The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK (Software Development Kit) and Face Authentication Sandbox at the Global Fintech Fest 2026. This initiative aims to make Aadhaar-based face authentication easier and faster within the mobile apps of banks, fintech companies, government departments, and other entities.
With the help of the new SDK, Aadhaar face authentication can be integrated directly into Android and iOS apps. This means users will not need to switch to a separate app for authentication, and the onboarding process for banking, insurance, broking, and other digital services is expected to become smoother.
Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK
Through the new SDK, Aadhaar face authentication can be directly integrated into Android and iOS apps. This eliminates the need for users to switch to a separate FaceRD app for authentication and makes the onboarding process for services like banking, insurance, and broking faster and simpler.
The SDK includes AI/ML-based liveness detection and anti-spoofing features. It also supports secure data encryption and works on smartphones, helping organisations deploy Aadhaar Face Authentication services more efficiently.
Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox
UIDAI has also introduced the Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox along with an SDK; this is a controlled testing environment where organizations can evaluate the entire authentication process before deploying their apps for actual use.
With the help of the sandbox, developers will be able to test processes such as face capture, liveness checks, authentication, and error handling. It will also allow for the testing of scenarios like network failures, timeouts, and spoofing. Notably, no external biometric device will be required for this.
UIDAI releases ‘Playbook on ease of Onboarding’
UIDAI also launched the ‘Playbook on Ease of Onboarding’, a guide to help BFSI organisations connect with the UIDAI authentication ecosystem for identity verification of customers, employees and business partners.
According to UIDAI, its AI/ML-based face authentication system, launched in 2021, has processed over 500 crore transactions to date. Around 200 entities are utilizing this technology, including central and state government departments, banks, NBFCs, telecom companies, brokerage firms, and certification authorities.
Face authentication is being used for various services such as Digital Life Certificates, Ayushman Bharat beneficiary registration, DBT, Aadhaar-enabled payments, e-KYC-based SIM activation, and PM-Kisan.
UIDAI believes that the SDK and Sandbox will simplify the process of integrating Aadhaar face authentication into digital services and provide users with a more seamless authentication experience within a single mobile app.
