form: Obtain and fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form. Clearly indicate the field that needs correction (Date of Birth).
• Provide Biometrics (if required): For certain updates or if it’s been a long time since the last biometric update, biometric verification might be required again.
• Submit Documents: Submit the self-attested copies of the supporting documents along with the original for verification. The originals will be returned after verification.
• Keep the Acknowledgement Slip: She will receive an acknowledgement slip with an Update Request Number (URN). This URN can be used to track the status of the update request online.
• Verify After Update: Once the update is processed (typically within a few days to a couple of weeks), she should download the e-Aadhaar again to ensure the full Date of Birth is correctly reflected.

Applicable Sections of Law ⚖️

While this specific issue is an administrative data correction, it falls under the purview of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. The UIDAI, established under this Act, is responsible for the enrolment, authentication, and management of Aadhaar numbers.

• Section 31 of The Aadhaar Act, 2016: Deals with the procedure for updating demographic information and biometric information of Aadhaar number holders.
• UIDAI (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016: These regulations provide the detailed operational framework and procedures for enrolment and update of Aadhaar data. They specify the types of documents required for various updates, including Date of Birth correction, and the process to be followed at update centres.

It’s important to note that this is not a matter for the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), as it involves an administrative error and not a criminal offense or a matter requiring police investigation or court proceedings in the initial stage.

FAQs people normally have ❓

• Q: Can I update my Aadhaar details online?A: Some demographic details like Name, Address, DoB, Gender, Mobile Number, and Email ID can be updated online through the myAadhaar portal if your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar. However, for DoB correction where only the year is present, or if it’s a significant change, a visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra with original supporting documents is often mandatory.
• Q: What if my supporting documents also only have the year of birth?A: If your primary proof of DoB only contains the year, UIDAI might mark your DoB as “Declared” or “Estimated.” To have a full DD/MM/YYYY, you need a document that specifically states the complete date.
• Q: Is there a fee for Aadhaar updates?A: Yes, UIDAI charges a nominal fee for each update request. It’s advisable to check the latest fee structure on the official UIDAI website.
• Q: What if the update is rejected?A: If an update request is rejected, the reason is usually provided. Common reasons include incorrect documents, illegible documents, or mismatch in data. You would need to reapply with the correct information and documents.

What evidence is required? 📝

For a Date of Birth correction, the following documents are typically accepted as valid proof:

• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• PAN Card
• Mark Sheet issued by any Government Board/University
• SSLC Book/Certificate
• Photo ID Card having DoB, issued by a Government Authority
• Certificate of DoB issued by Group A Gazetted Officer on letterhead
• Any other document as specified by UIDAI from time to time.

Ensure that the document clearly states the full Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) and is an original or certified copy for verification purposes.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India