The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is one of India’s major government-funded healthcare programmes. It provides eligible beneficiaries with access to cashless healthcare services at empanelled hospitals. The scheme provides health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation, subject to the applicable scheme rules.
In 2026, eligible citizens can use digital facilities such as the PM-JAY beneficiary portal and Ayushman App to check eligibility, complete the required verification and obtain their Ayushman Card. The National Health Authority also launched the Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp chatbot in June 2026, providing services such as eligibility checking, card application, card download, e-KYC and hospital search.
Below is a detailed guide explaining the Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 application process, eligibility, documents, benefits and important points.
What is an Ayushman Bharat Card ?
The Ayushman Card is a digital identification card for eligible beneficiaries of AB PM-JAY. It can be used to access eligible cashless healthcare services at participating hospitals.
Key points include:
- It is linked to an eligible beneficiary record.
- It helps hospitals identify eligible beneficiaries.
- Eligible beneficiaries can access covered treatment according to PM-JAY rules.
- The scheme provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
- Treatment is available through empanelled hospitals.
- The card can be accessed digitally after the required verification process.
It is important to understand that simply possessing an Aadhaar Card does not automatically make a person eligible for regular PM-JAY. Eligibility depends on the applicable beneficiary database and government criteria. For senior citizens aged 70 years and above, the government has separately expanded PM-JAY coverage irrespective of socio-economic status.
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 ?
Eligibility depends on the applicable PM-JAY category and government records.
For the general PM-JAY population:
- Eligible families are identified according to applicable government databases and criteria.
- Rural and urban beneficiaries may be identified through specified socio-economic and occupational criteria.
- State-specific beneficiary databases may also apply.
- The applicant’s name or family record must be found in the relevant system before the card can be generated.
For citizens aged 70 years or above, the government has made PM-JAY benefits available irrespective of socio-economic status. Enrolment for this group is application-based and can be completed through the Ayushman App, beneficiary portal, empanelled hospitals or Common Service Centres.
Therefore, checking your eligibility before starting the card-generation process is an important first step.
Main Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card
Eligible beneficiaries can receive several healthcare-related benefits under PM-JAY.
Major benefits include :
- Health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
- Coverage for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
- Access to a wide range of covered medical procedures.
- Reduced immediate financial burden during eligible hospitalisation.
- Portability of eligible benefits across participating hospitals in India.
- Digital access to beneficiary and card-related services.
The exact treatment packages, exclusions and applicable conditions depend on the PM-JAY package and current government guidelines.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
Applicants should keep their identification and family-related information ready before beginning the process.
Commonly required information or documents may include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number, where applicable
- Mobile phone
- Ration Card or family identification details, where applicable
- Photograph, where required
- Other government-issued identification
- Additional documents requested for a particular state or beneficiary category
For the standard beneficiary identification process, government guidance describes the use of Aadhaar or another valid government ID along with a ration card or alternative family ID where applicable.
For 70+ senior citizens, the digital application process may use Aadhaar-based authentication and other verification mechanisms.
How to Apply Online for Ayushman Bharat Card 2026
Eligible beneficiaries can use the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal or Ayushman App for digital services.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Start by checking whether your details are available in the PM-JAY beneficiary system.
You may need to provide information such as:
- Mobile number
- State
- District
- Aadhaar details
- Family or ration-card information
The system can then be used to locate the beneficiary record.
Step 2: Open the Official Beneficiary Portal or Ayushman App
Use the official PM-JAY digital platform rather than an unofficial website or third-party application.
The National Health Authority provides online beneficiary services, including card-related facilities. The official National Portal of India also directs citizens to the PM-JAY beneficiary portal.
Step 3: Login Using Your Mobile Number
Select the beneficiary login option and enter your mobile number.
Depending on the current process, an OTP may be sent to the registered mobile number for authentication.
Step 4: Select PM-JAY and Your Location
After logging in, select the applicable scheme and provide the requested location information, such as:
- State
- District
- Other location details requested by the portal
Step 5: Search for Your Beneficiary Record
The system may provide different search methods depending on your beneficiary category and state.
