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Assam to stop issuing Aadhaar to those above 18 to curb illegal immigration

Saturday, 13 June 2026· 5 min read·Source: The Hindu

The Assam Cabinet, in a decision announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 13, 2026, decided to stop issuing Aadhaar cards to first-time applicants above the age of 18 to ensure illegal immigrants do not acquire the document. Adults seeking Aadhaar in exceptional cases will have to route applications through the District Commissioner, who will submit a proposal to the state government for approval. Certain groups — persons with disabilities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Tea Garden communities — are exempt until March 2027, after which the restriction becomes absolute from April 1, 2027.

Key Facts & Details

8 points

1
Assam will stop routine Aadhaar issuance to first-time applicants above 18.
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The decision was announced by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 13, 2026.
3
The aim is to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Aadhaar.
4
Exceptional adult cases must be routed via the District Commissioner for state approval.
5
Exemptions for PwD, SC, ST and Tea Garden communities apply until March 2027.

Deep Dive

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From April 1, 2027, the restriction will be absolute, applying even to the exempted communities.
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Aadhaar is a proof of identity and residence, not of citizenship, which is central to the state's concern.
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The move is part of Assam's wider crackdown on illegal immigration.

Exam Focus

Which state in June 2026 decided to stop issuing Aadhaar to first-time adult applicants above 18?

Exam Relevance & Angle

State identity-policy decisions with national implications are tested in polity/governance GA; candidates should note the state, the chief minister, the rationale and the exemptions.

Target Exams

SBI POSBI ClerkIBPS POIBPS ClerkIBPS RRB OfficerIBPS RRB AssistantRBI Grade BNABARD Grade ASSC CGLSSC CHSLSSC CPORRB NTPCLIC AAOUPSC CSEState PCS

Background & Context

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India, based on biometric and demographic data. It serves as proof of identity and residence but is not proof of citizenship. Assam, which shares a border with Bangladesh, has long faced concerns about illegal immigration; it implemented the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update. The District Commissioner (Deputy Commissioner) is the senior-most administrative officer of a district. Identity and entitlement documents are a recurring policy issue in border states.