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Core Purpose

The National Informatics Centre notifies its authorization to perform voluntary Aadhaar authentication for establishing the identity of candidates and examination functionaries during its recruitment and examination processes, as per the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 and the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020.

Detailed Summary

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, through its National Informatics Centre (NIC), issued Notification G.S.R. 196(E) on March 19, 2026, to notify the authorization for NIC to perform voluntary Aadhaar authentication. This authorization, granted via letter eF no. 13(2)/2020-EG-II(Vol-8) dated February 27, 2026, by the Ministry after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), permits NIC to use Aadhaar numbers for establishing the identity of candidates at various stages of recruitment and examination conducted by NIC, as well as examination functionaries. The authentication process, which may use Yes/No, eKYC, Biometric-Base, OTP, and Demographic methods, is governed by rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, read with sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (18 of 2016). NIC is required to obtain consent from Aadhaar number holders and inform them of alternate identification methods, ensuring no service denial for refusal or inability to undergo Aadhaar authentication. Alternate identification documents include Bank/Post Office Passbook with Photo, Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card, Passport, Ration Card, Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India, Kisan Photo Passbook, Driving Licence (issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988)), Caste Certificate, and Domicile Certificate. This notification came into effect upon its publication in the official Gazette.

Full Text

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-20032026-271091 EXTRAORDINARY PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 190] NEW DELHI, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026/PHALGUNA 28, 1947 MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (National Informatics Centre) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 19th March, 2026 G.S.R. 196(E).— Whereas the use of Aadhaar number to establish identity enables individuals to receive subsidies, benefits and services in a convenient and seamless manner, obviates the need for multiplicity of documents to establish identity, simplifies processes and promotes transparency and efficiency: And whereas the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), had allowed vide its letter eF no. 13(2)/2020-EG-II(Vol-8), dated 27th February, 2026 to the National Informatics Centre (hereinafter referred to as the said Department), Government of India (hereinafter referred to as the said Government) for the purposes prescribed under sub-rule (1) of rule 3 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules) that the National Informatics Centre may be allowed to perform authentication and be permitted the use of Aadhaar number during authentication for establishing identity of Aadhaar number holder and notify the same under rule 5 of the said rules read with sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (18 of 2016) (hereinafter referred to as the Act): And whereas, the Aadhaar authentication shall be performed for establishing the identity of (a) candidates at various stages of recruitment / examination conducted by NIC for recruitment in NIC; and (b) examination functionaries involved in the said examination process, using Yes/No or/and eKYC authentication facilities (hereinafter referred to as the said purpose) as prescribed under sub-rule (1)(a) of rule 3 of the said rules and performance of Aadhaar authentication for the said purpose shall be on voluntary basis and that the National Informatics Centre shall perform the Aadhaar authentication only for establishing the identity of candidates at all stages of recruitment for NIC which includes registration, examination, interview, joining, etc. by using Biometric-Base authentication, OTP and Demographic Authentication [hereinafter referred to as the use case(s)]. Now, therefore, in pursuance of rule 5 of the said rules read with sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Act, the National Informatics Centre hereby notifies the following, namely:- 1. The National Informatics Centre, as provided in the Act, shall obtain the consent of the Aadhaar number holder for the purpose of authentication herein. 2. As per sub-rule (2) of rule 3 of the said rules, Aadhaar authentication shall be on voluntary basis and the National Informatics Centre shall inform to the Aadhaar number holder of alternate and viable means of identification and shall not deny any service to the Aadhaar number holder for refusing to, or being unable to, undergo Aadhaar authentication, namely:- (a) Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo; (b) Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card; (c) Passport; (d) Ration Card; (e) Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India; (f) Kisan Photo Passbook; (g) Driving Licence issued by the Licensing Authority under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988); (h) Caste Certificate; and (i) Domicile Certificate. 2. This notification shall come into effect from the date of its publication in the official Gazette. [F. No. 06(01)/2026-Pers.] Dr. RAJESH KUMAR PATHAK, Dy. Director General Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.

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