XtraTrust Introduces Flexible Online Aadhaar‑Based DSC Options

XtraTrust Introduces Flexible Online Aadhaar‑Based DSC Options.

In an era where identity verification becomes ever more critical and digital signatures are used in more and more processes, the need for secure, accessible, and robust authentication methods is undeniable. XtraTrust has responded to this need with a new offering — the Online Aadhaar Based Option, available in three variants: Aadhaar with OTP, Aadhaar with Biometric (Fingerprint), and Aadhaar with IRIS. In this blog post, we explore what these are, how they differ, their benefits, potential limitations, and which variant might suit which kind of user or use‑case.

What is XtraTrust’s Online Aadhaar Based dsc Option?

XtraTrust, an authorized Certifying Authority for Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) in India, has enabled Aadhaar‑based eKYC or authentication for issuing Paperless DSCs. The Aadhaar‑based option allows for identity authentication via UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) infrastructure, avoiding the need for more paper or offline processes.

While existing Offline Aadhaar‑based DSC issuance often uses XML files to be downloaded and PAN Based DSC needs documents to be uploaded, XtraTrust’s new variant OTP or biometric via fingerprints, IRIS‑based authentication as well, giving users an additional method especially useful in certain circumstances where fingerprints may not be usable or comfortable.

The Three Variants Compared

Here’s a detailed comparison of the three variants: OTP, Fingerprint Biometric, and IRIS.

Variant	What it is / How it works	Pros	Ideal Use Cases
Aadhaar + OTP	The user’s Aadhaar number is used, UIDAI sends a one‑time password (OTP) to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar, user enters OTP to authenticate.	• Very fast and convenient. • No special device needed beyond mobile phone. • Usable even when biometric devices are unavailable or failing. • Lower cost / fewer technical requirements.	Good for users who have stable mobile connectivity and registered Aadhaar mobile, want quick verification without hardware moves. Best for low‑risk transactions.
Aadhaar + Biometric (Fingerprint)	UIDAI authentication via fingerprint sensor — user provides fingerprint scan which is matched with the fingerprint in Aadhaar’s database.	• More secure than OTP (fingerprint is harder to fake than OTP). • Widely used mode; many devices support fingerprint. • Doesn’t require mobile OTP or phone availability.	Best for moderately high security needs, in person or remote scenarios where device can be supplied, or where OTP is unreliable. Helps reduce fraud.
Aadhaar + IRIS	Aadhaar authentication via scanning the iris; uses eye‑pattern recognition through a certified iris scanner, matched in real time with UIDAI’s iris database.	• Very high reliability — iris patterns are considered very stable, unique, even when fingerprints are poor. • Contactless: better hygiene, no physical contact needed. • Good alternative where fingerprint devices fail. • Safer in some environmental conditions.	Excellent for high security uses, for elderly or others whose fingerprints are not usable, for contactless settings (healthcare, etc.), or where utmost identity assurance is needed.

Why This Matters

• Flexibility for Users: Not everyone’s fingerprint is usable; devices may not always be available; mobile networks may be faulty. Having multiple options (OTP, fingerprint, iris) means broader inclusion.

• Improved Security: Each step up (from OTP → fingerprint → iris) adds layers of assurance. For high‑sensitivity signatures, IRIS provides higher trust.

• Compliance & Legality: UIDAI’s authentication ecosystem supports multiple modes: OTP, biometric, iris, etc. XtraTrust, being a CCA (Controller of Certifying Authorities) partner, needs to align with IT Act, UIDAI regulations, etc.

• User Experience / Accessibility: In remote or rural areas, biometric devices may be hard to get or maintain; mobile OTP may be unreliable. These options help adapt to local constraints.

Which Variant Should You Choose?

Here are suggestions for which variant might fit your needs, depending on your situation:

• You want speed, low friction, minimal setup → Go for OTP‑based Aadhaar authentication.

• You need more security, have access to fingerprint devices, and want lower chance of false acceptances → Use Fingerprint Biometric.

• You want highest level of assurance, or fingerprints are unusable (elderly, worn fingerprints, jobs that damage fingers), or require contactless hygiene → Lean toward IRIS‑based authentication.

How XtraTrust’s Process Incorporates These

From what is publicly known:

• Individuals applying for DSC via XtraTrust can choose Aadhaar or PAN path. The Aadhaar path involves eKYC, followed by eSign authentication, payment, and video recording.

• When choosing Aadhaar, users will be asked how they want to authenticate — whether by OTP, fingerprint biometric or iris (if supported). The system verifies accordingly before issuing the DSC.

• For biometric and iris modes, registered and certified devices must be used, per UIDAI guidelines.

Conclusion

XtraTrust’s launch of the Online Aadhaar Based Option in three variants — OTP, Fingerprint Biometric, and IRIS — is a welcome evolution in digital signature verification. It gives users more choice, better security options, and more resilience in varying scenarios. While each method has its trade‑offs, having them all under one umbrella enhances inclusion and trust.