Fix Face Authentication Error 904 for Scholarships

Overview of Face Authentication in Scholarship Portals

In the digital-first era of 2026, the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has transitioned to mandatory Face Authentication for student identity verification. This move, while increasing security and reducing fraud, has introduced technical hurdles for many applicants. One of the most common hurdles is the dreaded Error 904. If you are a student trying to complete your application but are stuck at the biometric verification stage, this guide is specifically designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve these issues using the mAadhaar app and the official UIDAI AadhaarFACERD utility.

Understanding Error 904 and Biometric Locks

Error 904 typically occurs when the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) server receives a request for biometric authentication, but the user's biometric data is 'Locked' for security reasons. Many students enable biometric locking in the mAadhaar app or via the UIDAI website to prevent unauthorized access to their identity, forgetting that this also prevents legitimate scholarship portals from verifying their face.

When this lock is active, the NSP interface will fail to capture your facial data, leading to a session timeout or the specific Error 904 code. Additionally, issues may arise if the Aadhaar FACERD (Face Read Design) application is not configured correctly on your smartphone.

Step 1: Unlocking Biometrics via mAadhaar App

Before attempting your scholarship application, you must ensure your Aadhaar biometrics are unlocked. Follow these steps:

• Download and log into the mAadhaar app on your registered mobile device.
• Look for the 'My Aadhaar' section and enter your 4-digit PIN.
• Check the 'Biometric Lock' status. If the icon shows a closed red lock, your biometrics are currently disabled.
• Tap on 'Biometric Settings' and toggle the lock to 'Unlock'.
• Note: You can choose to 'Temporarily Unlock' for 10 minutes, which is usually enough time to finish your NSP face scan.

Step 2: Installing and Configuring Aadhaar FACERD

The National Scholarship Portal does not have a built-in camera engine; it relies on the Aadhaar FACERD App developed by UIDAI. This is a background service application.

• Go to the Google Play Store and search for 'AadhaarFaceRd'.
• Ensure the developer is 'Unique Identification Authority of India'. Install the app.
• Important: You will not find an 'Open' button for this app. It runs as a service in the background when triggered by the NSP mobile app or browser.
• Go to your phone's 'Settings' > 'Apps' > 'AadhaarFaceRd' > 'Permissions' and ensure 'Camera' access is allowed.

Step 3: Troubleshooting Technical Failures During Scan

If your biometrics are unlocked but you still face issues, consider these technical factors:

• Lighting: Ensure you are in a well-lit room with light falling on your face, not behind you.
• Background: Use a plain, white, or light-colored background for the best results.
• Stability: Keep your phone at eye level. The FACERD app requires you to blink during the process to ensure 'liveness'.
• App Cache: If the error persists, clear the cache of both the NSP app and the AadhaarFaceRd service in your phone settings.

Step 4: Verifying Success on the National Scholarship Portal

Once you have unlocked your biometrics and installed the RD service, return to the National Scholarship Portal. Log in with your application ID and password. Select the 'Perform Face Authentication' option. The system should now successfully trigger the camera, verify your features against the UIDAI database, and clear the Error 904 message. Successful authentication is usually confirmed with a green checkmark and a redirect to your scholarship dashboard.

Conclusion

Technical errors like Error 904 can be frustrating, especially when deadlines are approaching. However, by managing your Biometric Unlock status via mAadhaar and ensuring the Aadhaar FACERD app is properly installed, you can resolve most authentication failures in minutes. Always remember to re-lock your biometrics after your application is complete to maintain your digital security. Stay updated with YojanaRadar for more tips on navigating Indian government digital services.