The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is one of the major healthcare initiatives launched by the Government of India. It aims to provide financial protection to eligible families by offering cashless hospital treatment at empanelled hospitals across the country.
In 2026, eligible beneficiaries can check their names, complete e-KYC, create an Ayushman Card and download it online through the official government portal. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can also apply under the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative, irrespective of their income.
If you want to know how to complete Ayushman Card Online Registration 2026, check eligibility and download your card, here is the complete process.
Ayushman Card 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Implementing Authority | National Health Authority (NHA) |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible families and senior citizens aged 70+ |
| Health Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Registration Mode | Online |
| e-KYC | Required for card creation |
| Official Portal | https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/ |
| Helpline Number | 14555 |
What Is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides eligible families with health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
The scheme covers various medical treatments, hospitalisation expenses, surgeries, medicines and diagnostic services under approved treatment packages.
One important feature is portability. Eligible beneficiaries can access treatment at empanelled hospitals across India, subject to scheme rules.
Ayushman Card Eligibility 2026
Not every Indian citizen automatically qualifies for the regular PM-JAY scheme. Beneficiaries are identified through government-approved eligibility databases and applicable state-specific criteria.
The following categories are important:
| Eligibility Category | Details |
| Economically vulnerable families | Identified under applicable PM-JAY criteria |
| Rural households | Eligible deprivation-based categories |
| Urban workers | Specified occupational categories |
| ASHA workers | Eligible ASHA workers and their families |
| Anganwadi workers | Eligible workers and helpers |
| Senior citizens | All individuals aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income |
Special benefit for senior citizens: People aged 70 years or above can receive coverage under Ayushman Vay Vandana. They do not need to satisfy the regular income-based eligibility criteria.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card Registration
Keep the following documents and details ready before starting the online process:
- Aadhaar Card
- Registered mobile number
- Ration Card or Family ID, wherever applicable
- Other government-approved identity or beneficiary details
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP-based e-KYC, where applicable
The exact requirements may depend on the beneficiary category and verification method.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online Registration 2026?
Eligible applicants can follow these steps to check their beneficiary status and create their Ayushman Card.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open the official Beneficiary Portal:
https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
Step 2: Login to the Portal
Select the Beneficiary option and enter your mobile number. Complete OTP verification to access the portal.
Step 3: Search Your Name
Select your state, scheme, district and available search category. Enter the required details, such as Aadhaar number or family identification details, to search for your beneficiary record.
Step 4: Complete e-KYC
If your name appears in the beneficiary list, select the appropriate record and complete the e-KYC process. Depending on availability, authentication may be completed through Aadhaar OTP, face authentication or other supported methods.
Step 5: Submit Your Details
Verify the information displayed on the screen and submit the required details. Wait for the verification and approval process, wherever applicable.
Step 6: Download Your Ayushman Card
After successful approval and card generation, log in to the beneficiary portal again. Select the approved beneficiary and click the Download Card option to save your Ayushman Card.
How to Download Ayushman Card 2026?
If your Ayushman Card has already been generated, you do not need to apply again.
- Visit https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/.
- Login using your registered mobile number.
- Search for your beneficiary details.
- Complete authentication if requested.
- Select the approved beneficiary.
- Click on Download Card.
- Save the PDF on your mobile or computer.
You can also use the official Ayushman App for supported beneficiary verification and card-related services.
Important Official Links
| Service | Official Link |
| Ayushman Card Registration | https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/ |
| PM-JAY Official Website | https://pmjay.gov.in/ |
| National Health Authority | https://nha.gov.in/ |
| Government Information | https://www.india.gov.in/ |
| Helpline | 14555 |
The government also launched the Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp chatbot in June 2026. Beneficiaries can send Hi to 72908 23838 to access supported services, including eligibility checks and card-related assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I apply for an Ayushman Card online in 2026?
Visit the official beneficiary portal, log in using your mobile number, check your eligibility, complete e-KYC and download your card after approval.
Who is eligible for an Ayushman Card?
Eligible PM-JAY families identified through approved government databases can receive the card. All senior citizens aged 70 years and above are also eligible under Ayushman Vay Vandana, irrespective of income.
Is the Ayushman Card registration free?
Yes. Beneficiary registration and card creation through official government channels are free. Avoid paying unauthorised agents.
Can I download my Ayushman Card using my mobile phone?
Yes. You can access the official beneficiary portal through your smartphone and download your approved card.
What is the Ayushman Bharat helpline number?
The national helpline number is 14555.
Conclusion
Ayushman Card Online Registration 2026 allows eligible families and senior citizens to access important healthcare benefits through a digital process. Applicants should first verify their eligibility on the official beneficiary portal, complete e-KYC and download the card after approval.
Before applying, always check the latest scheme information through the National Health Authority or your State Health Agency. Having an Ayushman Card can make accessing eligible cashless hospital treatment easier when medical assistance is needed.
