PM CARES Children Scholarship: Who Needs Aadhaar Verification and Which Documents Are Accepted?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a notification on October 14, 2026, making Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number necessary for children receiving scholarship benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme. 

As per the announcement, the Special Scholarship Scheme covers education assistance from Class 1 to Class 12. However, a child cannot be denied assistance solely for not having an Aadhaar number or failing to complete authentication. 

Documents Required for Children Below 18 Years 

Children below 18 years who do not have an Aadhaar number must apply for enrolment with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Until the number is issued, their identity and relationship with the parent or guardian must be established through the prescribed documents. 

The documents include an Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement containing the Enrolment ID and proof of age. A birth certificate, Indian passport or Class 10 or Class 12 certificate or marks statement issued by a recognised school education board can be used. 

A photograph-bearing document establishing the relationship with the parent or legal guardian is also required. The list includes a ration card, Indian passport and specified caste or domicile certificates issued by authorised officials. 

Documents Required for Beneficiaries Aged 18 and Above 

Beneficiaries aged 18 years or above who have not been assigned an Aadhaar number must submit an enrolment acknowledgement along with a prescribed identity document bearing their photograph. 

Accepted documents include an Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), ration card, Indian passport, driving licence and Class 10 or Class 12 certificate or marks statement. Specified caste and domicile certificates are also accepted. 

Documents for Foreign Nationals and Legal Guardians 

The notification sets out separate requirements for foreign nationals without Aadhaar numbers. OCI cardholders can submit an Overseas Citizen of India card, while Tibetan refugees can provide a registration certificate issued by a Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan can submit their respective passports. 

For children under legal guardianship, an adoption order or another document issued by a competent authority establishing guardianship may be submitted. 

What Happens If Authentication Fails? 

If biometric authentication fails, an alternative biometric method or one-time password (OTP)-based verification must be offered wherever feasible and permitted. 

The department will maintain records of cases verified through alternative methods for periodic review and audit. It will also help beneficiaries enrol for Aadhaar or update their details.  

For genuine beneficiaries aged 18 and above, the exception-handling mechanism under the December 19, 2017, Office Memorandum issued by the Direct Benefit Transfer Mission will apply. 

Read More: Centre Sanctions 30-Day Ad Hoc Bonus for Eligible Government Employees for 2025-26! 

Conclusion 

The notification sets out the Aadhaar requirements and documents for beneficiaries below and above 18 years. It also allows alternative verification where Aadhaar authentication fails. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.