The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has asserted that schools cannot make the 12-digit biometric identifier a pre-condition for student admission.

UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said in New Delhi yesterday that asking for Aadhaar cards for admissions is not as per the provisions of law and doing so will be against the recent order of the Supreme Court.

He said, UIDAI is aware of the reports that some schools are asking for Aadhaar cards for student admission.

UIDAI's clarification comes at a time when admissions to nursery and entry-level classes have begun in over 1,500 private schools in Delhi. UIDAI has asked schools to ensure that no child is denied admission for lack of Aadhaar.

In September, the Supreme Court had upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar but clipped the scope of the biometric identity project. It had ruled that Aadhaar was not mandatory for bank accounts, mobile connections or school admissions.

The court had held that Aadhaar would remain compulsory for filing of Income Tax returns and allotment of Permanent Account Number, as well as welfare schemes.