Aadhaar Centres (also called Aadhaar Seva Kendras or Enrollment/Update Centres) are places where you can apply for, update, or fix anything related to your Aadhaar card.
Aadhaar centres are used for:
New Aadhaar enrollment
Updating details (name, address, phone, DOB, etc.)
Biometric updates (kids’ updates at 5 & 15, or fixes)
Document verification
Help with Aadhaar issues (authentication, PVC card, etc.)
Step 1 — Decide model & get appointed
Choose your model:
Micro kiosk / outreach agent (minimal equipment; mobile or small shop) — lower capex.
Full Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) / permanent centre (air-conditioned shop, full AEK) — higher capex, higher throughput.
Partner with a Registrar / Enrolment Agency (mandatory). Approach local Registrars (state UIDAI Registrar, bank, PSU, or private Registrar partners) and apply to be an authorised operator/executing centre under them. UIDAI’s “Enrolment Agencies” page explains roles and rules.
Action: Contact your nearest Registrar or UIDAI regional office (use the UIDAI site) and ask for enrolment agency appointment procedures.
Step 2 — Buy UIDAI-compliant AEK hardware & software
Minimum required hardware (per UIDAI AEK spec):
Laptop or desktop (basic, reliable) + monitor.
Camera (UIDAI-approved for photo capture).
Slap (4-finger) fingerprint scanner (STQC certified).
Single finger/IRIS scanner (if required; iris scanner is often required for full updates).
Multifunction printer (A4 printouts, receipts).
White backdrop, focus lights, surge protector, GNSS/GPS device (as per AEK).
Reliable Internet (broadband) + UPS (backup).
Enrolment software provided by Registrar or authorised SI (System Integrator).
Device certification: Ensure all biometric devices and AEK components are STQC / UIDAI registered. Non-certified devices are not allowed.
Where to buy: UIDAI AEK specs are on UIDAI; many authorised vendors sell Aadhaar kits. Check GeM and UIDAI registered devices lists before purchasing.
Step 3 — Setup location, staff & operations
Location: Small shop (6x8 ft) or kiosk close to markets, government offices, banks, or residential localities. For an ASK, comfortable seating, wheelchair access and privacy screen (white backdrop) are recommended.
Staffing: 1–2 trained enrolment operators (operators require training in UIDAI procedures and handling devices), 1 helper for documents/queue. Operators must be trained on privacy & document handling.
Training & SOPs: Follow UIDAI enrolment SOPs (document capture, consent, document return, acknowledgement slips). Use Registrar or authorised SIs for training.
Step 4 — Compliance, data privacy & security
Use only UIDAI software or Registrar-approved software. Don’t store Aadhaar biometrics locally beyond permitted logs. Follow device key management and security rules. (UIDAI)
Maintain transaction logs, acknowledgement slips, and return physical documents to residents (UIDAI requires documents to be returned). (UIDAI)
Step 5 — Marketing, tie-ups & daily ops
Tie up with local banks, PAN card centres, municipal offices, schools, local leaders for referrals.
Offer clear pricing (based on UIDAI fees + small service charge if permitted by Registrar). Display service list, timings, and center code (once assigned).
Keep a simple daily log, receipt book, and complaint escalation path (via UIDAI portal).
Investment breakdown (realistic itemized estimates)
I give two practical tiers: Lean / Basic (lowest viable) and Full ASK (recommended for stable income).
Tier A — Lean (target ≈ ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 startup) — minimal
Used laptop (refurb) or basic new laptop: ₹8,000 – ₹18,000
Basic slap fingerprint USB scanner (STQC/certified, low-end single device): ₹4,000 – ₹10,000
Basic camera (USB) or integrated laptop camera: ₹0 – ₹2,500
Minimal printer (small MFD): ₹3,000 – ₹8,000
White screen / backdrop, lights, surge protector, cables: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
Internet (router + one month): ₹500 – ₹1,500
Misc (stationery, chair, signage): ₹500 – ₹1,500
Total (lean):
Calculate low end: 8,000 + 4,000 + 0 + 3,000 + 1,000 + 500 + 500 =
8,000 + 4,000 = 12,000; +0 = 12,000; +3,000 = 15,000; +1,000 = 16,000; +500 = 16,500; +500 = ₹16,500.
