The Ayushman card (also called the Ayushman Bharat card or PM-JAY card) gives free hospital treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family every year at empanelled government and private hospitals across India. It is one of the most useful cards a poor or senior citizen family can have.
In this guide, you will learn in very simple words how to do Ayushman card apply online (registration), how to do Ayushman card download and get the PDF, who is eligible, how senior citizens aged 70+ can get the Ayushman Vay Vandana card, and what to do if your name is not in the list.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) |
| Run by | National Health Authority (NHA) with state health agencies |
| Health cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, cashless |
| Senior citizens 70+ | Covered under Ayushman Vay Vandana, whatever their income |
| Cards made so far | More than 48.5 crore (September 2026) |
| Hospitals | More than 38,000 empanelled hospitals |
| Apply / download portal | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
| App | Ayushman App (official) |
| Fee | Free (CSCs may charge a small service fee) |
| Helpline | 14555 / 1800-11-4477 |
| Official portal | Click Here |
What Is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman card is your health card under PM-JAY. When you show it (or your Aadhaar) at an empanelled hospital, you can get cashless treatment for covered illnesses and surgeries, up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
Key Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Free treatment | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Cashless | No payment at the hospital for covered treatment |
| Family size | No limit on family size or age (as per the scheme list) |
| Old illnesses | Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one |
| Hospital stay costs | Includes 3 days before and 15 days after hospitalisation (as per scheme rules) |
| Across India | Use it in any empanelled hospital in any state |
| Treatments | About 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialities |
What does this chart show? About 14.5 crore new Ayushman cards were made in about two years. Much of this growth came from adding all senior citizens aged 70+ and new states. As of September 2026, there have been 13.25 crore hospital admissions worth about ₹2.03 lakh crore under the scheme.
Who Is Eligible for the Ayushman Card?
Eligible Groups
- Families listed under the SECC 2011 deprivation criteria (poor rural families and certain urban worker families)
- Families covered under the earlier RSBY scheme
- Families added by your state government under its expanded list
- ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers and their families
- All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, whatever their income (Ayushman Vay Vandana)
Usually Not Eligible
- Families with a member in government service with other health cover
- Income tax payers and well-off families (unless added by the state or aged 70+)
- People already covered by schemes like CGHS (seniors aged 70+ can choose between schemes)
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity and e-KYC (mandatory) |
| Mobile number | For OTP |
| Ration card or family ID (if your state uses it) | To find your family in the list |
| PM-JAY letter / PMJAY ID (if you have one) | Helps in quick search |
Ayushman Card Apply Online (Registration): Step-by-Step
Important: You cannot “apply” for an Ayushman card if your family is not in the eligible list. “Apply” means finding your name in the list, completing e-KYC, and creating your card. Senior citizens aged 70+ can register directly.
Method 1: Beneficiary Portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in)
- Open the NHA beneficiary portal. To open it directly, Click Here.
- Choose “Beneficiary” and log in with your mobile number and OTP.
- Select the scheme PM-JAY, your state and district.
- Search using Aadhaar number, family ID / ration card, PMJAY ID or name.
- If your name is shown, click on “Do e-KYC” next to it.
- Complete Aadhaar OTP (or face / fingerprint authentication where offered).
- Take or upload a photo if asked, and submit.
- After approval, your Ayushman card becomes ready to download.
Method 2: Ayushman App
- Download the official Ayushman App from the Play Store or App Store.
- Log in as “Beneficiary” with your mobile number and OTP.
- Search your family using Aadhaar or family ID.
- Complete e-KYC with Aadhaar OTP or face authentication.
- Once approved, download your card from the app.
Method 3: CSC, Hospital or Camp
- Visit your nearest CSC (Jan Seva Kendra), an empanelled hospital’s Arogya Mitra desk, or an Ayushman camp.
- Take your Aadhaar and ration card / family ID.
- The operator searches your name, completes biometric e-KYC, and creates your card.
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for Senior Citizens (70+)
Since 29 October 2024, all senior citizens aged 70 and above can get free treatment under PM-JAY through the Ayushman Vay Vandana card, whatever their income. More than 1.36 crore Vay Vandana cards had been made by September 2026.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Every Indian aged 70 or above |
| Income limit | None |
| Cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis (extra top-up if the family is already under PM-JAY) |
| Document | Aadhaar (age is taken from Aadhaar) |
| Where to register | Ayushman App, beneficiary portal, CSC or empanelled hospital |
Steps for Vay Vandana Registration
- Open the Ayushman App or the beneficiary portal and log in with OTP.
- Choose “Ayushman Vay Vandana” registration (or “70+ enrolment”).
- Enter the senior citizen’s Aadhaar and verify with OTP or face authentication.
- Fill in basic details and take a live photo if asked.
- Submit. The card can be downloaded after approval.
Ayushman Card Download PDF: Step-by-Step
- Open the beneficiary portal. To open it directly, Click Here.
