How to Apply for an Ayushman Card (PM-JAY) – Eligibility & Step-by-Step Guide

The Ayushman Card is issued under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a Government of India health scheme that provides free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled public and private hospitals across India.

If you are eligible, you can apply online and download your card within minutes.


✅ Who Is Eligible for an Ayushman Card?

Eligibility is decided mainly using Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC-2011) data and focuses on economically weaker families.

You may qualify if your household falls under categories such as:

  • Families with low income or poor socio-economic status
  • Households with no adult earning member (age 16–59)
  • Female-headed families without an adult male member
  • Families living in single-room kutcha houses
  • SC/ST households
  • Landless labourer families dependent on manual work
  • Families with disabled members and no earning support
  • Senior citizens aged 70+ years (recently expanded coverage)

👉 Eligibility varies slightly between rural and urban areas.


📝 How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online

Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Visit the official PM-JAY portal:

👉 Check Eligibility (Official PMJAY Website)

  • Click “Am I Eligible”
  • Enter your mobile number
  • Verify using OTP

Step 2: Login to Beneficiary Portal

Go to the official beneficiary portal:

👉 Apply / Login for Ayushman Card

  • Select Beneficiary Login
  • Enter mobile number + OTP
  • Choose your state and scheme (PM-JAY)

Step 3: Search Your Name

You can search using:

  • Aadhaar number
  • Ration card number
  • Mobile number
  • Family ID

If your name appears, you are eligible.


Step 4: Complete e-KYC & Apply

  • Verify Aadhaar details
  • Confirm family information
  • Submit application

Step 5: Download Your Ayushman Card

Once approved, you can download the digital card directly from the portal or app.

You can also use the official mobile app:

👉 Download Ayushman App (Official)


📄 Documents Required

Generally, you may need:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Mobile number
  • Address proof
  • Ration card (if available)
  • Family details

💡 Key Benefits of Ayushman Card

  • ₹5 lakh annual health cover per family
  • Cashless treatment across India
  • Covers surgeries, medicines, tests & hospitalization
  • Valid in thousands of empanelled hospitals

Final Thoughts

The Ayushman Card is one of India’s largest healthcare initiatives designed to ensure affordable medical treatment for economically weaker families. Checking eligibility takes only a few minutes, and if qualified, you can apply online without visiting any office.

👉 Always apply only through official government portals to avoid fraud.

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