To apply for an Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) Card online, visit the official PMJAY beneficiary portal, log in using your mobile number and OTP, search for your name with your Aadhaar number or Family ID, complete the Aadhaar e-KYC process, and download your card for free. The scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh of cashless treatment per family every year at empanelled hospitals.

How to Apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card Online (Step by Step)

The easiest way to get your Ayushman card is online through the official PMJAY beneficiary portal. You don’t need to visit any office. Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official portal beneficiary.nha.gov.in
2. Select the “Beneficiary” login option and enter your mobile number.
3. Type the captcha and click to get the OTP.
4. Enter the OTP to log in.
5. Select your State, Scheme (PMJAY), and District.
6. Set “Search By” to Aadhaar Number, Family ID, or Ration Card and search for your name.
7. If your name appears, click the “e-KYC” (Action) button next to it.
8. Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar OTP, fingerprint, or face authentication.
9. Capture your photo if asked, fill in any remaining details, and submit.
10. Once your status shows “Approved/Verified,” click the download icon to get your Ayushman card PDF.

That’s it your digital card is ready to use at any empanelled hospital. Save the PDF on your phone or print it as a backup.

Note: If your name does not appear in the search, try a different option (Aadhaar, Ration Card, or Name). If it still shows “Member Not Found,” your name may not be in the SECC list , visit a CSC or call 14555 for help.

How to Apply for the Ayushman Card by Mobile Number

You can download your card easily with just your mobile number. Here’s how:

1. Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in  and choose “Beneficiary” login.
2. Enter your mobile number and captcha, then verify with OTP.
3. Select your state, scheme, and district, and search your record.
4. Complete Aadhaar e-KYC when prompted.
5. Once approved, click “Download Card.”

Your mobile number is used for login and OTP, while your Aadhaar is used for the actual e-KYC verification. So keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active and with you.

How to Apply Through the Ayushman App

You can also apply from your phone using the official Ayushman App:

1. Install the Ayushman App from the Google Play Store.
2. Open it, tap “Login,” choose “Beneficiary,” and enter your mobile number and captcha.
3. Enter the OTP to log in.
4. Select your state and district, then search by Aadhaar or Family ID.
5. Complete e-KYC (Aadhaar OTP or face authentication).
6. Tap “Download Card“ next to your name.

The app is very useful because you can also check eligibility, add family members, see your remaining balance, and download your card  all in one place.

How to Apply for the Ayushman Card Offline (CSC)

If you are not comfortable applying online, you can use a Common Service Centre (CSC):

1. Visit your nearest CSC or an empanelled hospital.
2. Carry your Aadhaar card, ration card, and a working mobile number.
3. The operator (Ayushman Mitra) will verify your details and complete e-KYC.
4. Submit your documents for registration.
5. After verification, your card is processed and you can collect or download it.

CSCs and hospitals are a good choice for first-time users and senior citizens who need help with the process.

Who Is Eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Card?

Eligibility for the regular Ayushman card is based mainly on the SECC 2011 (Socio-Economic Caste Census) data and a valid ration card (NFSA). If your family is on this list, you qualify. The simplest way to confirm is to search your name on the beneficiary portal.

Eligible Rural Households

Rural families usually qualify if they fall into categories such as:

• Families living in kutcha houses with only one room.
• Households with no adult member aged 16 to 59.
• SC/ST households.
• Families with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult.
• Landless families who depend on manual labour for income.

Eligible Urban Workers

• Ragpickers
• Domestic workers
• Street vendors
• Construction workers, including:
  • Masons
  • Plumbers
  • Painters
  • Labourers
• Sweepers and sanitation workers
• Home-based workers
• Artisans and craftsmen
• Transport workers, including:
  • Drivers
  • Conductors
  • Rickshaw pullers
• Shop workers
• Delivery staff
• Electricians
• Mechanics
• Washermen
• Chowkidars (security guards)

Note: People working in these categories in urban areas may be eligible for Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) benefits, subject to the scheme’s eligibility criteria.

Senior Citizens Aged 70+ (Vay Vandana Card)

Under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana (launched in late 2024 and fully active in 2026), every Indian citizen aged 70 and above is eligible regardless of income.

Key points:

• No income limit: Even if the senior is from a well-off family, they qualify just by being 70 or older.
• Separate ₹5 lakh cover: Seniors get an additional ₹5 lakh per year for themselves, which does not reduce the family’s existing PMJAY limit.
• Works with other schemes: Seniors using ECHS, CGHS, or CAPF, or even those with private insurance/ESI, can still avail this benefit.
• Quick card: The Vay Vandana card is usually ready within about 15 minutes after e-KYC.

