How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card (PM-JAY) in 2026
What Is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY card is your access pass to free medical treatment at over 25,000 empanelled hospitals across India — worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
The card is completely free. Never pay anyone to get it.
Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible
Online Check
- Visit pmjay.gov.in
- Click "Am I Eligible?"
- Enter your mobile number → Get OTP
- Search by: Ration card number, Name + State + District, or SECC data
At Hospital
Visit any PM-JAY empanelled hospital and ask the Ayushman Mitra at the help desk to check your eligibility using your Aadhaar.
Who is Eligible
Eligibility is based on SECC 2011 data (socioeconomic census). Rural families in deprivation categories and urban workers in 11 occupational categories qualify. If you received benefits under RSBY (old health scheme), you are likely eligible.
Step 2: Apply for Your Card
Method A: At Empanelled Hospital (Recommended)
- Visit any PM-JAY empanelled hospital
- Go to the Ayushman Mitra counter (look for the PM-JAY banner)
- Carry: Aadhaar card + Ration card or family ID
- Ayushman Mitra verifies eligibility and generates your e-card on the spot
- Card is linked to your Aadhaar and family ID
No fee required. If anyone asks for money, report it.
Method B: Common Service Centre (CSC / Jan Seva Kendra)
- Visit your nearest CSC / Jan Seva Kendra
- Carry Aadhaar and any family identity document
- Operator checks eligibility and downloads card for you
- Maximum charge for printing: ₹30 (some states charge, some don't)
Method C: PMJAY Portal (Self-Service for States with Beneficiary Portal)
Some states (like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh) have their own state health scheme portals that are merged with PM-JAY. Check your state's health department website.
Step 3: Download Your E-Card
- Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Login with Aadhaar OTP
- Download and save your Ayushman Bharat e-card as PDF
- The card shows: family members, entitlement amount, unique ID
Using the Card at Hospital
- Go to any PM-JAY empanelled hospital (private or government)
- Show your Aadhaar and Ayushman card at the PM-JAY counter
- Hospital verifies online with your fingerprint or OTP
- Cashless admission — no upfront payment
- All treatment costs up to ₹5 lakh covered: bed, medicine, doctor, tests, surgery
Find Empanelled Hospitals Near You
- Website: hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
- Enter your state, district, and speciality
- Filter by "Available Today" for urgent cases
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Name not in SECC list | Contact your Gram Panchayat / Ward Officer to update records |
| Aadhaar mismatch | Update name/DOB in Aadhaar first at uidai.gov.in |
| Family member not shown | Visit CSC with family ID to add missing members |
| Hospital refusing card | Escalate to Ayushman Bharat District Coordinator |
Ayushman Bharat Helpline
14555 (Toll Free, 24×7) Website: pmjay.gov.in Fraud reporting: If anyone asks for money to get the card, call 14555.