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Which Documents Are Required for the Ayushman Bharat Card?
- What Is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
- List of Documents Required for the Ayushman Bharat Card
- Quick Summary Table of Documents
- Documents Do Not Decide Eligibility
- How to Create Your Ayushman Bharat Card
- Documents Needed at the Hospital
- Common Document Problems and How to Fix Them
- If You Are Not Eligible: Other Options
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The main documents required for the Ayushman Bharat card are your Aadhaar card for e-KYC and a mobile number, ideally linked to Aadhaar, along with any family identification your State uses, such as a ration card or State family ID. Your name must also appear in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) beneficiary database, because documents alone do not make you eligible.
This guide lists the documents typically needed, explains the role of each, and walks you through the card creation process and common problems.
Key Takeaways
- Aadhaar is the key document for creating the Ayushman Card, as identity is verified through Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
- A working mobile number, preferably linked to Aadhaar, is needed for OTP verification and updates.
- Some States may ask for a ration card or State family ID to confirm family details.
- Eligibility comes from the PM-JAY beneficiary database and scheme criteria, not from submitting documents.
- The card is free and can be created through the official beneficiary portal, the Ayushman app, Common Service Centres or empanelled hospital help desks.
What Is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat card, commonly called the Ayushman Card, is the beneficiary card under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. It lets eligible families access cashless, paperless hospital treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals, with cover per family on a floater basis every year, as per scheme guidelines. The scheme is administered by the National Health Authority (NHA) and implemented through State Health Agencies.
Each eligible member of a family can generate an individual Ayushman Card. Senior citizens who qualify under the senior citizen expansion of the scheme receive the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. More information is available on the official PM-JAY website.
List of Documents Required for the Ayushman Bharat Card
The documents below are those typically requested. Requirements can vary slightly by State and by the channel you use, so check the official portal or ask at the help desk.
Aadhaar card
Aadhaar is the primary document. Your identity is verified through Aadhaar-based e-KYC using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, fingerprint or iris authentication, or face authentication where available. The name, date of birth and gender on your card are taken from Aadhaar.
Mobile number
A working mobile number is needed to log in and receive OTPs. It is most convenient when the number is linked to your Aadhaar, as Aadhaar OTP verification will then work smoothly.
Ration card or State family ID
Many States use ration cards or a State family ID to identify households and their members. If your State uses such a document, you may be asked for it to locate your family in the beneficiary list or to add eligible family members.
PM letter or beneficiary communication, if received
Some families received a letter or communication about their eligibility. If you have it, keep it handy, as it can help locate your record. It is not mandatory.
Live photograph
A live photograph is usually captured during e-KYC through the app or at the help desk, so you generally do not need to bring printed photographs.
Documents for family members
Each family member who wants an individual card needs to complete e-KYC with their own Aadhaar. For children, the process may vary by State; some allow card generation using the child's Aadhaar, and others have provisions linked to a parent or guardian. Check the latest rules with the help desk.
Quick Summary Table of Documents
| Document | Purpose | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity verification through e-KYC | Generally yes |
| Mobile number | OTP verification and login | Generally yes |
| Ration card or State family ID | Confirming household and family members | Depends on the State |
| PM letter or eligibility communication | Locating your beneficiary record | No, helpful if available |
| Live photograph | Printed on the card | Captured during e-KYC |
| Proof of age | Age check for the senior citizen category | Generally verified through Aadhaar |
Documents Do Not Decide Eligibility
A common misunderstanding is that submitting documents makes a person eligible for the Ayushman Card. In reality, eligibility under PM-JAY is determined by the scheme's criteria:
- Deprivation and occupational criteria from the Socio-Economic Caste Census database.
- Additional groups included by the Central Government, such as certain frontline worker categories and their families.
- Groups added by State Governments under their own expansions.
- Senior citizens above the senior age threshold, irrespective of income, under the senior citizen expansion.
Your documents are used to verify your identity and match you to the beneficiary database. Start by checking your status on the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal. Related read: Difference Between Ayushman Bharat and Private Health Insurance.
How to Create Your Ayushman Bharat Card
After gathering your documents, you can create the card through any of these official channels: the beneficiary portal, the Ayushman app, a Common Service Centre, or the Ayushman Mitra help desk at an empanelled hospital. The online process generally follows these actions:
- Log in: open the beneficiary portal or the Ayushman app and log in with your mobile number and OTP.
