EPFO Makes Face Authentication via UMANG App Mandatory for UAN Generation from 1st August 2025

📌 Background

To streamline Employee Provident Fund (EPF) services and promote digital inclusivity, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has enabled UAN allotment and activation through the UMANG App using Face Authentication Technology (FAT). This initiative allows individuals to generate or activate their Universal Account Number (UAN) seamlessly without visiting physical offices.

As per Circular No. WSU/MemberProfilePt1/E-965649/2025-26/22 dated 30th July 2025, EPFO has made it mandatory to generate and activate UAN exclusively through the UMANG App using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT), effective 1st August 2025.

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Key Highlights of the Circular

1️⃣ Mandatory Use of UMANG App

• From 1st August 2025, all UAN allotments must be completed through the UMANG App.

• The process will rely on Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT), ensuring a fully digital and error-free mechanism.

2️⃣ Exceptions

While this mandate applies to the majority of members, there are limited exceptions:

• International Workers

• Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan

For these cases, the existing employer-based process of UAN generation will continue.

3️⃣ Error-Free and Transparent System

The primary objective of this transition is to:

• Eliminate manual intervention and potential data entry errors.

• Ensure that each UAN is directly linked to Aadhaar for authentication and uniqueness.

• Reduce compliance disputes for employers and streamline the onboarding process for employees.

4️⃣ User Manual & Reference

EPFO has already issued a detailed user manual for UAN generation and activation through FAT-enabled UMANG App. This was initially introduced under Circular No. WSU/MemberProfile/E-710137/2025-26/17 dated 8th April 2025.

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Compliance Impact for Employers & Employees

✅ For Employers:

• Must educate HR and payroll teams about the new UAN generation procedure.

• No longer allowed to create UANs manually for Indian workers (except exceptions above).

• Ensure employees have Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers and access to UMANG App.

✅ For Employees:

• Download the UMANG App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

• Complete Aadhaar-based Face Authentication within the app.

• Use the generated UAN for all EPFO-related activities.

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Advantages of the New System

• Single-Window Process: Eliminates dependency on employers for UAN creation.

• Error Reduction: No manual data mismatch issues.

• Faster Activation: Instant authentication through FAT.

• Increased Transparency: Ensures secure and auditable PF compliance.

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Action Plan Before 1st August 2025

1. Download UMANG App on mobile devices.

2. Complete Aadhaar Face Authentication setup.

3. Employers should update internal SOPs for UAN onboarding.

4. Train employees on the new process to avoid delays in UAN generation.

The process is Aadhaar-based and aims to strengthen KYC compliance while enhancing user convenience.

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UMANG App Platform

All services are accessible through the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) App, available on Android and iOS. It acts as a one-stop platform for citizens to access multiple government services, including EPFO offerings.

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Pre-requisites for All Services

To avail UAN-related services, users must ensure:

• A valid Aadhaar number

• Access to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification

• Installation of Aadhaar Face RD App for facial recognition

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Service 1: UAN Allotment and Activation

Purpose:

For users without a UAN, this service enables both generation and activation of a new UAN.

Steps:

1. Open UMANG App > Select "UAN Allotment and Activation"

2. Enter:

   • Aadhaar Number

   • Mobile Number

   • Accept the Aadhaar consent checkbox

3. Tap “Send OTP”

   • Install Aadhaar Face RD App if prompted

   • Enter OTP received on the mobile

4. The system checks if Aadhaar is already linked to a UAN:

   • If Yes: Notification is displayed.

   • If No: Proceed to Face Authentication

5. Face Authentication:

   • Accept consent

   • Tap “Face Authentication”

   • Face scan is performed using UIDAI Face Authentication API

6. Based on verification, a new UAN is generated and sent via SMS.

Common Issues:

Issue	Action
Invalid Aadhaar or Mobile	Recheck and re-enter
OTP Failure	Resend or retry OTP
Face Auth Failure	Retry or contact support
UAN Already Exists	Notification; redirect to Home

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Service 2: UAN Activation

Purpose:

For citizens who already have a UAN but it’s not activated.

Steps:

1. Open UMANG > Select "UAN Activation"

2. Enter:

   • UAN

   • Aadhaar Number

   • Mobile Number

   • Provide Aadhaar consent

3. Tap "Send OTP" and verify

4. System checks Aadhaar-UAN linkage in EPFO database

5. Complete Face Authentication:

   • Consent and scan

6. If validated:

   • UAN is activated

   • Temporary password is sent via SMS

   • Photo & address are updated in EPFO records

Common Issues:

Issue	Action
Invalid UAN/Aadhaar	Re-enter valid information
OTP Failure	Retry
Face Auth Failure	Retry or seek help
Aadhaar-UAN Mismatch	Process halted with error

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Service 3: Face Authentication for Already Activated UANs

Purpose:

To biometrically verify a user and update EPFO database for KYC validation or service access.

Steps:

1. Open UMANG > Select "Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs"

2. Accept consent and tap “Face Authentication”

3. Perform face scan using UIDAI Face API

4. System fetches:

   • UAN

   • Aadhaar

   • Mobile Number

5. EPFO database is updated based on authenticated data

Common Issues:

Issue	Action
Invalid UAN/Aadhaar	Check and re-enter
Face Auth Failure	Retry or contact support
EPFO Validation Error	Process halted

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Support Channels

For recurring technical issues:

• Contact UMANG Helpdesk (available in the app)

• Reach out to EPFO Customer Support

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Conclusion

This reform is a major step in EPFO’s ongoing digitization efforts, ensuring a seamless, Aadhaar-linked, and secure experience for both employers and employees. By mandating face authentication through UMANG, EPFO is aiming to eliminate duplication, reduce compliance errors, and accelerate member onboarding.

📅 Deadline: 1st August 2025 – Ensure compliance to avoid delays in UAN generation.

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💡 Reference:

• EPFO Circular No. WSU/MemberProfilePt1/E-965649/2025-26/22 dated 30th July 2025

• EPFO Circular No. WSU/MemberProfile/E-710137/2025-26/17 dated 8th April 2025

• YT Community http://youtube.com/post/UgkxFNRapQ40EqGCJFcMt5KaX4ApbXv3C9Ek?si=HLzinv9adGwQ2DZ5