In India, the Aadhaar card has become a ubiquitous identity proof. It is a unique identification number that every Indian citizen, regardless of age or gender, is encouraged to obtain. 

Aadhaar is a 12-digit number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to every Indian resident based on biometric and demographic data. The Aadhaar card is physical proof of identity, address, and date of birth.

Over the years, the Aadhaar card has become mandatory for various government schemes and services. It is also required for opening bank accounts, getting a SIM card, and filing income tax returns, among other things. 

Recently, Aadhaar has also become an essential requirement for online courses. With the proliferation of online learning platforms and the growing popularity of e-learning, more and more students are turning to online courses to acquire new skills and knowledge. 

Online courses offer several advantages over traditional classroom-based courses, including flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. 

However, to enrol in an online course in India, students must have an Aadhaar card.

In this article, we will explore why an Aadhaar card has become a mandatory requirement for enrolling in online courses in India and the benefits of linking your Aadhaar card to your online course account.

How to Get an Aadhaar Card?

Getting an Aadhaar card is a simple process. The following steps need to be followed to get an Aadhaar card:

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in/)
• Step 2: Click on the "Enrol & Update" tab and select "Enrolment/ Download Aadhaar"
• Step 3: Fill in the required details, such as name, address, and mobile number, in the enrolment form.
• Step 4: Submit the enrolment form along with the required documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, and date of birth proof.
• Step 5: After submission, an acknowledgement slip will be provided with the enrolment number, which can be used to track the status of the Aadhaar card.
• Step 6: The Aadhaar card will be generated within a few weeks, and the individual can download it from the UIDAI website or receive it by post.

Why is Aadhaar Card Required for Online Courses in India?

The decision to make the Aadhaar card a mandatory requirement for enrolling in online courses was taken by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in 2017. The move aimed to ensure that only genuine students can enrol in online courses and that unscrupulous elements do not misuse the benefits of the courses.

According to the MHRD, linking Aadhaar cards to online course accounts will help prevent fraud, ensure accountability, and improve the quality of online education in India. By requiring students to provide their Aadhaar details, the MHRD hopes to create a more robust and secure online learning environment.

Benefits of Linking Aadhaar Card to Online Course Account

Easy Verification

Linking your Aadhaar card to your online course account makes it easy for the course provider to verify your identity. Since Aadhaar is a unique identification number, it eliminates the need for additional verification documents, such as a passport or driving license. This makes the enrollment process faster and more convenient for students.

Prevents Fraud

By requiring students to provide their Aadhaar details, online course providers can ensure that only genuine students can enrol in their courses. This helps prevent fraud and ensures that unscrupulous elements do not misuse the benefits of the courses.

Improve the Quality of Online Education

The MHRD believes linking Aadhaar cards to online course accounts will help improve the quality of online education in India. Ensuring that only genuine students can enrol in online courses will help prevent the proliferation of low-quality courses that do not provide real value to students.

Access to Government Schemes

In addition to enrolling in online courses, having an Aadhaar card also gives students access to various government schemes and services. These include scholarships, subsidies, and other student financial assistance programs.

Cost-Effective

Online courses are generally more cost effective than traditional classroom-based courses. By enrolling in an online course, students can save on travel and accommodation costs and other expenses associated with attending a physical classroom. Additionally, online courses are often offered at a lower price than traditional courses, making them accessible to a broader audience.

How Aadhaar Card verification works

When you enrol in an online course that requires Aadhaar Card verification, you will be asked to enter your Aadhaar number. 

The course provider will then verify your identity using the Aadhaar authentication system. This system works by matching the biometric information on your Aadhaar Card with the information you provide. 

Your identity will be verified if the information matches, and you can enrol in the course.

How to Link Aadhaar Card to Online Course Account

To link your Aadhaar card to your online course account, follow these simple steps:

• Visit the online course provider
• Look for the option to link your Aadhaar card to your account. This option may be located in your account settings or during enrollment.
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and other required details, such as your name and date of birth.
• Authenticate your Aadhaar details using your biometric data, such as your fingerprint or iris scan. This is done to ensure that the Aadhaar details you have provided are accurate.
• Once your Aadhaar details are verified, your online course account will be linked to your Aadhaar card.

It is important to note that linking an Aadhaar card to online course accounts is optional for all online courses. Some courses may still allow enrollment without Aadhaar authentication. 

However, it is recommended that students link their Aadhaar cards to their online course accounts to ensure a more secure and efficient enrollment process.

An Aadhaar card has become essential for enrolling in online courses in India. The decision to make the Aadhaar card the MHRD took a mandatory requirement for online courses to ensure that only genuine students can enrol in online courses and that unscrupulous elements do not misuse the benefits of the courses.

Linking your Aadhaar card to your online course account offers several benefits, including easy verification, fraud prevention, and improved online education quality. It also gives students access to various government schemes and services and is a cost-effective way to acquire new skills and knowledge.

If you plan to enrol in an online course in India, ensure you have an Aadhaar card and link it to your online course account for hassle-free enrollment.