Aadhaar Seeding: A Crucial Requirement for Scholarship Applications

Aadhaar Seeding – As per the instructions of Government of India, the Aadhaar has been made mandatory for disbursement of all Government scholarships, subsidies and fellowships benefits which are disbursed directly into the seeded account of the beneficiaries. Accordingly, Aadhaar shall be used as an Identifier for release of grant under the scheme. Aadhaar seeding is the next step in terms of ensuring a secure transfer of scholarship benefits directly into the bank accounts of the successful applicants. For this the bank account numbers of the beneficiaries are required to be Aadhaar linked and verified.

Aadhaar seeding facilitates efficient and secure financial transactions in the present digital era. Whether you are receiving government scholarship or fellowship benefits or availing subsidies for that matter, a seeded bank account with the Aadhaar number streamlines the process of direct benefit transfer to the intended beneficiaries. 

Due to insufficient understanding of Aadhaar seeding or Aadhaar mapping, many students and teachers frequently reach out to the UIDAI department. The information provided here on Aadhaar seeding and mapping will assist students in obtaining their scholarship benefits by seeding their Aadhaar numbers with the bank account. Let’s explore the details of the process, related terminologies, requirements and objectives of Aadhaar seeding. 

Linking the Aadhaar with the Bank Account 

Linking the Aadhaar number to a bank account is a process that involves linking a customer’s bank account with his/her Aadhaar number. This is done after due submission of documents by the customer and complete verification of documents by the bank. After having linked the Aadhaar number to a bank account, it is seeded with the NPCI mapper. 

What is an NPCI mapper? 

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) mapper is a repository of Aadhaar numbers linked with a particular bank. This is used for the purpose of routing the Aadhaar based payment transactions to the destination banks. The NPCI mapper contains Aadhaar number along with Issuer Identification Number (IIN) of the bank that has seeded the Aadhaar number.

Seeding Aadhaar Number in NPCI Mapper 

The process of seeding the Aadhaar number involves updating the NPCI mapper after linking the Aadhaar number to the account within the Core Banking System. Mapping process involves associating a Bank with Aadhaar number which is facilitated by NPCI for Direct Benefit Transfer to the respective banks who have linked the Aadhaar Number to a specific Bank account for receiving Direct Benefits to which customer has given the consent. This is done by the bank after having obtained the customer’s written consent. 

The customers visit their respective bank/branch where he/she is holding an account and submit the duly filled consent form. The process followed by the banks for seeding Aadhaar number in NPCI mapper is as follows:

The bank officials verify the complete documents submitted by the customer and proceed for further processing. After verifying the completeness of the consent form, checking the documentation and authenticating the customer’s signature, the bank will link in their Core Banking System (CBS) and seed in NPCI mapper, this process should be completed within a couple of working days. Banks have to complete the following two steps for completing seeding. 

• Linking the Aadhaar number to the customer account in Core Banking System (CBS) and other internal systems as required.
• Uploading the Aadhaar number into NPCI mapper. 

(Note: Unless uploading of the Aadhaar number is completed, the Aadhaar number will not reflect in the NPCI mapper.)

Aadhaar Seeding – A Crucial Requirement! 

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a major reform initiative of the Government of India taken in order to reengineer the existing delivery processes. It was started on 1st January, 2013 with the aim of reforming the Government delivery system in welfare schemes for simpler and faster flow of information/funds and reduction of fraud. It ensures better and timely delivery of benefits using Information & Communication Technology (ICT) by transferring benefits into Aadhaar seeded bank/postal accounts accurately to targeted beneficiaries.

Objectives of DBT 

• Curbing pilferage and duplication
• Accurate targeting of the beneficiaries
• Reduced delay in payments
• Electronic transfer of benefits, minimising levels involved in the flow of benefits 

Some of the important reasons why Aadhaar seeding has become a necessity for scholarship applications are as follows:

1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):

• Efficient Disbursement: Aadhaar seeding is the cornerstone of the DBT system. It enables the direct transfer of scholarship funds to the beneficiary’s bank account, eliminating intermediaries and reducing delays.
• Reduction of Fraud: By eliminating manual interventions, the risk of fraud and leakages in the scholarship distribution process is significantly minimised.

