New Aadhaar Rules for PM CARES Scholarship Beneficiaries
Government outlines alternative verification procedures for students lacking Aadhaar identification for scholarship access.
1New Notification Issued
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment released a notification on 14 October 2026 regarding the PM CARES for Children scholarship scheme. Published under S.O. 5628(E) in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, these rules clarify identity verification procedures for students from Class 1 to Class 12, ensuring consistent access to educational financial assistance.
2Protection of Benefits
The government explicitly states that no child shall be denied scholarship benefits solely due to Aadhaar authentication failures or the absence of an Aadhaar number. This policy mandates that alternative documentation must be accepted to verify identity, preventing administrative hurdles from disrupting the education of vulnerable children receiving support under the PM CARES initiative.
3Documentation for Minors
Children under 18 without Aadhaar must provide an enrolment ID acknowledgement alongside proof of age. Accepted age documents include birth certificates, Indian passports, or Class 10 and 12 mark sheets from recognized boards. Additionally, a photograph-bearing document is required to establish the relationship between the child and their legal guardian or parent.
4Adult Beneficiary Requirements
Beneficiaries aged 18 or older lacking an Aadhaar number must present alternative identity proofs. Acceptable documents include voter identity cards, driving licenses, disability certificates, or unique disability IDs. These individuals must also submit their Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement to verify their status while the department processes their identity through the established alternative verification framework.
5Handling Authentication Failures
When biometric authentication fails due to poor data quality, the system mandates offering alternative methods like OTP-based verification. If these digital options remain unfeasible, authorities must utilize offline verification techniques. Approved methods include using Aadhaar Secure QR codes or paperless offline e-KYC documents to confirm the genuineness of the beneficiary's identity without further delay.
6Designated Officer Oversight
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment will appoint a specific officer to manage document verification for those without Aadhaar. This official is tasked with validating enrolment IDs via the myAadhaar portal and coordinating with relevant government authorities to confirm records. This ensures that every application is scrutinized for accuracy and genuine eligibility.
7Record Keeping and Audits
The department is required to maintain comprehensive records for all beneficiaries who utilize the alternative identity verification process. These records are subject to periodic reviews and audits to ensure compliance with the Aadhaar Act of 2016. This administrative layer provides transparency and accountability in the distribution of scholarship funds to all eligible children.
8Policy Implementation Strategy
To ensure widespread awareness, the ministry must publicize these new Aadhaar requirements through various media channels. By establishing clear exception-handling mechanisms, the government aims to prevent the exclusion of genuine beneficiaries. This structured approach balances the necessity of secure digital identity verification with the critical need to maintain uninterrupted educational support for children.
Original article: mint - money — New Aadhaar Rules for PM CARES Scholarship Beneficiaries