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The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has introduced an important update to simplify the process of creating and activating the Universal Account Number (UAN). According to EPFO’s July 30, 2025 circular, all new UANs should be generated through the Umang app using the Aadhaar-based face authentication technology (FAT) from August 1, 2025. The move aims to ensure error-free, safe and employer-independent UAN construction, increasing digital access to provident fund services. There are some exceptions to international workers and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, who can still use the employer-aid process.

To take advantage of this facility, EPF members have to download Umang and Aadhaar Face RD app from Google Play Store. Users enter their Aadhaar number and linked mobile numbers, verify through OTP, and complete face scans for biometric authentication. After successful verification, the UAN is generated, is immediately activated and sent via SMS, as well as an e-UAN card is available for download that can be shared with employers for onboarding. It eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors by obtaining direct details from the base database.

The digital process provides immediate access to EPFO services such as passbooks, KYC updates and submission of claims, eliminating the requirement of different activation stages. Earlier, out of the 1.26 crore UANs issued in FY 2024-25, only 35% of the employer were active due to the delay, which it addresses the update. Taking advantage of FAT, EPFO ensures a spontaneous, safe and user-operated experience aligned with India’s digital governance goals.