Aadhaar Authentications Cross 211 Crore in May 2025, Driving India’s Digital Growth

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reported over 211 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions in May 2025, reflecting the expanding role of Aadhaar in digital governance and welfare delivery. This represents a significant rise compared to previous months and May 2024. Among these, face authentication transactions alone touched 15.49 crore, demonstrating increasing adoption of biometric solutions. Aadhaar’s digital infrastructure continues to empower government agencies and private institutions in streamlining services and enhancing user convenience.

Why in News?

UIDAI released data on June 5, 2025, showing over 211 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions in May 2025. It marks an increase over April 2025 and May 2024’s 201.76 crore transactions. It highlights the crucial role of Aadhaar in welfare schemes, e-KYC, digital identity verification, and financial services. UIDAI’s AI/ML-powered face authentication systems have seen rapid growth.

Objectives and Role of Aadhaar

• Provide a unique digital identity to every Indian resident.
• Enable real-time authentication for benefit transfers, KYC processes, and access to services.
• Ensure efficiency, transparency, and fraud prevention in public and private transactions.

Overall Authentication Transactions May 2025

• Total: 211+ crore
• Cumulative since inception: Over 15,223 crore transactions

AI-Powered Face Authentication

• Total in May 2025: 15.49 crore transactions

Adopted by over 100 entities including,

• Government departments
• Financial institutions
• Telecom service providers
• Oil marketing companies
• Benefits: Contactless, fast, and reliable identity verification

e-KYC Services

• Total e-KYC transactions in May: Over 37 crore

Used extensively in,

• Banking and NBFCs
• SIM activation
• Insurance and fintech onboarding
• Benefits: Cost-effective, seamless, secure KYC process

Background Information

• Aadhaar, launched in 2009, is the world’s largest biometric ID system.
• Operated by UIDAI under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
• Authentication modalities: Fingerprint, iris, OTP, and face authentication (introduced in 2018 and AI-enhanced since 2023).
• Plays a pivotal role in Digital India, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and financial inclusion.

Significance

• Enables ease of living through seamless access to welfare schemes and services.
• Supports financial inclusion by easing onboarding processes for underserved populations.
• Enhances the digital economy by offering secure and scalable identity verification solutions.
• Fosters transparency and efficiency in government operations.