2. Accurate Targeting of Beneficiaries:

• Unique Identification: Aadhaar, as a unique biometric identifier, helps in precisely identification of the intended beneficiaries.
• Prevention of Duplication: It prevents duplication and fraudulent claims and ensures that benefits reach the targeted beneficiaries.

3. Real-Time Monitoring:

• Transparency and Accountability: The Aadhaar-linked system allows for real-time monitoring of scholarship disbursement, enhancing transparency and accountability in the process.
• Effective Governance: It empowers authorities to track the utilisation of funds and identify any discrepancies leading to improved transparency and effective governance.

4. Data Analytics:

• Informed Decision Making: Aadhaar-linked data can be analysed to identify trends and patterns in scholarship utilisation, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions.
• Program Evaluation: It helps in evaluating the effectiveness of scholarship programs and identifying areas for improvement.

5. Financial Inclusion:

• Banking the Unbanked: Aadhaar seeding encourages financial inclusion by promoting bank account ownership among students, especially those from marginalized sections of society.

6. Security and Authentication:

• Robust Security: Aadhaar’s biometric authentication provides a high level of security, protecting scholarship funds from unauthorized access.

7. Compliance with Government Regulations:

• Mandatory Requirement: Aadhaar seeding is often a mandatory requirement for availing government scholarships, ensuring compliance with government regulations.

Seeding Aadhaar with a Bank Account

As per the official gazette issued by UIDAI a bank should seed an Aadhaar number only after getting written consent from the customer and duly verifying the documents to confirm the authenticity of the customer. No bank should seed the Aadhaar number without explicit consent of the customer in writing or in electronic form. 

You can check the Aadhaar seeding status of your bank account for receiving scholarship benefits by adhering to any one of the following  options.

Through Internet Banking Utility (Online Method)

• Applicants are required to visit the official UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) website.
• Navigate to the ‘Bank Seeding Status’ section.
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the Captcha code.
• Verify your identity by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• The website will show the linking status, including the bank name and the last four digits of your account number.

Via mAadhaar app

• Download the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
• Set up the app by linking your Aadhaar profile.
• Go to the ‘Bank Accounts’ section to check if your Aadhaar is linked.

Offline Method

• Visit the bank branch where you have your bank account for receiving scholarship benefits.
• Request the Aadhaar seeding form from the bank and fill it in with required details, including your bank account number and Aadhaar number.
• Attach a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar card and a copy of your bank passbook or a recent bank statement.
• Submit the completed form and documents to the bank official.
• The bank will process your request and inform you once the Aadhaar seeding is completed successfully.

Through Aadhaar Enrollment Centers

• Visit your nearby Aadhaar enrollment center.
• Request for Aadhaar seeding service for your bank account.
• Provide your bank account details and Aadhaar number to the official.
• Complete the biometric verification process as required.
• The center will process your request and provide you with an acknowledgement receipt.

Aadhaar Seeding Process 

The process flow of Aadhaar seeding is mentioned in detail hereafter.

• The customers/scholarship applicants are required to visit the bank branch where he/she is holding an account and submit the duly filled consent form as shown below. 

• The bank officials after having verified the authenticity of the details and documents provided including the signature will accept Aadhaar seeding consent form and provide an acknowledgement to the applicant.
• Following after the branch will then link the Aadhaar number to the customer’s account and also in NPCI mapper. 
• After completion of this activity the Aadhaar number will reflect in the NPCI mapper. 

Role of the Customers/Scholarship Applicants

• The customers/scholarship applicants should submit the consent form with complete details either in physical or electronic form as per the facility provided by their bank.
• In case of moving Aadhaar number from one bank to another bank, the customers/scholarship applicants should provide the name of the bank from which the Aadhaar is being moved.
• In case of physical form, the consent form should be duly signed as per the bank records. 

