Aadhaar Seeding vs Aadhaar Linking
Aadhaar Seeding & Aadhaar Linking: The Government of India has introduced several initiatives to streamline and digitize the financial landscape. Aadhaar Seeding and linking are one of these.
However, there is often confusion about the difference between Aadhaar seeding and Aadhaar linking to a bank account. Learn further to identify the differences between both. Also, How to Link Aadhaar with your Bank Account is included.
What is Aadhaar Seeding?
Aadhaar seeding is a process in which the Aadhaar numbers of residents are incorporated into the service delivery databases of service providers, with banks being a primary example. This process is aimed at enabling the de-duplication of databases and facilitating Aadhaar-based authentication during service delivery.
Check Out: Aadhar Pan Link Online – incometax.gov.in Aadhaar Pan Link Status CheckThe Objective of De-duplication
De-duplication aims to clean up databases by removing ghost entries or duplicate records, ensuring the accuracy of service provider databases. Importantly, this process does not replace other unique customer identifiers but enhances the efficacy of Aadhaar-based authentication.
Simplifying Government Payments
Aadhaar’s uniqueness and permanence make it an efficient tool for government payments. Unlike traditional methods that require multiple bank account details, including the account number and IFSC code, Aadhaar only needs a 12-digit number. This simplifies government payments, making them agnostic to changes in individuals’ bank accounts, significantly reducing administrative burdens.
Aadhaar Linking: Mandatory for Government Benefits
The government mandated that all citizens link their Aadhaar with their bank accounts before March 31, 2018, to avail benefits of state-run services. While a legal battle around Aadhaar’s validity ensued, the government was eager to connect Aadhaar with bank accounts to facilitate service delivery.
What is the difference between Aadhaar seeding and Aadhaar linking to a bank account?
| Aspect | Aadhaar Seeding | Aadhaar Linking to Bank Account |
| Definition | The process of including Aadhaar numbers in service provider databases, like banks, for de-duplication and authentication. | The process of associating your Aadhaar number directly with your bank account for financial transactions. |
| Purpose | To clean up databases, remove duplicate entries, and enable Aadhaar-based authentication during service delivery. | To simplify government benefits, subsidies, and financial transactions by making Aadhaar a mandatory mode of identification. |
| Impact | Enhances authentication during service delivery without replacing other unique identifiers. | Makes Aadhaar a key mode of identification for various financial transactions and services. |
| Usage | Enhances service delivery efficiency and may be used for authentication. | Essential for government benefits, subsidies, and banking transactions; Aadhaar becomes a primary identifier. |
How to Link Aadhaar with Your Bank Account
Online Aadhaar Bank Account Linking
- Log in to your bank account using your internet banking credentials.
- Locate the “Update Aadhaar Card details,” “Link Aadhaar card,” or “Aadhaar card Seeding” option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number accurately.
- Verify the provided information and click “Submit.”
- Your bank will verify and validate the request, and you will receive a confirmation message.
Offline Aadhaar Bank Account Linking
- Visit your bank’s local branch to obtain the bank account Aadhaar link form.
- Complete the form, providing your bank account number and Aadhaar number.
- Submit the form at the bank’s counter, along with a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar card.
- Keep the original Aadhaar card ready for verification.
- The bank will take a few days to complete the linking process, and you will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number.
Aadhaar Bank Account Linking via SMS
- Send a message from your registered mobile number with the content “UID (Space) Aadhaar number” to the bank’s designated number.
- In some banks, you may need to send the last six digits of your account number followed by your Aadhaar number.
- Upon successful linking, you will receive a confirmation SMS.
ATM-Based Aadhaar Linking
Many banks offer an option to link your Aadhaar number using their ATMs. This process typically involves using your debit card and PIN to complete the seeding process.
Phone Banking Services
Some banks provide phone banking services that allow you to link your bank account with your Aadhaar number over the phone.
| Method | Description | Procedure |
| Online Aadhaar Linking | Linking Aadhaar to a bank account through internet banking | Login, provide Aadhaar number, verify information, receive confirmation. |
| Offline Aadhaar Linking | Visiting the bank’s local branch to fill out a form | Fill the form, submit it with self-attested Aadhaar copy, wait for confirmation. |
| SMS Aadhaar Linking | Sending Aadhaar number or account details via SMS | Send UID (Space) Aadhaar number or last six digits of the account number. |
| ATM Aadhaar Linking | Linking Aadhaar using the bank’s ATM | Use the ATM, enter Aadhaar number along with other details. |
| Phone Banking Linking | Linking via phone banking services provided by your bank | Follow the bank’s phone banking instructions for Aadhaar linking. |
How Long Does Aadhaar Seeding Take?
