Complete step-by-step guide for freshers joining after August 1, 2025
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has revolutionized the UAN (Universal Account Number) generation process with a groundbreaking update effective from August 1, 2025. This digital transformation allows freshers and new employees to generate their UAN independently using advanced face authentication technology. Here's everything you need to know about this game-changing update.
What is the New EPFO UAN Self-Generation Process?
Starting August 1, 2025, EPFO has introduced mandatory Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) for UAN generation through the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app. This means new employees joining companies after this date can generate their UAN without any employer intervention.
Key Features of the New System:
- 100% Digital Process - Generate UAN using just your smartphone
- Instant Activation - UAN is auto-activated upon successful verification
- Biometric Security - Face authentication ensures maximum security
- Electronic UAN Card - Instant download available
- Zero Paperwork - Complete the process without any physical documents
Why This Matters Now: EPFO's PMVBRY Push
This mandate isn't just a UMANG feature update, it's tied to enforcement. EPFO is actively pushing Aadhaar-based Face Authentication as a requirement for employees to access benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY). If your UAN isn't generated and activated through this process, you risk delays in accessing scheme benefits, not just standard EPF services. If you haven't completed this yet, it's worth doing sooner rather than later.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Generate UAN Through UMANG App
Prerequisites for UAN Generation
Before starting the process, ensure you have:
- Required Mobile Apps:UMANG App (Download from Google Play Store/Apple App Store)
- Aadhaar Face RD App (For face authentication)
- Essential Information:Valid Aadhaar number
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Good lighting for face scan
Complete UAN Generation Process
Step 1: Access EPFO Services on UMANG
- Open the UMANG App on your smartphone
- Navigate to "EPFO Services" from the main menu
- Select "UAN Allotment and Activation" under "UAN Services Through Face Auth"
Step 2: Enter Personal Details
- Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Provide your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Give consent for the verification process
Step 3: Mobile Number Verification
- An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number
- Enter the OTP to verify your mobile number
- Proceed to the next step after successful verification
Step 4: Face Authentication Process
- Position your face properly within the camera frame
- Ensure good lighting conditions
- Complete the live face scan for authentication against Aadhaar records
- The system will verify your identity in real-time
Step 5: UAN Generation and Activation
- Upon successful face authentication, your UAN will be automatically generated
- The UAN will be instantly activated
- Download your electronic UAN card immediately
- Save the UAN for future reference
If you already have a UAN but need to activate it, follow these steps:
- Access UAN Activation Service - Go to "UAN Activation" in UMANG App
- Enter Existing Details - Input your UAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number
- Provide Consent - Agree to the verification terms
- OTP Verification - Verify through OTP sent to your mobile
- Face Authentication - Complete the face scan process
- Receive Credentials - Get temporary password via SMS to access your account
Don't have your UAN handy? See our guide on how to find your UAN using three different methods before starting activation.
Generating a New UAN vs. Activating an Existing One
| Generate New UAN | Activate Existing UAN |
|---|
| Who it's for | First-time employees with no UAN yet | Employees who already have a UAN but never activated it |
| What you need | Aadhaar number, linked mobile number | UAN, Aadhaar number, linked mobile number |
| UMANG path | EPFO Services → UAN Allotment and Activation | EPFO Services → UAN Activation |
| End result | New UAN generated and activated instantly | Existing UAN activated, temporary password sent via SMS |
Who's Exempted From Self-Generation
Employers can still generate UANs directly for:
- International workers
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan
Everyone else joining after August 1, 2025 goes through self-generation.
Benefits of the New EPFO UAN Self-Generation System
For Employees
1. Complete Independence
- No dependency on employers for UAN generation
- Generate UAN anytime, anywhere using just your smartphone-
- Start EPF contributions immediately after joining
2. Enhanced Security
- Biometric face authentication ensures only rightful owners get UAN
- Eliminates identity fraud and duplicate UAN creation
- Secure digital process with multiple verification layers
3. Instant Processing
- UAN generated and activated within minutes
- No waiting for employer approval or processing
- Immediate access to EPF services
4. Paperless Process
- Zero documentation required
- Environmentally friendly digital approach
- No physical visits to EPFO offices
5. 24/7 Availability
- Generate UAN at your convenience
- No office hours restrictions
- Process available round the clock
For Employers
1. Reduced Administrative Burden
- No need to generate UAN for new employees
- Less paperwork and processing time
- Focus on core business activities
2. Faster Employee Onboarding
- New employees can generate UAN before joining
- Immediate EPF enrollment possible
- Streamlined HR processes
3. Error Reduction
- Eliminates manual data entry errors
- Automatic validation through Aadhaar
- Improved data accuracy
For the EPFO System
1. Enhanced Transparency
- Direct employee-EPFO interaction
- Reduced intermediary involvement
- Better service delivery
2. Improved Efficiency
- Automated processing reduces manual workload
- Faster service delivery
- Better resource utilization
3. Digital India Initiative
- Supports government's digital transformation goals
- Promotes cashless, paperless transactions
- Modern, tech-enabled service delivery
Important Points to Remember
Eligibility and Exceptions
- The new system is mandatory for all freshers joining after August 1, 2025
- Employers can still generate UANs for International Workers
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can have UANs generated by employers
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar
- Use good lighting during face authentication
- Keep your Aadhaar details updated
- If your Aadhaar and EPFO records don't match (name, date of birth, etc.), correct these first, since authentication will keep failing until they match. See our guide on updating your EPF KYC.
- Contact UMANG helpdesk for technical issues
- Reach out to EPFO customer support for process-related queries
Security Considerations
- Never share your UAN credentials with anyone
- Use official UMANG app only
- Verify app authenticity before downloading
- Keep your UAN card safe and secure
Note: This guide was written before EPFO's June-July 2026 portal migration. The UMANG steps above remain accurate, but if you notice a different screen layout, check our EPFO 3.0 portal update for what's changed.
Future of EPF Services
This digital transformation represents EPFO's commitment to providing citizen-centric services. The organization continues to leverage technology to make EPF services more accessible, secure, and efficient. Future developments may include:
- Enhanced mobile app features
- AI-powered customer service
- More self-service options
- Integration with other government services
Conclusion
The new EPFO UAN self-generation process marks a significant milestone in India's digital governance journey. By empowering employees to generate their UAN independently, EPFO has eliminated traditional barriers and created a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly system.
This transformation benefits all stakeholders - employees enjoy instant, secure UAN generation; employers experience reduced administrative burden; and EPFO achieves better service delivery. The face authentication technology ensures maximum security while the digital process promotes transparency and efficiency.
For freshers entering the workforce after August 1, 2025, this new system offers an excellent opportunity to take control of their EPF journey right from day one. The process is simple, secure, and available 24/7, making it convenient for everyone.
Ready to generate your UAN? Download the UMANG app today. Once your UAN is active, check your PF withdrawal eligibility or reset your UAN password if you already have an account.
Stuck generating your UAN, or getting a face authentication failure you can't resolve?Talk to a FinRight PF expert for free, step-by-step help. FinRight is a private EPF assistance platform and is not affiliated with EPFO or the Government of India.