Role of the Bank/Branch

• Verification of the completeness of the consent form, checking the documentation and authenticating the customer’s signature is the major responsibility of the bank/branch. 
• After getting satisfied with the authenticity of the documentation bank officials are required to carry out the following activities as mentioned earlier.
  • Linking the Aadhaar number to the bank account (in CBS)
  • Updating NPCI mapper 

(Note: By linking the Aadhaar number to the account the branch is not updating the mapper. The mapper update process has to be followed by their central team or IT division.)

• After the mapper files are uploaded, the response files received from NPCI have to be verified.
• If there is a failure in updating any Aadhaar number(s) then necessary corrective action should be taken and CBS also should be updated accordingly.
• The banks/Branches should understand that if the Aadhaar number is not updated in NPCI mapper the responsibility lies with the bank only. The banks should refrain from saying to the customer that NPCI has not updated the Aadhaar number. 

Responsibility of NPCl

• NPCI Mapper is a platform provided by NPCI for the banks to update or remove Aadhaar numbers as per their customer’s request.
• NPCI on its own does not update the mapper records. 
• The activity of updating or removing an Aadhaar number from a mapper can be performed only by the banks. 
• NPCI ensures that the mapper platform is available, files submitted by banks are processed and response is provided.

(Note:  The customers/scholarship applicants can link only one account with Aadhaar at any point of time.  If they give consent to multiple banks then subsidy or scholarship benefits will be credited to the last seeded Bank with which the status is active in NPCI mapper.  If Aadhaar status is inactive, customers/scholarship applicants need to visit the respective bank branch in person and submit the duly  filled customer consent form.)

How to Check Bank Account-Aadhaar Seeding Status?

If you are unsure whether your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account, you can verify the bank account number associated with your Aadhaar. Here are a few options for checking and verifying this information:

On NSP Platform

• Visit the NSP website.
• Click on the Student option on the homepage.

• When the new page opens, navigate to the lower section of the page 
• Click on the Aadhaar Seeding section

On UIDAI (Aadhaar) Website:

1. Visit the UIDAI Bank Mapper page.
2. In the form that appears, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID and the security code displayed in the image.

1. Click “Send OTP” An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
2. Enter the OTP to check the status of Aadhaar-bank linking. The details will include your Aadhaar number (masked), bank linking status (active/inactive), linking date, and the bank’s name.

Apart from the option to check bank account seeding status through the official UIDAI website, you can also check via the below options:

Through a Phone Call:

1. Dial *99*99*1# from the phone number registered with Aadhaar.
2. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
3. Re-enter the Aadhaar number when prompted.
4. The system will display the status of your Aadhaar-bank linking.

Through the mAadhaar App:

1. Log in to the mAadhaar app.
2. Select ‘My Aadhaar’.
3. Choose ‘Aadhaar-Bank Account Link Status’.
4. Enter your Aadhaar number, and the security code, and click ‘Request OTP’.
5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click ‘Verify’ to view the linking status.

Points to Remember: Grievance Redressal

• If your Aadhaar number is not reflected in the NPCI mapper after submitting all the relevant documents to the bank, the responsibility lies with the bank. You should contact the bank’s customer service cell for grievance redressal and follow the escalation matrix if the issue remains unresolved.
• If you want to write to NPCI, provide a copy of the consent form duly acknowledged by the bank to help take up the issue with the concerned bank. For any escalations, you can email npci.dbtl@npci.org.in with the Aadhaar consent acknowledgement copy provided by the bank.
• You can link only one account with your Aadhaar at any given time.
• If you give consent to multiple banks, the subsidy will be credited to the last seeded bank with which the status is active in the NPCI mapper.
• If your Aadhaar status is inactive, you need to visit the respective bank branch in person and submit the duly filled customer consent form.

Aadhaar Seeding for Receiving Scholarship Benefits – FAQs

Why is Aadhaar seeding necessary for receiving scholarships? 