The process of seeding your Aadhaar with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) typically takes around 48 hours.
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How to Check Your Aadhaar and Bank Account Linking Status
You can check whether your bank accounts are linked with Aadhaar by following these steps:
- Visit the UIDAI website and navigate to “My Aadhaar.”
- Click on “Bank Seeding Status” under the Aadhaar Services section.
- Log in with your Aadhaar number, captcha code, and OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Check your Aadhaar Bank account linking status, which will be displayed on the screen. However, if you have multiple bank accounts with the same bank, visit the bank for confirmation.
You can also check your Aadhaar and bank account linking status through mobile using a USSD code, provided your mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar card. Dial 9999*1# from your registered mobile number and follow the prompts to check the status.
The mAadhaar app offers another option for checking your Aadhaar and bank account linking status:
- Launch the mAadhaar app and select “My Aadhaar.”
- Choose “Aadhaar-Bank Acc Link Status” and enter your Aadhaar number, captcha, and OTP.
- Confirm your Aadhaar bank account linking status.
| Method | Description | Procedure |
| Online via UIDAI Website | Checking Aadhaar linking status through UIDAI website | Login to UIDAI, provide Aadhaar number, captcha, and OTP for status. |
| Mobile USSD Code | Checking status via mobile USSD code (requires registered mobile) | Dial 9999*1#, enter Aadhaar, re-enter, and receive status information. |
| Via mAadhaar App | Checking status using the mAadhaar app | Log in, select ‘Aadhaar-Bank Acc Link Status,’ enter Aadhaar, OTP. |
| Linked Bank Confirmation | Confirming by visiting the bank if you have multiple accounts | Visit the bank to confirm the linked bank account if you have multiple. |
In summary, while linking your bank account with Aadhaar is not mandatory for everyone, it is essential for those who wish to receive government welfare benefits through their bank accounts. As the legal framework around Aadhaar evolves, understanding the distinctions between Aadhaar seeding and linking and how to complete these processes becomes crucial for all Indian citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aadhar Linking to Bank Account & Seeding
Q1: Is Aadhaar seeding and Aadhaar linking the same?
Ans: No, Aadhaar seeding and Aadhaar linking are not the same. Aadhaar seeding involves including Aadhaar numbers in the service provider’s database, enabling de-duplication and Aadhaar-based authentication during service delivery. Aadhaar linking refers to the process of connecting your Aadhaar with various services or documents, such as your bank account.
Q2: How many days are required for Aadhaar seeding?
Ans: The time required for Aadhaar seeding can vary depending on the service provider. It also depends on the method used. In some cases, it may take a few days (48 hours) to complete the Aadhaar seeding process.
Q3: Can we do the Aadhaar seeding online?
Ans: Yes, Aadhaar seeding can be done online through internet banking services provided by your bank. You can log in, provide your Aadhaar number, verify the information, and receive a confirmation message once the process is completed.
Q4: How can I activate my Aadhar card seeding?
Ans: Activation of Aadhaar seeding is typically not required. Once you complete the seeding process through your bank or service provider, it becomes active. You will receive a confirmation once the Aadhaar is successfully linked or seeded.
Q5: How can I know if my Aadhaar card is seeded?
Ans: You can check the status of your Aadhaar seeding by visiting the UIDAI website.
Log in, click on “Bank Seeding Status” under the Aadhaar Services section
Enter your Aadhaar number.
The linked bank account will be displayed on the screen.
If you have multiple bank accounts in the same bank, visit the bank to confirm the linked account number.
Q6: Is it mandatory to link Aadhaar to a bank account?
Ans: While it may not be mandatory to link Aadhaar to a bank account, it is advisable to do so if you intend to receive government welfare benefits in that account. As per the Supreme Court’s ruling, linking Aadhaar to various services is not mandatory.
Q7: Can I link multiple bank accounts with Aadhaar?
Ans: Yes, you can link multiple bank accounts with your Aadhaar number. However, the linking process for each account should be done individually, following the bank’s specific procedures.
Q8: What is the purpose of linking Aadhaar to a bank account?
Ans: Linking Aadhaar to a bank account helps ensure efficient and secure transactions. It is particularly for government benefit transfers. It minimizes the need for additional account details when receiving payments. It also simplifies the distribution of subsidies.
Q9: What should I do if I receive an error during the Aadhaar seeding process?
Ans: If there is an error during the Aadhaar seeding process, the bank will notify you through your registered email ID and mobile number. You can contact them for further work.
Q10: Can I unlink my Aadhaar from my bank account if needed?
Ans: The option to unlink Aadhaar from a bank account is not widely available. The Supreme Court’s ruling has made Aadhaar linking non-mandatory for most services. You can check with your bank or service provider for specific procedures.
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