The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India’s largest government-sponsored health insurance scheme, providing ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family for secondary and tertiary hospital care. The scheme is aimed at economically weaker sections and ensures cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
To get these benefits, every eligible family needs an Ayushman Bharat Golden Card. This card serves as proof of eligibility and allows hospitals to provide treatment without upfront payment.
In this detailed 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to download your Ayushman Bharat Card, check eligibility, link your ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) number, and troubleshoot issues.
What is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card, also called the PM-JAY Golden Card, is a health insurance ID for availing cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India. It is part of the government’s mission to provide affordable healthcare to those in need.
With this card, you can get treatment for various illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalisation expenses without paying from your pocket.
ABHA Number – a 14-digit unique identifier – digitally links your health records for easy access to your Ayushman Card and other healthcare services.
Ayushman Card Features: PM-JAY Golden Card
The Ayushman Bharat Card (often called PM-JAY Golden Card) is an official identification document issued under the PM-JAY scheme.
- ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family for hospitalization
- Cashless treatment at over 28,000 empanelled hospitals (public & private)
- Pan-India portability — use it in any state
- Covers pre- and post-hospitalization expenses
- Linked to ABHA number for digital health records
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card?
Eligibility is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database and certain occupational categories.
Urban Criteria
- Beggars, domestic workers
- Rag pickers, street vendors
- Cobblers, hawkers, sweepers
- Painters, plumbers, masons
Rural Criteria
- Families living in kuchha houses
- Families with no earning adult aged 16–59
- Scheduled caste/tribe households
- Landless households dependent on manual labour
Check your eligibility here: Am I Eligible – PM-JAY Portal
Documents Required to Download Ayushman Card
- Aadhaar Card (linked to mobile number)
- Ration Card / SECC 2011 Family ID
- Mobile Number
- ABHA Number (optional but recommended)
How to Download Ayushman Card Using Mobile Number
- Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in using your mobile browser.
- Click the “Am I Eligible” or “Beneficiary” option. Enter your registered mobile number and the captcha code, then click “Verify.”
- You’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) on your mobile. Enter it to log in.
- Select your state, scheme (PMJAY), district, and choose “Search By” as Mobile Number. Enter your number and click “Search.”
- If prompted, click “Do e-KYC.” Select “Aadhaar OTP,” enter your Aadhaar number, and verify using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- After e-KYC, wait 15–20 minutes, then log in again. Find your name in the beneficiary list, click “Download Card,” verify with Aadhaar OTP again, and download the PDF.
How to Download Ayushman Card Using ABHA Number
- Go to the ABHA Website: Visit abha.abdm.gov.in or open the ABHA mobile app.
- Log In: Enter your 14-digit ABHA number or your registered mobile number, along with the captcha code, and click “Login.”
- Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Access Your Health Card: Once logged in, click “View Health Card” to download the Ayushman Card in PDF format.
📌 Note: Your ABHA number must be linked with PM-JAY. If not, link it via the PM-JAY Portal.
Downloading Ayushman Card via the Ayushman App
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY app is a convenient way to download your card. Here’s how to do it:
- Install the App: Download the “PMAJAY-Ayushman Bharat” app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Log In: Open the app, select “Beneficiary,” enter your mobile number, and verify with the OTP.
- Search Beneficiary: Choose your state, scheme (PMJAY), and district. Select “Search By” (Mobile Number or Family ID) and enter the details.
- Download the Card: Click “Download Card” next to your name, verify with Aadhaar OTP, and save the PDF.
The app also lets you check empanelled hospitals and transaction history, making it a handy tool for PMJAY users.
Offline Process to Get Ayushman Card
If you are unable to download online, you can visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) and request your Ayushman Bharat Card.
- Provide your mobile number and verify your identity
- Submit necessary documents like Aadhaar or ration card
- CSC operator will process your application
- Collect your Ayushman Bharat card from the CSC after a few days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I download the Ayushman Card without Aadhaar?
A: No, Aadhaar is mandatory for e-KYC and verification. Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number.
Q: Is the Ayushman Card free?
A: Yes, it’s free for eligible beneficiaries. There are no charges for downloading or using the card.
Q: How long is the Ayushman Card valid?
A: It needs renewal by May 31 every year to continue benefits.
Q: What if I lose my Ayushman Card?
A: You can re-download it anytime using the PMJAY website, app, or DigiLocker with your mobile or ABHA number.
Q: Can I use the Ayushman Card at any hospital?
A: It’s valid only at PMJAY-empanelled hospitals. Check the list on the PMJAY website or app.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Card 2025 gives you ₹5 lakh free health insurance and can be downloaded easily through the PM-JAY portal, ABHA portal, mobile app, or CSC centres. Keep both a digital and printed copy, and always check the hospital list before treatment.