Aadhaar enrolment / update rejected — recovery guide (2026)

• Biometric quality — fingerprints worn (manual labour) / iris reflection. Re-capture solves 80%.
• Name spelling mismatch — across PoI/PoA/PoDOB documents. Affidavit + re-submission.
• Address proof too old — utility bill > 3 months. Get latest bill.
• Demographic data conflict — DoB on PAN ≠ DoB on school certificate. Pick one source + correct other.
• Duplicate / fake biometric flag — biometrics matched to existing Aadhaar. Visit nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with original docs.

1. Check rejection reason — SMS from UIDAI gives URN + reason code. Status at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar-status.
2. If QC hold (BIO_FAIL/QUALITY) — Re-visit same enrolment centre within 90 days. Free re-capture. Carry EID slip.
3. If document QC fail (DOC_FAIL) — Upload fresh PoI/PoA scans via myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in (online update Rs 50) OR re-visit centre with originals.
4. If demographic mismatch (DEMO_FAIL) — Submit affidavit on Rs 10 stamp paper declaring correct name/DoB. Choose authoritative source (passport/birth cert).
5. If duplicate flag — You may already have an Aadhaar. Search at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/retrieve-eid using mobile + name. If yours, download e-Aadhaar.
6. If centre denies re-enrolment — Centre cannot deny — UIDAI mandate. Call 1947 or write to UIDAI Regional Office (RO).
7. Appeal + RTI parallel — No formal Aadhaar Act appeal — but file RTI to UIDAI RO citing Aadhaar Act §32 for the rejection rationale + grievance ticket number.

• Statutory appeal route: UIDAI Regional Office (8 ROs across India). Grievance via 1947 toll-free, help@uidai.gov.in, or written complaint to RO Director. No statutory appeal under Aadhaar Act.
• Appeal window: No statutory window — re-enrolment within 90 days (free) and grievance any time.
• Fee: Free for QC-hold re-capture (same centre, 90 days). Online update Rs 50. New centre visit Rs 100.

• Latest utility bill (≤3 months)
• Passport / Voter ID for cross-verification
• Affidavit on Rs 10 stamp paper for demographic corrections

Government rejection orders often lack actual rationale. RTI brings out the file noting + officer name + actual basis — and that visibility usually resolves the case. Use this template:

1. Copy of the rejection order + complete file noting on application no. _____ dated _____.
2. Name + designation of the officer who took the rejection decision.
3. Specific Section / Rule / Circular under which rejection was made + supporting evidence relied upon.
4. Number of similar applications in the past 12 months that were (a) approved, (b) rejected — for the same officer.
5. The procedure + timeline for filing an appeal + the office of the appellate authority.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Re-apply guide: How to apply for aadhaar

Track your application status: Status check guide

90 days — free re-capture at the same centre. After 90 days: fresh enrolment Rs 100.

No — Aadhaar Act §3 mandates enrolment for any resident. Any “permanent rejection” is illegal. RTI + complaint to UIDAI RO Director resolves.

UIDAI has Biometric Exception procedure — for amputees, severe arthritis, very young/old. Officer documents exception; Aadhaar issued without that biometric.

No — Rs 50 online update fee is non-refundable. But you can re-submit corrected docs without paying again within 90 days (case-by-case).

CEO UIDAI via online grievance + RTI to UIDAI HQ Bengaluru. CIC has consistently directed UIDAI to disclose rejection rationale.

• 25 how-to-apply guides
• 25 status-check guides
• 30 documents-required checklists
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Statutory appeal under relevant Act/Rule — see legal framework section.
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.