How to Change Bank Seeding in Aadhaar Online (India)

Changing the bank linked to your Aadhaar (i.e. "bank seeding" for receiving Direct Benefit Transfers or DBT) has become easier with digital tools like the NPCI's BASE (Bharat Aadhaar Seeding Enabler). However, fully switching your Aadhaar linkage from one bank account to another may still need interaction with your bank branch, depending on circumstances. Below is a detailed guide on how to change Aadhaar bank seeding online (or via hybrid methods), what rules to be aware of, and best practices.

1. Understanding Aadhaar seeding and its mapping

Aadhaar seeding means linking your Aadhaar number with a bank account for use in direct benefit transfers (DBT) and other government schemes. This linkage is stored in the NPCI mapper system. Only one bank linkage is "active" at a time; if you submit consent for a new bank, the new bank becomes active in NPCI mapper.

When you "change bank seeding," you are essentially moving the Aadhaar linkage from your old bank account to a new one. NPCI's BASE platform supports actions like checking status, de-seeding, and moving Aadhaar from one bank to another.

2. Check your current Aadhaar & bank seeding status

Before requesting change, verify where your Aadhaar is currently seeded. Steps:

  1. Go to the NPCI / BASE (Bharat Aadhaar Seeding Enabler) portal and access the "Bank Seeding Status" or "Aadhaar Mapping Status / History."
  2. Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to it, then complete OTP verification.
  3. You will see the bank name currently active. This is necessary to fill when moving your linkage.

3. Use BASE (Bharat Aadhaar Seeding Enabler) to request change

NPCI's BASE is designed to allow digital actions such as moving Aadhaar from one bank to another or de-seeding.

Typical steps:

  1. Visit NPCI's website → Consumer section → Bharat Aadhaar Seeding Enabler (BASE).
  2. Select the option "Move Aadhaar from one bank to another" or "Change Bank Seeding."
  3. Enter your Aadhaar, OTP, and provide details of your *new bank account* (account number, bank name, branch) along with the *old bank name* (where Aadhaar is currently seeded).
  4. Submit the request. The BASE system will route this to the new bank's and old bank's systems for processing.

4. Also raise request via your new bank's digital channels

It helps to inform your target bank about your request, so they can process your seeding internally faster. Many banks offer "Aadhaar linking / update" services via their internet banking or mobile app profiles. For example:

  • ICICI Bank allows Aadhaar reseeding via their portal under "DBT / Aadhaar update" requests.
  • Kotak Bank provides "Aadhaar number update" via Profile → Service Requests in their app.
  • Axis Bank has guidance for linking and updating Aadhaar in their net banking or mobile app.

5. Bank branch fallback / consent form submission

If the digital or BASE route doesn't process successfully (or your bank insists), you may need to visit a branch:

  • Submit a signed Aadhaar seeding **consent form** (Annexure I), indicating you want to seed Aadhaar in this new bank and old bank name.
  • The bank verifies your documents and sends request to seed Aadhaar in core banking and NPCI mapper.
  • Processing time is typically a few working days.

6. What to watch out for & rules

  • You must provide the name of the existing bank where your Aadhaar is currently seeded when filling the request.
  • Only one Aadhaar linkage can be active in NPCI mapper at a time; newer linkage overrides old.
  • The seeding action is the responsibility of banks—if your Aadhaar doesn't reflect in NPCI mapper after a period, the customer should pursue bank escalation.
  • Fully digital change may not always succeed—some banks may demand branch verification or signature.

7. After request: verification & confirmation

Once the new bank processes the request and the old one cooperates, the new linkage is updated in both the bank's core banking system and in the NPCI mapper. The BASE portal or your new bank should show the updated "active bank" status.

You may receive notifications via SMS or email confirming successful change.

Changing your Aadhaar's bank linkage (bank seeding) online is becoming more feasible in India thanks to NPCI's BASE platform and banks' digital services. Still, the process often involves coordination between your old bank and new bank, accurate fill-in of consent forms (including old bank name), and possible fallback to branch submission in case of digital failures. Always verify your status via BASE's "Bank Seeding Status" portal, and follow up with banks if the mapping isn't updated within a reasonable time.

Reference: NPCI's BASE & Aadhaar seeding process documentation.