Aadhaar seeding is necessary because the Government of India has made it mandatory for all government subsidies, scholarships, and fellowships to be directly disbursed into the beneficiary’s bank account. Aadhaar serves as an identifier to ensure proper disbursement. 

What is required for students to receive their scholarship payments? 

Students must have their bank account numbers linked to and verified with their Aadhaar. This linkage is essential for the scholarship to be directly paid into their accounts.

Why is Aadhaar seeding important for receiving my scholarship benefits? 

Aadhaar seeding helps ensure that your scholarship benefits are transferred directly to your bank account without worrying for direct and timely fund transfers.

What happens if my Aadhaar is not seeded with my scholarship account?  

If your Aadhaar isn’t seeded, you might face delays or issues with receiving your scholarship funds, moreover some of the scholarship programs transfer monetary benefits only to a Aadhaar-seeded bank account.

How can I seed my Aadhaar with my scholarship account?  

You can know the seeding status of your Aadhaar number by logging into your National Scholarship Portal (NSP) account, providing your Aadhaar number, and verifying it. Alternatively, you can visit your respective bank/branch where you hold an account and submit the duly filled consent form as explained in the article.

What should I do if I receive an error related to Aadhaar seeding?  

Check if your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar and ensure it matches the one you used for your scholarship application. If the issue persists, contact the support team of your scholarship provider or visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre.

How does Aadhaar seeding prevent fraud in scholarship disbursements?  

Aadhaar seeding helps to authenticate your identity, ensuring that the funds are transferred to the correct beneficiary while reducing the chances of fraudulent claims.

Can I apply for a scholarship if my Aadhaar is not yet seeded?  

You might face difficulties or delays if your Aadhaar is not seeded. It’s best to complete the seeding process before applying in order to ensure your application is processed without issues.

Is Aadhaar seeding required for all types of scholarships?  

While many scholarships require Aadhaar seeding for verification and fund transfer, some might not. Check the specific requirements of the scholarship you are applying for.

What documents do I need to seed my Aadhaar with my scholarship account?  

Typically, you’ll need your Aadhaar card, bank account details, and any other documents required by the scholarship portal or bank.

Can I update my Aadhaar details if there is a mistake?  

Yes, if there’s an error in your Aadhaar details, you should update it through the UIDAI website or by visiting an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre before seeding it with your scholarship account.

After providing the consent form to the bank, when will my Aadhaar get seeded? 

After verifying the completeness of the consent form, checking the documentation and authenticating the customer’s signature, the bank will link in their Core Banking System (CBS) and seed in NPCI mapper, this process should be completed within a couple of working days.  

What if my Aadhaar is linked to a different bank account?  

Ensure that the Aadhaar linked to your scholarship account matches the bank account where the scholarship funds will be deposited. Update your Aadhaar details if necessary.

How do I check if my Aadhaar is already linked to my scholarship account?  

Log into your scholarship portal account or contact UIDAI customer support (Toll-free:1947 | Email-emailhelp@uidai.gov.in) to verify if your Aadhaar is already linked.

What is the NPCI mapper, and what purpose does it serve? 

The NPCI mapper is a repository of Aadhaar numbers linked to specific banks. It is used to route Aadhaar-based payment transactions to the correct destination bank. 

What is involved in the process of seeding an Aadhaar number in the NPCI mapper? 

Seeding an Aadhaar number involves linking it to a bank account in the Core Banking System (CBS) and then uploading it to the NPCI mapper. 

What is the role of a bank in seeding an Aadhaar number? 

The bank verifies the customer’s documents and consent form, links the Aadhaar number to the customer’s account in CBS, and uploads it to the NPCI mapper. 

What is required from the customer for Aadhaar seeding in the NPCI mapper? 

The customer must submit a duly filled consent form to the bank, which includes their Aadhaar number. 

What happens if a bank does not upload the Aadhaar number to the NPCI mapper?

If the Aadhaar number is not uploaded to the NPCI mapper, it will not reflect in the NPCI system, and the linked bank account will not receive Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).