Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) Card Documents Required
Ayushman Bharat, also known as PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), provides eligible families with free health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Eligibility is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data or state-specific criteria, and eligible families can generate their Ayushman card using a few basic documents.
Documents to Prepare
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What is Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY)?
Eligibility is not based on applying fresh; instead, it is determined by whether your family already appears in the SECC database or your state's specific beneficiary list.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
Identity & Family Proof
- Aadhaar Card of every family member to be added to the card
- Ration Card or family ID document showing all household members
- Active mobile number for OTP verification
Additional Documents - As applicable
- Income certificate (for state schemes with an income-based criterion)
- Caste certificate (if the state scheme has category-based eligibility)
- Recent passport-size photograph, for card printing
File Format & Upload Requirements
- Aadhaar and ration card: Original shown for verification; scanned JPEG or PDF, under 2MB, if uploading online.
- Photograph: JPEG, recent, under 100KB, for the printed card.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Your Card
Check your eligibility on the official PMJAY beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in) using your ration card number, mobile number, or Aadhaar.
If eligible, visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or empanelled hospital Ayushman Mitra desk.
Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar OTP or biometric verification.
Submit the family ID or ration card for household verification.
The operator generates and prints your Ayushman card on the spot, or issues it digitally.
Use the card at any empanelled hospital for cashless treatment.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Name Not Found in Database
If your family does not appear in the SECC or state list, you are not automatically eligible; some states allow a grievance or addition request.
Aadhaar Not Linked to Mobile
e-KYC via OTP fails if your Aadhaar is not linked to an active mobile number; biometric verification can be used as an alternative.
Family Member Not on Ration Card
A family member missing from the household ration card may need to be added first through the local food and civil supplies office before being added to the health card.
Using an Unempanelled Hospital
The card only works cashlessly at hospitals empanelled under PMJAY; check the hospital list before you need treatment.
Processing Time & Fees
- Eligibility check and card generation: Free.
Processing Time:
- Card generation for an eligible family: Usually same day at a CSC or hospital desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my family is eligible for Ayushman Bharat?
Check the official beneficiary portal using your ration card number, name, or mobile number. Eligibility is based on the SECC 2011 database and state-specific criteria.
Is there an income limit for PMJAY?
PMJAY primarily targets families identified as deprived under SECC criteria rather than a simple income cut-off, though several states have added their own income-based extensions.
Can I add a new family member to an existing Ayushman card?
Yes, provided the member is included in your household ration card or family ID; visit a CSC to update the card.
Does the card cover pre-existing diseases?
Yes, PMJAY covers pre-existing conditions from the very first day of enrollment, unlike most private health insurance policies.
What is the coverage amount under PMJAY?
Eligible families get health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization at empanelled hospitals.