Aadhaar and Digital Identity — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, focus on factual accuracy and key distinctions. Memorize the year of the Aadhaar Act (2016) and its key sections (e.g., Section 7, 29, 57). Understand the core components of Aadhaar: 12-digit number, biometric and demographic data, CIDR.

Differentiate between authentication and verification. Be clear on the Supreme Court's Puttaswamy judgment: what was upheld (Section 7) and what was struck down (Section 57 for private entities). Know the purpose and features of Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) and offline eKYC.

Identify the statutory body (UIDAI). Pay attention to recent amendments (2019) and their impact. Practice MCQs that test conceptual clarity on privacy, data security, and the various applications of Aadhaar (AePS, DBT).

A common trap is confusing the scope of mandatory Aadhaar linking before and after the SC judgment. Focus on 'one person, one identity' and the de-duplication process. Understand the 'proportionality test' as a legal concept.

Vyyuha recommends creating flashcards for key terms and legal provisions.