Over 1 crore-plus Vay Vandana cards have already been issued. This update has brought crores of senior citizens into free healthcare coverage for the first time.

How to Apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card (70+)

If you or a family member is 70 or above, here is how to apply:

1. Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in  and click “Am I Eligible” or the “AB PMJAY Vay Vandana” option.
2. Enter your mobile number, captcha, and OTP to log in.
3. Click “Enroll” and enter your Aadhaar number.
4. Choose fresh enrollment for senior citizens (70+).
5. Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar OTP (or fingerprint/face) and give consent.
6. Capture your photo and fill in your details.
7. Submit the form.
8. Log in again, search your name, and download your Vay Vandana card.

For help with the senior citizen scheme, you can give a missed call to 1800-110-770.

Documents Required to Apply for the Ayushman Card

The process needs only a few documents, since most verification is done online with Aadhaar:

• Aadhaar card — for identity and e-KYC (the most important document).
• Ration card / Family ID — to find your family in the beneficiary list.
• Aadhaar-linked mobile number — to receive the OTP.
• A recent photo — captured during the application.
• Contact details — mobile number and address.

For the 70+ Vay Vandana card, you mainly need your Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked mobile number, since eligibility is based only on age.

How to Check Your Name in the Ayushman Beneficiary List

Before applying, check if your name is on the beneficiary list by following these steps:

1. Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in 
2. Log in with your mobile number and OTP.
3. Select your state and scheme, then search by Aadhaar, Ration Card, or Family ID.
4. If your name appears, you are eligible and can proceed to e-KYC and download.
5. If it shows “Member Not Found,” your name may not be in the SECC list or your ration card may not be linked.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme has already generated over 43 crore cards nationwide and now covers all states and Union Territories. If you cannot find your name in the beneficiary list, reach out to your local Gram Panchayat, Food Department, or Common Service Centre (CSC) for help.

What Does the Ayushman Card Cover?

The Ayushman Card provides up to ₹5 lakh in cashless healthcare coverage per family every year. It can be used for various medical treatments and services, including: :

• Hospital admission, surgery, and treatment across many specialities (heart, cancer, brain, and more).
• Medicines, diagnostic tests, and lab investigations (MRI, X-ray, CT scan, etc.).
• ICU and non-ICU care, room/bed charges, doctor and surgeon fees.
• Pre-hospitalisation expenses (up to about 3 days) and post-hospitalisation care (up to about 15 days).
• Implants, food for the patient, and any complications during treatment.
• Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one — there is no waiting period.

The scheme covers around 24 medical areas and works at both government and empanelled private hospitals.

What Is NOT Covered Under the Ayushman Card

The scheme covers many treatments, but not everything. Here are some services and expenses that are generally not included: 

• OPD expenses (treatment without hospital admission).
• Cosmetic or beauty-related surgeries.
• Fertility treatments.
• Drug rehabilitation programmes.
• Individual diagnostic tests (done without admission).
• Organ transplants (in general).

For these, you would need other arrangements or private health insurance. The Ayushman card is designed mainly for hospital-based (in-patient) treatment.

How to Use the Ayushman Bharat Card at a Hospital

Using your card for free treatment is simple:

1. Find an empanelled hospital — government or approved private — using the website or a CSC.
2. Visit the hospital and go to the Ayushman Mitra desk.
3. Show your Ayushman card and ID proof.
4. The hospital verifies your details (often by scanning a QR code).
5. After verification, you receive cashless treatment for covered services.

You can find your nearest approved hospital using the hospital finder on pmjay.gov.in. With over 36,000 empanelled hospitals, finding one nearby is easier.

How to Add a Family Member’s Name to the Ayushman Bharat Card

Since the card is family-linked, you may need to add members. To do this:

1. Log in to the beneficiary portal and select “Add Family Details.”
2. Enter your ration card number.
3. Click “Check Document Details.”
4. If your ration card is linked, your family members will appear and can be added.

Adding members ensures everyone in your family can use the ₹5 lakh cover. If a member is missing, make sure their Aadhaar and ration card details are correct and linked.

Ayushman Bharat Card Common Problems & solutions 

Many applications are delayed because of small mistakes. Here are some common problems and how to fix them: 

• “Member Not Found”: Your name may not be in the SECC list — try other search options or contact a CSC/Gram Panchayat.
• Verify Your Details: Make sure all personal information is entered exactly as it appears on your official records.
• OTP Issue: Use the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar to receive the verification code.
• Document or Photo Errors: Make sure your files are uploaded in the required format and size.
• Don’t Submit Multiple Applications: Applying again when a card already exists can lead to unnecessary delays and confusion.
• Eligibility doubt: Always confirm eligibility by searching your name first.

