The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India’s largest government health insurance scheme, offering ₹5 lakh per year of free medical treatment to eligible low-income families. This scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden of hospital expenses and ensure that every deserving citizen gets access to quality healthcare. To avail the benefits, you need an Ayushman Card, also called the PMJAY Golden Card, which serves as your proof of eligibility at empanelled hospitals. In this detailed guide, we explain who can get the Ayushman card, how to apply, and answer the most common questions people ask.
Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Card
Not every citizen is automatically eligible for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Eligibility is mainly based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database for rural and urban households. Below are the detailed criteria:
1. Rural Eligibility Criteria
Families listed in SECC 2011 under the following categories can apply:
Households with kutcha (weak) houses
Families with no earning adult members between 16–59
Landless labourers and families depending on manual work
Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families
Families with disabled members and no able-bodied support
Destitute, homeless, or marginal workers
Households with no agricultural land or very limited assets
2. Urban Eligibility Criteria
Ayushman card is also available to urban workers belonging to specific job categories such as:
Domestic workers
Rishaw pullers / auto drivers
Street vendors
Plumbers, electricians, gardeners
Security guards
Construction workers
Cleaners, sweepers, sanitation workers
Delivery staff and drivers If your family name appears in the PM-JAY beneficiary list, you can apply for the card.
3. Additional Eligibility
Must be an Indian citizen.
Applicant must not already have a similar government-funded health insurance scheme.
In many states, families covered under state health schemes (like Chiranjeevi Yojana, Bhamashah, etc.) are also included automatically.
To check your eligibility, you can use your Aadhaar number, ration card, or mobile number on the official PM-JAY website.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
While applying, you will need the following documents:
Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
Ration Card / Family ID
Mobile Number
PAN Card (optional)
Residence Proof
Passport-size photograph
SECC eligibility proof (auto-verified online)
Hospitals or CSC centers may ask for basic identity verification.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card (Step-by-Step Process)
Applying for an Ayushman card is simple and can be done online at home or offline at the nearest center. Below is the complete process:
Enter your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
Search by Aadhaar, ration card, or name. If your family appears in the beneficiary list, you are eligible.
2. Apply Online for Ayushman Card
Once confirmed eligible, follow these steps:
Go to the Ayushman Card section on the website.
Enter your Aadhaar number and verify via OTP.
Fill in your personal details, including address and family information.
Upload supporting documents:
Aadhaar
Ration card
Family details
Complete the e-KYC verification.
Once approved, your card will be generated in digital form.
You can download the Ayushman Golden Card from the PMJAY dashboard.
3. Apply Offline at Common Service Centre (CSC)
If you prefer the offline process:
Visit the nearest CSC center or Ayushman Mitra desk at government/private empanelled hospitals.
Provide your Aadhaar card and ration card for verification.
The operator will check your name in the PMJAY database.
After KYC approval, your Golden Card is printed immediately. The offline process may take 5–30 minutes depending on the center’s workload.
Benefits of Ayushman Card
Once you receive your Ayushman card, you get the following benefits:
₹5 lakh cashless treatment per year per family
Coverage includes: surgeries, cancer treatment, heart treatment, kidney dialysis, etc.
Free pre-hospital and post-hospital care
Valid at over 25,000 hospitals across India
No age limit for beneficiaries
No need for renewal every month; the card stays active as long as your family remains eligible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Ayushman card free?
Yes. Applying for the card is completely free. Some CSC centers may charge a small printing fee (₹20–30), but the government does not charge anything.
2. Can I apply if my name is not in the PM-JAY list?
No, you must be in the official eligibility list. However, many states allow you to apply under state health schemes. You can also contact your local health officer for inclusion requests.
3. How long does the Ayushman card take to get approved?
Online applications are usually approved within 24–48 hours, while offline verification at CSC is almost instant.
4. Do I need Aadhaar for Ayushman card?
Yes, Aadhaar-based verification is mandatory for identity confirmation.
5. Can I use the Ayushman card anywhere in India?
Yes, the card is valid nationwide at all PM-JAY empanelled hospitals.
6. Is there any income limit for Ayushman eligibility?
No specific income limit is declared; eligibility is based solely on the SECC database criteria.
Final Thoughts
Applying for an Ayushman card is a simple yet life-changing step for Indian families seeking financial protection against medical emergencies. With cashless treatment services up to ₹5 lakh, wide hospital coverage, and easy application options, PM-JAY ensures that quality healthcare is accessible to every deserving citizen. Whether you apply online or through a CSC center, the process is straightforward as long as your name exists in the eligibility database. Once approved, download or print your Ayushman Golden Card and keep it handy whenever you visit any empanelled hospital.
