Launched in 2015, Udyog Aadhaar used to be the single platform for all MSMEs in India to register their businesses for a 12-digit UAM number (Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum) that would recognise their business as a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise. However, since 2020, the Udyog Aadhaar platform got replaced with the Udyam portal and today all MSME businesses need to register on Udyam. So, what happens to MSMEs already registered on Udyog Aadhaar? How does one verify Udyog number? We answer questions on Udyam Aadhaar, with focus on Udyog Aadhaar verification, how to download UAM certificate, and how to migrate or re-register on Udyam portal. Let’s start.

For details, visit the official Udyam portal website: //udyamregistration.gov.in/Government-India/Ministry-MSME-registration.htm

What is Udyog Aadhaar?

Udyog Aadhaar used to be an identification system for MSMEs and small businesses in India. A 12-digit unique identifier number was provided by the Ministry of MSME to all businesses that filled in the single page Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum and registered on the portal. A UAM certificate was provided, which recognised the business entity as a MSME and enabled it to access specific benefits, subsidies and exemptions designed for MSME growth.

Today, the Udyog Aadhaar portal has been migrated to the Udyam portal. Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum validity had been till 30 June 2022 post which all businesses have been encouraged to re-register themselves on Udyam Aadhaar to continue reaping the benefits of MSME registration.

Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum meaning:

Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum meaning refers to the single one-page registration form on the Udyog Aadhaar portal. This is an online form, requires minimum documentation, and is based on self-declaration.

Details like business name, banking details, Aadhaar card details have to be provided. EM-I or EM-II (Entrepreneurship Memorandum) businesses or those with SSI registration certificates (small scale industry) are exempted.

Also read: NIC code list for MSME registration – Manufacturing, Services, and Traders

What is Udyog Aadhar verification?

Once you register your business on the Udyam portal, you will need to verify you Udyam Registration Number (URN) for authenticity. This can be done online in a few minutes by visiting the Udyam portal and clicking on the ‘Verify Udyam Registration Number’ link.

Similarly, for businesses that had previously filled in the single page Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum form and registered on the Udyog Aadhaar portal, they will have to re-register or migrate to the Udyam portal and complete the Udyog Aadhaar verification process. Post which they can get the Udyog Aadhaar print of the UAM certificate.

How can I verify my Udyog number?

Let’s take a look at how to do Udyog Aadhaar verification online using the Udyam portal.

• Visit the official Udyam portal
• Hover over the ‘Print/Verify’ option in the main menu
• Select ‘Verify Udyog Aadhaar’ from the drop down list: //udyamregistration.gov.in/UA/UA_VerifyUAM.aspx
• Navigate to the new page for ‘Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum – Online Verification’
• Enter the details requested – 12 digit UAM number and Captcha verification code
• Click on ‘Verify’
• Check the acknowledgement for completing the Udyog Aadhaar verification process online

Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum validity:

UAM number validity had been extended to 30 June 2022. Post this, all MSMEs are encouraged to re-register and migrate to Udyam Aadhaar portal (Udyam). However, the certificate itself does not expire unless the business stops to exist or there in change in ownership since its Aadhaar based (e.g., in the course of the owner’s demise).

How to download UAM certificate?

Once you have verified your Udyog Aadhaar profile, you can download the UAM certificate on the Udyam portal. Follow the steps below for Udyog Aadhaar print or download:

• Visit the official Udyam registration portal page
• Under ‘Print/Verify’ option in the main menu, select ‘Print UAM Certificate’
• Navigate to the new page for ‘Print Udyog Aadhaar Registration Certificate’
• Enter the required details – UAM Number and Mobile number as per Udyog Aadhaar
• Click on ‘Submit’ to view/print your Udyog Aadhaar certificate

Who issues Udyog Aadhaar certificate?

The UAM portal is under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. The Udyog Aadhaar certificate therefore was issued by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, GOI.

However, since 2022 the validity of UAM has ceased and now all businesses are encouraged for Udyam registration.

Why is Udyog Aadhaar required?

A question at this point can be – Why is Udyog Aadhaar required? Or, why should a business register themselves as an MSME?

Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum was launched with the goal to enable MSMEs access finance/credit options and other benefits easily by acknowledging their business entity as a micro, small or medium enterprise. It’s a simple, one -page, self-declaration based, online registration process that requires minimum documentation. Businesses can register with their Aadhaar card number (owner), and leverage benefits such as MSME subsidy schemes, credit facility, exemptions and more.

Who is eligible for Udyog Aadhaar?

All MSMEs across manufacturing and services sector businesses meeting the meaning of MSME as per the MSMED Act 2006 were eligible for Udyog Aadhaar registration. Additionally:

• Business type can be sole proprietorship, partnership, Hindu Undivided Family, or a private limited company
• Annual turnover and investment in plant and machinery must be aligned to the MSME classification thresholds
• Business should operate in a sector or be involved in an activity that is allowed under the list of MSME businesses
• Valid Aadhaar number of the business owner must be available

Is Udyog Aadhaar free of cost?

