Aadhaar Card Authentication Overview

By following a few simple steps online, the authorities gain the advantage of running online checks for biometric as well as demographic verification that are not only accurate but reliable as well.

Why is Aadhaar Authentication Required?

There are many public and private bodies/agencies that offer subsidies, benefits, and services to customers, associates, and employees. The agencies require an authentication process that is simple, instant, and reliable to carry out their functions.

The availability of various types of identification documents makes it difficult for the agencies to validate each type of document with accuracy. With the introduction of Aadhaar Authentication, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is expecting to provide a more reliable method of identifying documents submitted by individuals.

The information collected after the biometric verification and demographic authentication of an individual is being stored at a centralised platform authorized by UIDAI.

Know the Aadhaar Authentication Methods

While performing the authentication, the following types of information is used to verify individuals:

• Demographic Authentication - While applying for the Aadhaar, we provide our basic personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and gender etc. These kinds of details are categorized as demographic details. When the CIDR verifies the Aadhaar details against the demographic information, it is called Demographic Authentication. It basically involves the process of checking the basic personal details that are already in the repository, against the information provided by an individual to the authorized agencies.
• Biometric Authentication - When the biometric details captured during the verification of Aadhaar is matched against the provided scan, it is called a Biometric Authentication. There are two types of Biometric Verification processes:
• Multi factor Authentication - The UIDAI also provides a combination of authentication processes. An agency may choose to run multiple authentication methods based on the requirements. This is known as multi factor authentication.
• OTP-based Aadhaar Authentication - There is also an additional option to verify individuals based on the OTP sent to their Aadhaar registered mobile number. The individual will require providing the Aadhaar number along with the OTP to confirm the identity.

How to Check Aadhaar Authentication History Online

You can use UIDAI's website to view the history of your Aadhaar Card authentication. Your mobile number should be registered with the UIDAI to use this facility.

Step 1: Open the UIDAI website and log into your account.

Step 2: From the 'Aadhaar Update' section, select the 'Aadhaar Update History' option.

Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number and the security code.

Step 4: The two options are sending an OTP to the registered mobile number or generating a time-based OTP from the mAadhaar app.

Step 5: Choose one of the two options and enter the OTP.

Step 6: Click on the ‘Submit’ option.

Step 7: A list of all authentication updates for biometric or demographic information, both offline and online, will be displayed on the screen. You can view any modifications to the Aadhaar details here.

What are the Benefits of Aadhaar Authentication?

The Aadhaar contains demographic as well as biometric information that enables it to offer a high level of security authentication process. The process has many advantages over the traditional offline verification methods. Some of the benefits are listed below:

• Functions as a PoA - The Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar are accepted as a legal PoA documents. You can produce your Aadhaar for various types of applications such as opening a new bank account, applying for a passport, availing LPG connection with/without subsidy etc.
• Identifying Beneficiaries - By using the Aadhaar Authentication services, the service providers can perform quick authentication checks to ensure the targeted beneficiary is entitled to the benefits and services.
• Transactions and Payments - Aadhaar will help in authenticating financial transactions through various Unified Payment Interface (UPI) based mobile applications. Recently, the government has launched the BHIM app that uses Aadhaar Authentication process to validate transactions and payments among individuals and merchants.

The government is still exploring areas where the Aadhaar Authentication process can be implemented. Considering the wide range of advanced multi factor authentication features, secure methods, speed, and reliability, Aadhaar is surely one of the best methods to identify individuals accurately.

For every individual, the authenticity of an Aadhaar card is important. However, it is required by government and private organisations that provide services to Indian citizens. They consist of different subsidiaries, schemes, and benefits. They have to make sure that the people requesting these benefits qualify for of them. They have to access their information and validate it for that purpose.

For service providers, gathering and verifying this data can be difficult. However, this procedure is considerably quicker and fully online with Aadhaar authentication. This ensures that the intended population receives the services and benefits.