PMJAY At a Glance (2026 Update)
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat) |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Govt of India) |
| Annual Coverage | ₹5,00,000 (5 Lakhs) per family |
| Beneficiaries | 50 Crore+ (Bottom 40% population) |
| Hospital Type | Public (Govt) & Empanelled Private Hospitals |
| Visit Here | What Documents Are Required for Ayushman Card |
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a flagship scheme of the Government of India, aimed at achieving the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It was launched to provide free access to healthcare for low-income earners in the country. The scheme provides a health cover of Rs. 5 Lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.
Unlike private insurance, there is no cap on family size or age. This ensures that the elderly, women, and children are not left out. The scheme is completely cashless and paperless at public and empaneled private hospitals.
Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card
The Golden Card (Ayushman Card) acts as a digital wallet for your health needs. Here is why it is considered a game-changer:
💰 Cashless Treatment
You do not need to pay a single rupee at the hospital. The government pays the hospital directly.
🏥 27,000+ Hospitals
Access treatment in top government and private hospitals across India, not just in your home state.
💊 All Inclusive
Covers 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization (medicines/tests).
🛡️ Critical Diseases
Includes 1,900+ procedures like Cancer care, Cardiac surgery, Neuro surgery, and Kidney dialysis.
Who is Eligible? (Eligibility Criteria)
PMJAY is an entitlement-based scheme. This means there is no enrollment process; you are either eligible based on the SECC 2011 Data or you are not. However, states have expanded this list.
For Rural Families:
- Households with no adult member between age 16-59.
- Female-headed households with no adult male member.
- SC/ST households.
- Landless households deriving major income from manual casual labor.
For Urban Families:
Occupational categories are eligible, including:
- Rag pickers, Beggars, Domestic workers.
- Street vendors, Cobblers, Hawkers.
- Construction workers, Plumbers, Masons, Painters, Welders.
- Sweepers, Sanitation workers, Malis.
- Transport workers, Drivers, Conductors.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
When you go to a Common Service Center (CSC) or a Hospital to generate your Golden Card, carry the following:
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory for KYC).
- Ration Card (To prove family relation).
- Mobile Number (For OTP verification).
- PM Letter (If you received a letter from the Prime Minister).
Want to Check Eligibility Now?
Use our step-by-step guide or visit the official portal.
Visit PMJAY PortalHow to Apply / Registration Process
Since this is data-driven, you cannot "apply" if your name isn't in the database. However, you can generate your card if you are eligible:
Step 1: Check Your Name
Go to the official website and use your Mobile number to login. Enter your State and search by Name/Ration Card/HHD number.
Step 2: e-KYC Verification
If your name appears, click on "Authenticate". You can do e-KYC using Aadhaar OTP or Fingerprint scan.
Step 3: Approval
Once KYC is done, the request goes to the state health agency. Approval usually takes 24-48 hours.
Step 4: Download Card
Once approved, you can download the PDF file of your Ayushman Bharat Card and print it.
How to Find Ayushman Empanelled Hospitals?
Finding a hospital that accepts the Ayushman Card is crucial. You can use the search tool on our website (in the Hospital Directory section) or use this link Ayushman Card Hospital List - PMJAY Empanelled Hospitals .
When searching, make sure to filter by:
1. State & District
2. Speciality (e.g., Cardiology if you need heart treatment).
3. Hospital Type (Public vs Private).
Note: Always carry your physical card and Aadhaar card when visiting the hospital for admission. Contact the "Ayushman Mitra" at the hospital help desk immediately upon arrival.