Aadhaar-based face authentication in UPI to enable Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication for setting or resetting UPI PIN, UPI with on-device biometric authentication for a smooth, safe, and user-friendly alternative to PIN-based UPI authentication, and the addition of a new mode for cash withdrawal through micro-ATMs using UPI at UPI cash points are just a few of the new offerings the government announced. At the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025, Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, announced the introduction of three new digital feature offerings.
These new offerings include Aadhaar-based Face Authentication in UPI, which enables Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication for setting or resetting UPI PINs; UPI with On-Device Biometric Authentication, which offers a smooth, safe, and user-friendly substitute for PIN-based UPI authentication; and the addition of a new mode for cash withdrawal through Micro ATMs using UPI at UPI Cash Points (Business Correspondent touchpoints). On-device authentication for UPI, introduced by DFS Secretary M Nagaraju, allows users to authenticate UPI payments without entering the UPI PIN by using their smartphone’s built-in security features, like fingerprint or face unlock.
The DFS Secretary launched On-Device Authentication for UPI, allowing users to approve payments using fingerprint or face unlock instead of a UPI PIN. This opt-in feature aims to make payments faster and more secure. Aadhaar-based Face Authentication now also enables users to set or reset UPI PINs without debit cards or OTPs, improving accessibility for first-time users and senior citizens. The feature uses UIDAI’s FaceRD app for secure facial verification. Additionally, UPI has been introduced as a mode for cash withdrawals at Micro ATMs, enhancing convenience and financial inclusion.