What is Aadhaar authentication?

Aadhaar authentication is the process wherein Aadhaar number, along with other attributes (demographic and/or biometrics and/or OTP) is submitted to UIDAI’s Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for verification; the CIDR verifies whether the data submitted matches the data available in CIDR and responds with a “yes/no”. No personal identity information is returned as part of the response.

What are the expected benefits of Aadhaar authentication? How to use Aadhaar authentication as part of service delivery?

Some of the expected benefits of Aadhaar authentication are:

• Establishing identity for purposes such as adding new beneficiaries, confirming genuine beneficiary before service delivery, attendance management, financial transactions etc.
• Enabling demand-driven, portable service delivery by providing anywhere anytime real-time authentication.
• Access to relevant MIS and empowerment of beneficiary.
• Improving efficiency & transparency in service delivery by enabling tracking of end-to-end service delivery process, improving accountability and vigilance etc.
• Access control to restricted areas such as airports, hotels, high security buildings etc.
• Aadhaar authentication may be used at various points in service delivery when there is a need to authenticate / identify / audit / hold accountable beneficiaries, officials or other members of service delivery / monitoring / audit chain. Illustrative details on how Aadhaar authentication may be integrated in various service delivery programs such as PDS, NREGA, JSY, SSA etc are available in various working papers and presentations developed by UIDAI.

What is ASA (Authentication Service Agency)?

An entity that transmits authentication requests to the CIDR (Central Identities Data Repository) on behalf of one or more AUAs. They should have secure connection with the CIDR and convey AUAs' authentication requests to the CIDR and CIDR's response back to the AUA.

What is AUA (Authentication User Agency)?

An organization or an entity using Aadhaar authentication as part of its applications to provide services to residents. Any agency wanting to become an AUA needs to have an agreement with UIDAI directly.

what is Sub AUA?

An organization or a department or an entity having a business relationship with AUA offering specific services in a particular domain.