Registration on Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum is free of cost and you will have to pay no fees or charges for registering your business online. You will however need your Aadhaar number to register and print your UAM certificate upon Udyog Aadhaar verification.

Note: Udyam Aadhaar registration fee is also free of cost and any MSME can register on the Udyam portal at zero charge. Definition of MSME today includes – Manufacturing sector, Services sector, Retail and Wholesale traders (only for priority lending as per RBI guidelines)

How can I get my 12 digit UAM number?

Your Udyog Aadhaar certificate will come with the 12-digit UAM number. However, if you have forgotten the number or misplaced your certificate, you can visit the Udyam portal to fetch the details. Follow these steps:

• Visit the Udyam portal official website
• Under ‘Print/Verify’ option, select ‘Forgot Udyam/UAM No.’
• Enter relevant details in the new page opened – Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (Registration Option); Mobile/Email (OTP option filled in application); Mobile/Email (as per selection)
• Click ‘Validate & Generate OTP’
• Enter OTP and validate
• View 12-digital UAM number upon successfully completing OTP validation

Udyog Aadhaar number format:

The Udyog Aadhaar number format is a 12 digit unique identifying number for every business registered on Udyog Aadhaar. This number is specific to businesses using which relevant business information (e.g., name, date of incorporate, office address, etc.) can be fetched.

How to find old UAM number?

Your old UAM number can be found in the same way as ‘Forgot Udyam/UAM No.’ on the Udyam portal. You will have to visit the ‘Forgot Udyam/UAM No.’ section on Udyam registration portal and fill in the details (email or mobile), validate the details and view the old UAM number once you verify the details with OTP.

What is Udyam Aadhaar?

MSME registration on the Udyam portal is also popularly known as Udyam Aadhaar.

The Udyam registration portal is the one stop for all MSMEs in India to register their business to be classified and recognised as a micro, small or medium scale enterprise, based on their annual turnover and investment in plant and machinery/equipment.

This is a shift from the previously used Udyog Aadhaar registration and is a completely online, paperless process of registration, based on self-declaration. The Udyam portal further is integrated with other government portals including Income Tax and GST, and all relevant business and turnover related details can be fetched directly from the portal. The process is simple, efficient, and quick making it beneficial for MSMEs to register themselves for Udyam Aadhaar.

What is UAM and UDYAM?

Let us now take a look at Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum vs Udyam registration. We understand by now that Udyog Aadhaar registration was replaced by Udyam MSME registration process. While the goal of both the portals has been to uplift the MSME sector, Udyam was designed as an upgrade from Udyog Aadhaar.

In this section, let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between UAM and Udyam portals.

Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum vs Udyam registration

Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) is the old process of MSME registration. The Government of India introduced Udyam registration in July 2020, to make it easier for MSMEs to register with the government portal. (Also read: Is MSME and Udyam registration the same?)

“Those who have EM-II or UAM registration or any other registration issued by any authority under the Ministry of MSME, will have to re-register themselves,” according to the Udyam registration portal. This means that if you currently hold an Udyog Aadhaar registration you must visit the Udyam registration portal and register your company again.

Here are the main differences between Udyam registration and Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum:

Registration number

“No enterprise shall file more than one Udyam Registration. However, any number of activities including manufacturing or service, or both may be specified and added in one registration,” states the Udyam registration portal.

This means that Udyam registration can be applied for only by a single person with a single Aadhaar card. She/he can add multiple business activities in the same registration form. However, under the UAM facility, a single person could register for Udyog Aadhaar several times under different corporate names.

Registration form

The Udyam registration portal asks businesses to fill in a longer application form requiring details of income tax and GST. Udyog Aadhaar on the other hand features a one-page form.

Documents requirement

Udyog Aadhaar application only requires the applicant’s Aadhaar card and PAN number, and it provides instant self-certification as per old MSME criteria. In contrast, Udyam Registration only requires the applicant’s Aadhaar card and provides verified certification per new MSME criteria.

Also read: MSME eligibility for Udyam registration

Integration with government portals

Udyam registration is fully integrated with online MSME platforms like Income Tax and GSTIN systems. While Udyog Aadhaar has no integration with government portals.

Udyog Aadhaar verification will be soon irrelevant as it expired on June 30, 2022. If you have a UAM number, you should re-register yourselves under Udyam registration.

Visit the homepage of Udyam registration portal. You will be able to find an option “For those already having registration as UAM” indicated right below the title labelled “MSME/Udyam Registration Process” indicated on the homepage.

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Author: Priyanka Babu

Priyanka is a seasoned content marketing professional with more than 6 years of experience crafting various forms of business and technology sector content. Her insightful writing tackles critical issues faced by small-scale manufacturing businesses. Priyanka’s clear and concise communication empowers businesses to make informed decisions and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.