The PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026 is an important healthcare benefit under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The scheme provides eligible families with cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals.
People who want to access this benefit can check their eligibility and complete the Ayushman Card application process through the official National Health Authority (NHA) beneficiary portal. The online process includes beneficiary search, identity verification and e-KYC.
Here is a step-by-step guide to checking eligibility and applying for an Ayushman Card online in 2026.
PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Full Form | Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana |
| Launched | 23 September 2018 |
| Implementing Authority | National Health Authority |
| Health Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year |
| Application Mode | Online and assisted offline |
| Official Portal | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
| Helpline Number | 14555 |
What Is the PMJAY Ayushman Card?
The PMJAY Ayushman Card is an identification card issued to eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. It allows registered beneficiaries to access cashless treatment for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalisation services at empanelled public and private hospitals.
The scheme is intended to reduce the financial burden of serious medical treatment on eligible families. Beneficiaries can use the card at participating hospitals after their identity and eligibility are verified.
Additionally, citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for health coverage under the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative, irrespective of their income.
PMJAY Ayushman Card Eligibility 2026
PMJAY eligibility is generally based on government-identified beneficiary databases and applicable state-level rules. Therefore, not every citizen can automatically register under the standard scheme.
The following groups may qualify:
- Eligible rural and urban households identified under applicable beneficiary criteria.
- Families included through approved state-level beneficiary databases.
- Senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the expanded coverage.
- Eligible ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers under the applicable government provisions.
Applicants should check their names on the official beneficiary portal before starting the card-generation process.
Documents Required for PMJAY Ayushman Card
Keep the following information ready before starting the online process:
- Aadhaar card for identity verification and e-KYC.
- Mobile number for OTP verification.
- Ration card or family ID, if available, to help locate beneficiary records.
- Other supporting identification documents, if requested by the portal.
Document requirements can vary depending on the beneficiary category and verification process.
How to Apply for PMJAY Ayushman Card Online in 2026?
Eligible beneficiaries can follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Open the National Health Authority beneficiary website: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
Step 2: Select Beneficiary Login
Choose the Beneficiary option and enter your mobile number. Complete OTP verification to access the portal.
Step 3: Search Your Beneficiary Details
Select the relevant scheme, state and district. Search for your record using the available options, such as Aadhaar number, family ID or other permitted details.
Step 4: Check Your Eligibility
If your details appear in the beneficiary database, check your name and card-generation status.
Step 5: Complete e-KYC
Select the e-KYC option against your name. Complete identity verification using an available authentication method, such as Aadhaar OTP or biometric verification.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Submit the required information and wait for verification. The card may require approval before it becomes available for download.
Step 7: Download Your Ayushman Card
Once the application is approved, log in to the beneficiary portal and select the download option to save your Ayushman Card.
How to Download PMJAY Ayushman Card?
Beneficiaries whose cards have been approved can download them online.
- Visit the official beneficiary portal.
- Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP.
- Search for your beneficiary details.
- Select the relevant family member.
- Check the card status.
- Click the download option if the card is approved.
Keep a digital copy on your mobile phone for future hospital visits.
Important Links and Helpline
| Service | Official Link |
| Ayushman Card Portal | https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/ |
| PM-JAY Official Website | https://pmjay.gov.in/ |
| National Health Authority | https://nha.gov.in/ |
| Helpline Number | 14555 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official website for PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026?
The official beneficiary portal is https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/.
Is the PMJAY Ayushman Card application free?
The official beneficiary portal provides the card-generation facility without an application fee. Avoid paying unauthorised agents.
Can I apply for an Ayushman Card using my mobile phone?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can access the official portal using a smartphone and complete the available online verification process.
Can all Indian citizens apply for PMJAY?
No. Standard PM-JAY coverage is subject to beneficiary eligibility. However, citizens aged 70 years and above are covered under the expanded senior-citizen provision, irrespective of income.
What is the PMJAY helpline number?
Beneficiaries can contact the official helpline at 14555 for scheme-related assistance.
Important Note: Always check your eligibility and application status through official government portals. Scheme benefits, verification requirements and state-level implementation may differ. This article is for informational purposes and does not guarantee approval or eligibility.