Fixing these early helps avoid delays in getting your card.

What Is Ayushman Bharat Yojana? 

Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as PMJAY, is a government health scheme started in 2018. It helps poor and eligible families get medical treatment without worrying about high hospital expenses.

Under this scheme, each eligible family gets up to ₹5 lakh every year for cashless treatment at government and approved private hospitals. To use these benefits, you need an Ayushman Card, which proves that you are eligible for the scheme.

The scheme covers many types of treatments, including surgeries, cancer treatment, heart care, and other serious illnesses. Patients do not have to pay the hospital bill themselves, as the treatment cost is covered under the scheme.

Ayushman Bharat has two main parts:

• PMJAY Health Cover – Provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospital treatment.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs – Local health centres that offer free checkups, basic treatment, medicines, and healthcare services.

The main goal of the scheme is to make healthcare affordable and accessible for every eligible family in India.

Latest Ayushman Bharat Updates 2026

The scheme has seen several important upgrades in 2026 that every applicant should know:

• Every citizen aged 70 years or above is eligible.
• The scheme is available in all states and Union Territories.
• Registration can be completed using face authentication.
• More than 43 crore Ayushman Cards have been created.
• Treatment is available at 36,000+ hospitals.
• The app shows your used and remaining health cover.
• Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one.

These updates make the scheme wider, faster, and easier to use than before.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) card is one of India’s most valuable health schemes, giving eligible families up to ₹5 lakh of free, cashless treatment every year — and it is completely free to apply for. The whole process, from checking eligibility to e-KYC and download, can be done online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or through the Ayushman App, with CSCs available for those who need help.

The most important 2026 points to remember: all senior citizens aged 70+ now qualify regardless of income (with a separate ₹5 lakh Vay Vandana cover), West Bengal has joined, so the scheme covers all of India, and pre-existing diseases are covered from day one. Check your name today, complete your e-KYC, keep your card on your phone, and your family will be protected against big hospital bills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I apply for the Ayushman Bharat card online?

To get your Ayushman Card, visit the PMJAY beneficiary portal, log in with your mobile number and OTP, complete Aadhaar e-KYC, and download your card. You can also use the Ayushman App or visit a CSC for assistance.

2. Who is eligible for the Ayushman Bharat card?

The scheme covers families included in the SECC 2011 database who have a valid ration card, as well as eligible rural and urban worker families. In addition, all citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible, regardless of their income.

3. Is the Ayushman Bharat Card free?

Yes, it is completely free to apply for and download. Never pay any agent. The treatment under the scheme is also cashless and free at empanelled hospitals.

4. What documents do I need to apply?

You mainly need your Aadhaar card, ration card/Family ID, and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. A photo is captured during the application.

5. How much coverage does the Ayushman Bharat Card give?

It gives up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless treatment. Senior citizens aged 70+ get a separate additional ₹5 lakh under the Vay Vandana card.

6. How do I check if my name is in the Ayushman list?

Search for your details using Aadhaar, Ration Card, or Family ID. If your name is listed, you can apply for an Ayushman Card. If not, the portal will show “Member Not Found.”

7. How can senior citizens (70+) apply?

To get the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, visit the PMJAY beneficiary portal, select the Vay Vandana option, enter your Aadhaar number, complete e-KYC, upload or capture a photo, and download your card. All citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible, regardless of income.

8. What is covered and not covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers hospital admission, surgeries, medicines, diagnostic tests, ICU care, and treatment before and after hospitalization. Pre-existing diseases are covered from the first day. However, outpatient (OPD) treatment without hospital admission, cosmetic procedures, fertility treatments, drug rehabilitation, and most organ transplants are generally not covered.

9. Can I use the Ayushman card at private hospitals?

Yes, but only at empanelled (approved) private hospitals. Treatment there is cashless up to ₹5 lakh. Use the hospital finder on pmjay.gov.in to check.

10. What should I do if my name is not in the list?

Try different search options first. If it still shows “Member Not Found,” contact your Gram Panchayat, Food Department, or a CSC, or call the helpline 14555.

11. How do I add a family member to my Ayushman card?

Use the “Add Family Details” option, enter your ration card number, and check the document details. Linked family members will appear and can be added.

12. Can I check my Ayushman card balance?

Yes. Use the Ayushman App — log in as a beneficiary and the dashboard shows your used and remaining cover for the year.

13. Is the Ayushman card valid in all states now?

Yes. With West Bengal joining in May 2026, the scheme now covers all 36 states and union territories, and your card works at empanelled hospitals across India.

14. What is the Ayushman card helpline number?

Call 14555 for general help. For the Ayushman Vay Vandana (70+) scheme, give a missed call on 1800-110-770.