Ayushman Bharat — Government of India’s flagship healthcare program — includes the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and often issue what people call an “Ayushman Card” (also known as the Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Card). This card helps citizens avail cashless healthcare services at empaneled hospitals across India.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ What Ayushman Card is
✔ Eligibility criteria
✔ How to check eligibility
✔ Step-by-step online application
✔ Step-by-step offline application
✔ Documents required
✔ How to download / print PDF card
✔ Common FAQs
✔ Official links
📌 What Is the “Ayushman Card”?
The Ayushman Card refers to the PMJAY beneficiary card issued to households eligible under Ayushman Bharat. It contains:
- Head of Household name
- Members covered
- Family ID or Ration Card number
- Beneficiary ID
- QR code for verification
- Validity details
This card is used for:
📍 Cashless treatment in empaneled hospitals
📍 Availing benefits up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
📍 Policy identification and verification
📋 Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY |
| Covers | Hospitalization & Care expenses |
| Card | Ayushman Card / PMJAY Card |
| Coverage | ₹5,00,000 per family per year |
| Govt | Central Government, implemented by State agencies |
| Format | Physical card / Digital download |
| Apply | Online / Offline |
🧾 Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Card?
📌 Basic Eligibility
To become eligible for PMJAY / Ayushman Card, you must meet criteria based on:
✔ Socio-economic caste census (SECC) data
✔ BPL category
✔ Vulnerable groups
✔ No adult earning member
✔ Homeless category
✔ Manual scavenger households
✔ Primitive tribal groups
Each state also has specific lists.
📌 How Eligibility Is Determined
Eligibility is not based on income directly — it’s based on pre-defined poverty parameters from SECC data and state integration.
If your family falls under the priority list, they are eligible.
🔍 Step-by-Step: How to Check Eligibility Online
Before applying, first confirm if you are eligible.
✔ Option 1: Check by Mobile Number/Name
- Visit the National PMJAY Portal
👉 https://pmjay.gov.in - Go to “Am I Eligible?”
- Enter:
- Mobile number
- State
- Name
- Captcha
- Click Submit
- Check result on screen
If eligible, proceed to registration.
📍 Official Link: https://pmjay.gov.in
✔ Option 2: Check by Ration Card
Many states allow eligibility checks through ration card numbers:
- Go to your State’s Ayushman Portal
e.g., Maharashtra: https://maayushmanbharta.org - Select “Check Eligibility”
- Enter Ration Card number
- Get status immediately
Note: Official links vary by state (listed later).
🧑💻 How to Make Ayushman Card Online
The online application is quick and safe. You must have:
📌 Aadhar card
📌 Mobile number linked to Aadhar
Follow the steps below:
🪪 Step 1: Visit the PMJAY Official Website
🔗 https://pmjay.gov.in — National Ayushman Bharat portal
At the homepage, you’ll see options like:
➡ Am I Eligible?
➡ Register / Download Card
➡ Empaneled Hospital List
➡ Grievance / Contact
Click on “Am I Eligible?” first if you haven’t checked yet.
📝 Step 2: Click on “Register / Download Card”
After eligibility confirmation:
- Go to Beneficiary Registration
- Choose your State / Union Territory
- Enter your Aadhar number
- Verify via OTP (sent to your Aadhar-linked mobile)
This links your identity to the scheme.
📷 Step 3: Upload Required Documents
You may need to upload:
✔ Photo (passport size)
✔ Aadhar Card
✔ Ration Card (if available)
✔ Income certificates (if asked)
Make sure the documents are clear.
🪪 Step 4: Family Member Details
After login:
- Add family members eligible under the SECC data
- Enter their names, Aadhar, relation
- Verify with OTP for each
This builds the family list for the Ayushman Card.
💾 Step 5: Review & Submit
Before submission:
- Cross-check all names
- Verify spelling & dates
- Confirm contact information
Then click Submit.
Once submitted, your application will be processed. You can track status online.
📥 How to Download Ayushman Card PDF
Once your application is approved:
- Log in to your PMJAY account
- Click “Download Ayushman Card/PDF”
- Save it on your phone or computer
- Print it (optional)
This PDF becomes your Ayushman Card for hospital verification.
🏥 How to Use the Ayushman Card
With the card, you can access cashless treatment at any empaneled hospital.
Steps at Hospital:
✔ Present Ayushman Card
✔ Provide Aadhar / Aadhar linked mobile number
✔ Hospital verifies your details
✔ Treatment starts
✔ Bills are settled directly under PMJAY
Empaneled hospitals are listed on the portal.
