The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a new Office Memorandum in August 2026 that fixes official business hours for all Aadhaar enrolment and update work.
This is important for India Post too, because a large number of Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centres run inside post offices, and postal staff work as operators. From now on, any work done outside the fixed hours may simply not go through.
Let’s understand the new rules in simple words.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issued By | UIDAI, Enrolment & Update-I Division, New Delhi |
| File Number | HQ-16011/2/2022-EU-I-HQ-Part(1) |
| Date | August 2026 |
| Subject | Business hours for Aadhaar enrolment and update transactions |
| Replaces | OM No. HQ-16024/3/2020-EU-I-HQ dated 27.05.2021 |
New Aadhaar Business Hours
| Type of Operation | Allowed Timings |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Enrolment & Update Centres | 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Camp Mode Operations | 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
So, regular centres, including those in post offices, can work only from 9 AM to 7 PM. Special camps get a longer window from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Why Has UIDAI Done This?
- Aadhaar work done at odd or unusual hours is hard to monitor.
- Such transactions create risks from an oversight point of view.
- Fixed hours will help UIDAI track and control the whole enrolment and update system better.
- This new OM replaces the older 2021 order that dealt with action against operators and machines doing enrolments at odd hours.
Technical Controls Being Added
UIDAI’s Technology Centre will put in place system-level checks so that no work happens outside the allowed time.
For the Update Client (UC)
- A clear message will be shown on the screen telling the operator the business hours.
- New SIDs cannot be created outside business hours.
- If someone tries to create an SID after hours, an alert will pop up.
- An SID created before closing time for an ongoing transaction can still be submitted.
- But no new SID will be created after business hours.
For the Enrolment Client (ECMP)
- A clear message about business hours will be displayed to the operator.
- Any packet whose EID creation time falls outside the fixed hours will be rejected.
- The resident will get an SMS telling them the reason for rejection, along with a rejection code.
What This Means for Post Office Aadhaar Centres
- ✅ Plan your day so that all enrolments and updates start before 7 PM.
- ✅ Do not start a new transaction close to closing time if it cannot be completed properly.
- ✅ For Aadhaar camps, keep work within 7 AM to 9 PM.
- ✅ Inform residents about the timings so they don’t face rejection later.
- ✅ If a resident gets a rejection SMS, guide them to visit again during business hours.
- ✅ Supervisors should keep an eye on operator compliance, as Regional Offices will check this through Registrars and Enrolment Agencies.
Useful for Departmental Exams Too
Aadhaar services are a key part of post office work. Questions on Aadhaar enrolment, UIDAI rules and post office services can appear in the India Post GK and current affairs parts of exams like:
- GDS to MTS Departmental Exam
- GDS to Postman Exam
- MTS to PA Exam
- Postman to PA Exam
Points to remember:
- Aadhaar centre timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
- Aadhaar camp timings: 7 AM to 9 PM
- Issued by: UIDAI, Enrolment & Update-I Division
- Packets outside hours: Rejected, with SMS to resident
Stay updated with India Post Current Affairs, practice with India Post Mock Tests, and revise with good India Post Study Material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the new timings for Aadhaar enrolment and update centres?
9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Q2. What are the timings for Aadhaar camps?
7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Q3. What happens if enrolment is done after business hours?
In the enrolment client, packets created outside business hours will be rejected, and the resident will get an SMS with the reason and rejection code.
Q4. Can an ongoing update be completed after closing time?
Yes, if its SID was created before business hours ended. But no new SID can be created after hours.
Q5. Does this apply to post office Aadhaar centres?
Yes. The rules apply to all Aadhaar enrolment and update operations, including centres run by India Post.
Q6. Which older order has been replaced?
The UIDAI OM No. HQ-16024/3/2020-EU-I-HQ dated 27.05.2021.
Final Words
UIDAI’s new rule is simple: Aadhaar work only within business hours. For post office operators, this means better planning and clear communication with residents to avoid rejections.
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