Aadhaar gets five new updates from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), including face authentication for the Electronic Public Distribution System, a new approval portal, a token management system and a revamped website.
The announcements were made at Aadhaar Samvaad in Kolkata on September 29, 2026.
The new initiatives are aimed at making Aadhaar-related services more convenient, expanding authentication options and improving digital access for residents.
UIDAI also introduced changes for eligible entities using Aadhaar authentication.
Aadhaar Gets Five New Updates
The first major update is face authentication for the Electronic Public Distribution System (ePDS).
UIDAI, the Department of Food and Public Distribution and the National Informatics Centre launched the contactless, consent-based authentication option.
Face authentication provides an additional way for beneficiaries to verify their identity, particularly in situations where fingerprint authentication may be difficult.
States and Union Territories can integrate the facility into their ePDS systems.
SWIK Portal 2.0 Introduced
UIDAI has also launched SWIK Portal 2.0 to simplify the process of seeking approval for Aadhaar authentication under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance framework.
Eligible non-government entities can submit proposals for permitted Aadhaar authentication use cases directly through the portal to the concerned Ministry or Department.
New Sub-AUA and Sub-KUA Framework
Another change is the introduction of the Sub-AUA/Sub-KUA (LITE) Framework.
It is intended to help government and eligible other-than-government entities with low-volume requirements adopt Aadhaar authentication more easily.
Under the framework, eligible entities can use the authentication infrastructure of an existing AUA or KUA instead of creating their own infrastructure.
UIDAI said the arrangement is intended to simplify onboarding while maintaining security, privacy and regulatory requirements.
 New Token System and UIDAI Website
UIDAI has also unveiled a new Token Management System for residents visiting UIDAI state and regional offices for services wherever applicable.
The system is intended to make the office-visit process easier.
The fifth initiative is a redesigned UIDAI website.
The new website is structured around common resident needs, including understanding Aadhaar, accessing services, finding documents and seeking assistance.
The revamped website includes accessibility features such as screen-reader compatibility, adjustable font sizes, improved colour contrast and keyboard navigation.
It currently supports 13 languages through BHASHINI integration, including English and Hindi, while UIDAI plans to expand support to 23 languages.
The redesigned platform also introduces the UIDAI Career Portal, which allows online applications for deputation opportunities.
The Aadhaar updates announced at the Kolkata event cover authentication, digital services, office visits and website accessibility.
Together, the initiatives are intended to expand the ways residents and eligible organisations can use Aadhaar services while maintaining the applicable security and privacy requirements.