🏢 Apply for Ayushman Card Offline (Step-by-Step)
If you don’t have internet access or prefer offline help, follow this process:
📍 Step 1: Visit Block / PHC / CSC Center
Go to your nearest:
✔ Common Service Center (CSC)
✔ Primary Health Centre (PHC)
✔ District Ayushman Bharat office
These centers help with registration.
🪪 Step 2: Bring Your Documents
Carry:
📌 Aadhar card
📌 Ration card
📌 Address proof
📌 Mobile number
📌 Passport size photo
🧑💼 Step 3: Fill Offline Form
At the help desk:
- Ask for Ayushman Bharat Application Form
- Fill your details
- Provide family member information
- Attach photocopies of documents
The center will submit it on your behalf.
🔖 Step 4: Get Application Acknowledgment
Once filled:
✔ You’ll receive a receipt
✔ It will have a reference number
✔ Use it to track status
📅 Step 5: Visit Again for Card
After approval, visit again to:
✔ Get your physical Ayushman Card
✔ Ask for assistance in printing
✔ Clarify doubts with officials
📄 Document Checklist
✔ Aadhar Card (mandatory)
✔ Aadhar-linked mobile number
✔ Ration card / SECC details
✔ Passport size photograph
✔ Address proof
✔ Income proof (if applicable)
Keeping all documents ready speeds up the process and avoids rejection.
📊 PMJAY Coverage Overview (What It Covers)
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year |
| Family Size | Up to 5 members or SECC data |
| Cashless | Yes, at empaneled hospitals |
| Pre & Post Hospital Care | Included |
| No Cap on Family Size | Specified by policy |
🏥 List of Empaneled Hospitals
Once you have your Ayushman Card, you can visit participating hospitals for cashless treatment.
To check the list:
👉 https://pmjay.gov.in/beneficiary/hospital/find
Use filters like:
- State
- City
- Specialty (e.g., Cardiology)
This helps you find the nearest empaneled hospital.
🔗 Official Links You Must Know
✔ National & Central Links
| Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|
| PMJAY – Official Portal | https://pmjay.gov.in |
| Check Eligibility | https://pmjay.gov.in/beneficiary/eligibility |
| Hospital Search | https://pmjay.gov.in/beneficiary/hospital/find |
| Contact & Grievance | https://pmjay.gov.in/contact |
| Scheme Details | https://pmjay.gov.in/about/pmjay |
✔ State-Specific Portals
| State | Portal / Contact |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | https://maayushmanbharta.org |
| Delhi | https://delhi.gov.in |
| Gujarat | https://gujaratindia.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | https://up.gov.in |
(Visit the national site and click “State Portals” for up-to-date links.)
📌 Common Problems & Solutions
❌ Problem: “I am eligible but card not generated”
Solution:
✔ Check if mobile number is Aadhar linked
✔ Visit nearest CSC or Ayushman office
❌ Problem: “Application pending for long”
Solution:
✔ Track with reference number online
✔ Visit local health office for status
❌ Problem: “Hospital does not recognize card”
Solution:
✔ Confirm hospital is empaneled
✔ Use hospital search tool
✔ Contact PMJAY helpline
📞 Need Help? Use Official Support
📍 PMJAY Helpline (Toll Free):
14555 / 1800-111-565 / 1800-891-7777
📧 Email support is available from the official site contact us page.
💡 Tips for Successful Application
✔ Use Aadhar-linked mobile number
✔ Keep photocopies of all documents
✔ Visit CSC if you cannot apply online
✔ Save your reference number
✔ Download card PDF once approved
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can 8th pass people apply for Ayushman Card?
Yes. Educational qualification does not matter. Eligibility is based on SECC / socio-economic criteria.
Q2. Is Ayushman Card free?
Yes. No charges apply.
Q3. Is cashless treatment available at any hospital?
Cashless treatment is only at empaneled hospitals.
Q4. How long is card valid?
Validity varies by state, but generally it is valid for years unless you move states or update details.
Q5. Can I add family members later?
Yes, through the state nodal officer or CSC.
🏁 Conclusion
The Ayushman Card is a revolutionary step toward universal healthcare security in India. Whether you choose to apply online through the official portal or offline via CSC/Health Office, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
With the official site, clear eligibility checks, supportive mobile apps, and downloadable PDF cards, every Indian household that qualifies can easily obtain and use the Ayushman Card for cashless treatment and medical support.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Rules, links, and procedures may change based on government notifications. Always use the official Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) portal for the latest and accurate information.