Possible information used for identification can include:
- Aadhaar
- Name
- Mobile number
- Ration Card
- Family ID
- Other beneficiary-related information
Government guidance confirms that beneficiary records can be searched using details such as name, location, ration card number and mobile number.
Step 6: Complete e-KYC
If your beneficiary record is available, complete the required e-KYC or authentication process.
Depending on the available facility, verification may involve Aadhaar-based OTP or other authorised authentication methods.
Make sure that your information is accurate before completing the process.
Step 7: Submit the Application
After completing the required verification and entering the requested information, submit the application.
The information may then go through the applicable verification process before the Ayushman Card becomes available.
Step 8: Download Your Ayushman Card
Once the required verification is successfully completed, the digital Ayushman Card can be downloaded through the authorised platform when the download option becomes available.
Save a digital copy on your phone and, if necessary, keep a printed copy for convenience.
How Can 70+ Senior Citizens Apply?
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above have a specific PM-JAY enrolment facility.
According to the Government of India’s 2026 announcement, eligible senior citizens can enrol through:
- Ayushman App
- PM-JAY beneficiary web portal
- Empanelled hospital
- Common Service Centre
The government has also introduced Ayushman Sarathi, its PM-JAY WhatsApp chatbot, which provides services including eligibility checking, Ayushman Card application, downloading the card, e-KYC and Aadhaar-linking assistance. The official PIB release says the service can be accessed by sending “Hi” to +91 72908 23838 on WhatsApp.
How to Download Ayushman Card?
Once the card has been generated and the beneficiary is successfully verified:
- Open the authorised PM-JAY beneficiary platform.
- Login using the required credentials.
- Select the Ayushman Card/My Ayushman Card option.
- Complete any requested authentication.
- Select the eligible beneficiary.
- Download the digital card.
- Save the PDF or digital copy securely.
The exact interface can change as government digital services are updated.
How to Find an Empanelled Hospital?
Before receiving treatment, beneficiaries should check whether the hospital is participating in the PM-JAY network.
The official Ayushman Sarathi service launched in 2026 includes a facility to find nearby empanelled hospitals.
When visiting a hospital, carry:
- Ayushman Card
- Aadhaar or other required identification
- Relevant medical documents
- Previous treatment records, if available
The hospital’s authorised PM-JAY/Arogya Mitra desk can assist with beneficiary verification and eligible treatment procedures.
Is the Ayushman Card Free ?
The government beneficiary process is intended to provide the card to eligible beneficiaries without an unauthorised fee. Official PM-JAY guidance states that beneficiaries do not need to pay a fee for obtaining the card.
Therefore:
- Do not pay an agent for guaranteed approval.
- Avoid unofficial websites asking for unnecessary payments.
- Use official government portals, authorised CSCs and empanelled hospitals.
- Never share OTPs with unknown individuals.
Important Points to Remember
Before applying for the Ayushman Bharat Card 2026, keep these points in mind:
- Check eligibility before starting the application.
- Use official PM-JAY platforms.
- Keep Aadhaar and mobile details accurate.
- Complete the required e-KYC carefully.
- Keep your beneficiary/application information safe.
- Download and save the card after successful generation.
- Check whether the hospital is empanelled before treatment.
- Coverage is subject to applicable PM-JAY rules and treatment packages.
- Do not believe anyone promising guaranteed approval for money.
- For assistance, use official PM-JAY channels or authorised service centres.
Final Words
The Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 can provide eligible beneficiaries with access to cashless healthcare under the PM-JAY framework. The general beneficiary process involves checking eligibility, locating the beneficiary record, completing the required e-KYC and downloading the card after successful verification.
The introduction of additional digital services in 2026—including the Ayushman App and Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp chatbot—has made several beneficiary services more accessible.
Applicants should always verify their eligibility through official government channels and use authorised portals, CSCs or empanelled hospitals. The most important step is to ensure that your beneficiary record and identity details are correctly verified before relying on the card for treatment.