Complete Guide to Ayushman Card (PMJAY): Eligibility & Application

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world's largest government-funded healthcare program. It provides cashless secondary and tertiary healthcare coverage to millions of eligible Indian families. Once you have an Ayushman Card, you can get free medical treatment in any empaneled government or private hospital across India.

Scheme Benefits & Official Fees

The Ayushman Card generation process is highly subsidized by the government to ensure every eligible citizen receives their card easily.

Who is Eligible for an Ayushman Card?

Eligibility for PMJAY is primarily based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database. However, the government has recently expanded the scheme to include:

• Families listed in the SECC 2011 database.
• All Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority Ration Card holders.
• ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers.
• Construction workers registered under the BOCW board.
• Certain state-specific expansions (e.g., families with smart ration cards or specific income criteria).

How to Check Your Eligibility & Apply Online

The National Health Authority (NHA) has launched a new beneficiary portal that allows citizens to self-verify their eligibility and complete their e-KYC.

Step-by-Step e-KYC & Registration Process:

1. Visit the official PMJAY Beneficiary Portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in or download the Ayushman App.
2. Select "Beneficiary" login, enter your active mobile number, and log in using the OTP.
3. Search for your family details by selecting your State, Scheme (PMJAY), District, and Search By (Aadhaar Number, Family ID / Ration Card, or Name).
4. If your name appears in the search results, click on the Action (e-KYC) icon next to your name.
5. Verify your identity using Aadhaar OTP, Fingerprint, or Face Authentication.
6. Capture a live photo using your phone or web camera, and match your details with Aadhaar.
7. Submit the application. Once the matching score is above 80%, your card is usually auto-approved instantly.

How to Download Your Ayushman Card

Once your e-KYC is approved, the status will change to "Approved", and the "Download" button will appear in green.

Download Steps:

• Click on the Download icon next to your approved name.
• Select the family members whose cards you wish to download.
• Authenticate one more time using Aadhaar OTP.
• The Ayushman Card will be downloaded as a high-quality PDF.
• You can save this PDF on your phone or take it to a Digital Sewa Kendra to get it printed as a durable PVC smart card for just ₹30.