- Log in with your mobile number and OTP.
- Select PM-JAY, your state and district.
- Search using Aadhaar, family ID, mobile or PMJAY ID.
- If e-KYC is complete, you will see a “Download Card” option next to your name.
- Verify with Aadhaar OTP.
- The Ayushman card PDF will download. You can print it or keep it on your phone.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| “e-KYC pending” shown | Complete e-KYC first, then download |
| Card “pending for approval” | Wait for the state health agency to approve; check again after a few days |
| Aadhaar not linked to mobile | Do biometric e-KYC at a CSC or hospital desk |
| Name not found | Search with other details (ration card / family ID); if still not found, you may not be in the list |
Ayushman Card Status Check
- Log in to the beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
- Search your family record.
- Check the status next to each name:
- Approved: card is ready to download
- Pending: waiting for approval
- Rejected: check the reason and contact the helpline or CSC
- e-KYC not done: complete e-KYC first
How to Use the Ayushman Card at a Hospital
- Find an empanelled hospital near you (on the PM-JAY website or Ayushman App).
- Go to the Arogya Mitra / Ayushman desk at the hospital.
- Show your Ayushman card or Aadhaar.
- Complete Aadhaar authentication.
- The hospital gets approval and gives you cashless treatment for covered procedures.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | What happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Paying the hospital directly | You may not get the money back | Always go to the Arogya Mitra desk and use the card |
| e-KYC not done | Cannot download card | Complete e-KYC by OTP, face or fingerprint |
| Paying agents for “new Ayushman card” | Fraud | The card is free; use the official portal, app or CSC |
| Not checking 70+ eligibility | Seniors miss free cover | Register every family member aged 70+ for Vay Vandana |
| Using fake apps | Data theft | Use only the official Ayushman App and nha.gov.in portals |
Ayushman Card Helpline
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| PM-JAY helpline | 14555 |
| Toll-free number | 1800-11-4477 |
| Official website | pmjay.gov.in |
| Local help | CSC, Arogya Mitra desk at empanelled hospitals, district health office |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I do Ayushman card apply online?
Log in to beneficiary.nha.gov.in or the Ayushman App with your mobile and OTP, search your family with Aadhaar or family ID, complete e-KYC, and submit. Senior citizens aged 70+ can register directly for the Vay Vandana card.
How can I do Ayushman card download?
Log in to beneficiary.nha.gov.in, select PM-JAY, your state and district, search your name, and click “Download Card”. Verify with Aadhaar OTP to get the PDF.
How can I download the Ayushman card PDF on mobile?
Use the official Ayushman App or open beneficiary.nha.gov.in on your phone, log in with OTP, find your name, and download the card PDF.
Who is eligible for the Ayushman card?
Families in the SECC 2011 list, RSBY families, families added by your state, ASHA and Anganwadi workers’ families, and all senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Can I make an Ayushman card if my name is not in the list?
If your family is not in the PM-JAY list, you cannot make a PM-JAY card, unless you are 70 or older. Check with your state health agency, as some states cover more families under their own schemes.
What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana card?
It is the Ayushman card for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, whatever their income. It gives up to ₹5 lakh free treatment per year on a family basis.
How much treatment is covered under the Ayushman card?
Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered treatments at empanelled hospitals.
Is there any fee for the Ayushman card?
No. The card is free. A CSC may charge a small service fee for its help.
How long does it take to get the Ayushman card?
After e-KYC, the card is usually approved within a few days, depending on your state health agency.
Can I use my Ayushman card in another state?
Yes. You can use it at any empanelled hospital across India.
What is the Ayushman card registration process for a newborn?
Newborns can be added to the family’s PM-JAY record through the beneficiary portal, Ayushman App or hospital desk, as per your state’s process. Ask the Arogya Mitra or CSC for help.
What is the Ayushman card helpline number?
Call 14555 or the toll-free number 1800-11-4477.
Do I need the physical card for treatment?
Not always. Your Aadhaar can be used to verify you at the hospital, but keeping the card or PDF helps.
Sources We Used
- Open Magazine: Ayushman Bharat at 8 years (September 2026): cards, admissions, Vay Vandana figures
- News on AIR: 34 crore Ayushman cards (August 2024) and Vay Vandana card updates (November 2024)
- ClearTax: Ayushman card download steps on the beneficiary portal and Ayushman App
- Official PM-JAY website (pmjay.gov.in) and NHA beneficiary portal
Important Links
| What You Need | Link |
|---|---|
| Application Form (Ayushman Card Registration and e-KYC) | Click Here |
| Official Site (PM-JAY) | Click Here |
| Ayushman Card Download PDF | Click Here |
| Create ABHA Health ID | Click Here |
| Ration Card Apply and Download | Click Here |
| Aadhar Card Update, Apply Online | Click Here |
| Driving License Online Apply | Click Here |
| Other Yojana Info | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |