The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is one of the largest health schemes in India. It aims to provide free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to poor and eligible families. However, not everyone can avail of this benefit. So before applying, it is important to understand who is eligible and who is not.
What Is an Ayushman Card?
An Ayushman Card is a digital health card issued under the PMJAY scheme that enables the cardholder to get cashless treatment in empanelled private and government hospitals across India.
Benefits of Ayushman Card
Free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per year for each eligible family.
Treatment available in both government and private hospitals registered under the scheme.
Covers hospitalisation, surgeries, and pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, new born child/children services.
All pre-existing conditions will be covered from day one of the policy.
A defined transport allowance per hospitalization will also be paid to the beneficiary.
Who Can Get Ayushman Card?
The following individuals and families are generally eligible:
People from Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Daily wage labourers, migrant workers, or those working in the unorganised sector
Families living in rural areas or below poverty line (BPL)
Destitute, homeless, or tribal population
Families with a disabled member
People with no income tax record
Note: Eligibility is mostly based on Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data
Who Cannot Get Ayushman Card?
These categories are not eligible under the scheme:
People who pay income tax.
Individuals who own a four-wheeler or house with pucca construction.
Families where one or more members have government jobs.
Those working in the organised sector with Provident Fund (PF) deductions.
Individuals who own agricultural machinery or land above a certain limit.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online?
Follow these simple steps to check your eligibility:
Go to https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
Now enter your mobile number here and login with OTP.
Choose your state and district. other details.
If your name appears in the list, you're eligible to apply.
How to Get Ayushman Card?
You can apply for the Ayushman card both online and offline:
Offline Method:
Visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or Ayushman Kendra. Officials will verify your eligibility and process the application. Once approved, you can download or collect your card.
Online Method:
Visit the official website: https://pmjay.gov.in
Enter your mobile number on the homepage and click on "Generate OTP".
Enter the OTP received on your phone.
Once verified, the Beneficiary Portal will open
In the portal, select Scheme Name: PMJAY, Sub-scheme: PMJAY, Your State and District
Enter your Aadhaar Number
Click on Search
If you are eligible, your family members' names will appear.
Click on the “Action” button next to your name.
Choose “Aadhaar OTP” for KYC.
Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and complete e-KYC.
If your Aadhaar matching score is more than 80%, your Ayushman Card will be approved
Go to the “Capture Photo” option
Upload a recent passport-sized photo
A new form will open
Fill in your personal and address details
Click on the “Submit” button
Once submitted, your Ayushman Card will be generated. You can download it digitally or collect a printed copy from your nearest CSC (Common Service Center).