Calculate high end: 18,000 + 10,000 + 2,500 + 8,000 + 3,000 + 1,500 + 1,500 = ₹44,500.
(So realistic lean startup ≈ ₹15k–45k depending on used/new equipment.)
(Examples of kits and prices are available from vendors — check marketplace/GEM; many AEK kits list around ₹25k upwards.)
Tier B — Full Aadhaar Seva Kendra (recommended) ≈ ₹60,000 – ₹2,50,000
Good desktop/laptop + monitor & UPS: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000
Professional Aadhaar AEK kit (slap scanner + iris scanner + camera + GPS module + cables) — STQC / UIDAI certified: ₹25,000 – ₹1,25,000 (prices vary widely by vendor & certification).
MFD printer (receipt + A4) + thermal printer for receipts: ₹6,000 – ₹20,000
Furniture, air-conditioning, signage, seating: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000
First month rent (if any) + deposit: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000 (location dependent)
Staff advance/training + misc: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000
Total (full): from ₹60,000 (lower side) up to ₹2,50,000+ for premium setup in a rented shop with branded kiosk equipment.
Important: kits sold by authorised vendors and Government procurement portals (GeM) adhere to UIDAI AEK specs — always confirm before payment.
Services your centre will provide (must-offer & value adds)
New Aadhaar enrolment (Age 0+; enrolment itself is free for residents).
Demographic updates (Name, Address, Gender, DOB, Mobile number, Email).
Biometric updates (Photo, fingerprints, iris) — mandatory for certain age groups and paid for others.
Document update / document upload assistance (POI/POA).
e-Aadhaar download & print / Aadhaar PVC printing (if equipment).
Helpdesk: check status, retrieve enrolment slips, file complaints via UIDAI portal.
Note on pricing/charges: UIDAI sets the official charges for update services (these change periodically). Enrolment is free, but updates/biometric changes may incur UIDAI fees — check the latest UIDAI fee schedule and pass through or add permitted service charges.
Simple monthly revenue model (conservative examples)
Important: actual revenue depends on footfall, location, service mix and UIDAI fees in effect. Below I show three scenarios using a conservative average service fee of ₹75 per transaction (this is illustrative — UIDAI fees vary by service; check current UIDAI fee sheet). I’ll compute carefully, digit by digit.
Scenario A — Low traffic (200 customers / month)
200 × ₹75 =
Step: 2 0 0 × 7 5 = (200 × 75)
200 × 75 = 200 × (70 + 5) = (200×70) + (200×5) = 14,000 + 1,000 = ₹15,000 / month
Scenario B — Medium traffic (500 customers / month)500 × ₹75 =
500 × 75 = 500 × (70 +5) = (500×70) + (500×5) = 35,000 + 2,500 = ₹37,500 / month
Scenario C — Busy centre (1,000 customers / month)
1,000 × ₹75 = 1,000 × 75 = 75,000 = ₹75,000 / month
If your mix includes higher-fee biometric updates (e.g., ₹100–₹125) and paid combo services, revenue climbs: for instance, if average fee becomes ₹125 and you serve 800 customers:
800 × 125 = 100,000 = ₹1,00,000 / month
Net profit will be revenue minus rent, staff salaries (e.g., 1 operator ₹8k–15k + helper ₹5k), internet, consumables and device amortisation. In many small towns, achieving ₹30,000–₹75,000 gross/month is realistic with a steady stream of customers and some B2B tie-ups (banks, schools, NGOs).
(Again — always plug in the current UIDAI official per-service fees when you forecast; they changed in Oct 2025 — check UIDAI.)
Practical tips & pitfalls
Do not buy uncertified devices; you’ll be blocked from actual enrolments. Check UIDAI registered devices list.
Keep documents secure — return originals to residents after scanning as required. Follow UIDAI SOPs.
Keep an updated copy of UIDAI’s fee schedule; do not overcharge beyond what Registrar allows.
Consider mobile/outreach days for local villages — home enrolments/home visits may attract extra fees (if UIDAI/regional policy permits).