Aadhaar-SIM Linking is Now Easier: Here’s How You Can Link Your Mobile Number to Aadhaar in 3 Ways

Service providers will enable a scheme to use OTP-based verification for mobile users through SMS or voiced-based IVRS call or via mobile app.

Written by: India.com Business Desk

Updated: November 2, 2017, 1:52 PM IST

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Aadhaar card

New Delhi, November 2: It has been made mandatory by the government to link all SIM (subscriber identification modules) cards with Aadhaar numbers before February 6, 2018. In case if an individual is unable to do so, the mobile number will be deactivated thereafter. Mobile users now have three new options to link their mobile number with Aadhaar– OTP (One Time Password) based, app-based and IVRS facility. The Department of Telecom said in a press release dated October 25 that these new methods will help subscribers to get their mobile number linked to Aadhaar without visiting the stores of the telcos (telecom companies).

Telecom operators are directed to complete re-verification of their customers through an e-KYC process.  As per a DoT order, service providers will enable a scheme to use OTP-based verification for mobile users through SMS or voiced-based IVRS call or via mobile app.

Soon there will be no need to visit the telecom store to link your Aadhaar number with SIM. According to a DoT order, service providers will enable a scheme to use OTP-based verification for mobile users through SMS or voiced-based IVRS call or via mobile app.

Here’s how it will work

1. Users will have to message their Aadhaar number from their mobile
2. The service providers will then do a demographic verification of the number.
3. Then the service provider will send OTP request to UIDAI
4. Enter the OPT and your number will be linked to Aadhaar
5. The DoT has mandated that telecom service providers’ agent should not have access to the subscribers’ e-KYC data.

The additional methods prescribed including OTP, App based and the IVRS facility will make it faster and easier for individual mobile subscribers to comply with the e-KYC norms using their Aadhaar Registered Mobile Number (ARMN). As per recent reports, over 25% of SIM cards have been linked to Aadhaar. Currently, there are about 128 million mobile phone connections in the country. The 12-digit unique identification number- Aadhaar, which is issued by the UIDAI, is now compulsory for many important tasks and to avail various government schemes.

Linking of Aadhaar with PAN, Aadhaar with Bank accounts has also been mandatory by the government.  Telecom companies like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, have urged their customers promptly in the recent past to complete the Aadhaar e-KYC process as early as possible to avoid last minute chaos. The decision of linking Aadhaar with mobile numbers came after the Supreme Court passed an order after hearing Lok Niti Foundation case regarding linking of Aadhaar card and SIM card. Following the order, SIM cards which will not be linked to Aadhaar cards will be deactivated. Reports state that the decision was taken by the government to prevent criminals, fraudsters, and terrorists from using SIMs in the name of ordinary citizens.

According to UIDAI data, 7.55 crore of the 35.01 crore subscribers of Bharti Airtel got their Aadhaar linked to their SIMs, 7.99 crore Idea Cellular out of 26.08 crore linked SIMs with Aadhaar. New entrant Reliance Jio linked 10.78 crore of 12.32 crore connections while 4.5 crore out of 25.9 crore subscribers of Vodafone India had linked the two.