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Aadhaar card to get new look? Govt reacts as reports claim new cards to only feature photo, QR code

Several reports and viral social media posts claimed that the new Aadhaar card would only feature the user's photo and a QR code.

Published on: May 3, 2026, 16:49:41 IST
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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has rubbished reports of an upgraded Aadhaar card bearing new look.

The government has reacted to claims that Aadhaar card will get a new look.
The government has reacted to claims that Aadhaar card will get a new look.

The clarification from the government came after several reports and viral social media posts claimed that the new Aadhaar card would only feature the user's photo and a QR code. The reports claimed that the changes were made to prevent identity thefts and data leak.

The ministry said that such reports and social media posts were not correct and intended to cause unwanted confusion in the minds of the people.

Also Read: Aadhaar no longer valid as proof of date of birth: What you need to know

"People in general are advised to ignore such reports and social media posts, and refer to official communication from UIDAI through its official social media handles and press releases issued through PIB," the government statement said.

Rumours and claims around Aadhaar card often floats on social media and internet without any factual basis. The government and the official handle UIDAI time and again factchecks the claim and share factual information on the Aadhaar changes.

Aadhaar no longer valid as proof of date of birth

The UIDAI recently clarified that while Aadhaar is widely accepted as a proof of identity, it does not serve as valid proof of date of birth.

Also Read: UIDAI rolls out new Aadhaar app with focus on privacy and digital verification

In a post on X, UIDAI said Aadhaar is intended to serve as proof of identity when used with authentication, but it is not considered proof of date of birth on its own.

In a detailed clarification document, UIDAI noted that the Aadhaar Act, 2016 “is silent with regard to its acceptance as proof of date of birth.”

"They clarified that an Aadhaar number can be used for establishing identity of an individual subject to authentication; however, in itself, it is not a proof of date of birth," the post added.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Majid Alam

Majid Alam is a Chief Content Producer working at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi. He currently heads shifts at online desk and manages homepage apart from writing, editing and curating articles. With over six years of experience in journalism, Majid has navigated national, politics and international news. His work primarily focuses on the politics of the Hindi heartland, government policies, and South Asia. He also writes on US and Europe’s policies vis-à-vis India. Before joining Hindustan Times, Majid worked at ABP LIVE as the Chief Copy Editor and at News18, where he managed the World and Explainers sections. His articles have featured in Dialogue Earth, The Quint, BMJ, The Diplomat, and Outlook India. Majid has a keen interest in the use of data for storytelling. Majid holds a Masters in Convergent Journalism from Jamia Millia Islamia. He was awarded the Erasmus+ scholarship to study International Affairs at Sciences Po, Paris in 2020. He is also part of the OCEANS Network, an alumni network of Erasmus+ exchange scholars. He is currently serving as the National Representative (India) at the OCEANS Network. Apart from journalism, Majid has a flair for academic writing and loves to teach. He has published a book chapter: 'Bombay Cinema and Postmodernism' in the book: 'Handbook of Research on Social and Cultural Dynamics in Indian Cinema.' He was also part of the OCEANS Network delegation to Hanoi National University of Education in Vietnam in 2025. He has also given guest lecture in digital journalism at AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia.

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