- Search for your family: select your State and search using your Aadhaar, ration card, family ID or other options offered.
- Select the member: choose the family member for whom the card is to be created.
- Complete e-KYC: verify identity through Aadhaar OTP, biometric or face authentication.
- Capture photograph and confirm details: confirm details and capture a live photo where required.
- Submit and wait for approval: the request is verified as per the scheme process.
- Download the card: after approval, download the Ayushman Card from the portal or app.
Creating the card is free. Be wary of anyone asking for money to generate or print your Ayushman Card.
Documents Needed at the Hospital
When you go to an empanelled hospital for treatment, keep these ready:
- Your Ayushman Card, either printed or in digital form.
- Your Aadhaar card, which the Ayushman Mitra may use to verify your identity.
- Any referral letter, if required by your State's rules for the treatment.
- Previous medical records and prescriptions relevant to your condition.
Even if you do not have a printed card, an eligible beneficiary can usually be verified through Aadhaar at the hospital help desk. Digital records can also be kept organised through your ABHA. Related read: ABHA Health Card Registration: What It Is and Key Benefits.
Common Document Problems and How to Fix Them
Mobile number not linked to Aadhaar
If OTP verification fails, update or link your mobile number at an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre, or use biometric e-KYC at a Common Service Centre or hospital help desk.
Name or details mismatch
If your name in the beneficiary list differs from Aadhaar, the help desk may be able to resolve minor mismatches through the scheme's verification process. Larger corrections may need updates to Aadhaar or State records.
Family member missing from the list
Some States allow eligible family members to be added using a ration card or State family ID. Ask your State Health Agency about the procedure.
Card request pending or rejected
Check the status on the portal or app. If it remains pending or is rejected, contact the official helpline or visit a help desk with your documents.
If You Are Not Eligible: Other Options
If your name does not appear in the beneficiary database and you do not fall under any added category, you can explore State health schemes, employer-linked cover such as ESIC, or private health insurance.
A private health insurance plan from an insurer such as ManipalCigna can be bought by individuals and families who meet the insurer's underwriting norms. Depending on the plan, it may offer a choice of sum insured, cashless treatment at network hospitals and cover for pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses, all subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Related read: Difference Between PM-JAY and CGHS.
Whether or not you qualify for the Ayushman Card, planning ahead for medical costs matters. Explore ManipalCigna health insurance plans to find cover for your family, subject to policy terms and conditions.
FAQs
Is Aadhaar mandatory for the Ayushman Bharat card?
Aadhaar is generally the key document for creating the Ayushman Card, because identity is verified through Aadhaar-based e-KYC using OTP, biometric or face authentication. If you face problems with Aadhaar, contact the help desk at an empanelled hospital, a Common Service Centre or your State Health Agency to learn about any alternatives allowed under current rules.
Is a ration card required for the Ayushman card?
It depends on your State. Many States use ration cards or a State family ID to identify households and add eligible family members, so you may be asked for it. In other cases, Aadhaar-based search and e-KYC are enough. Check the requirements on the official beneficiary portal or with the Ayushman Mitra at a hospital.
Do I need an income certificate for the Ayushman card?
Generally, no. Eligibility under PM-JAY is based on the beneficiary database built from deprivation and occupational criteria and additions made by the Centre and States, not on a fresh income certificate. Senior citizens above the senior age threshold are eligible irrespective of income. Your documents are mainly used to verify identity and match your record.
Can I create the Ayushman card without a mobile number linked to Aadhaar?
You can usually still create the card through biometric or face authentication at a Common Service Centre or an empanelled hospital help desk, if your Aadhaar OTP cannot be received. Linking your mobile number to Aadhaar makes the online process easier. Check the e-KYC options available on the official app and portal.
Which documents should I carry to the hospital for Ayushman treatment?
Carry your Ayushman Card in printed or digital form, your Aadhaar card, any referral letter required by your State, and relevant medical records. If you do not have the card, an eligible beneficiary can often be verified through Aadhaar at the Ayushman Mitra help desk of the empanelled hospital.
Is there any fee for making the Ayushman Bharat card?
Creating the Ayushman Card through official channels is free for eligible beneficiaries. Avoid agents or websites that ask for payment to generate, approve or print the card. Use only the official beneficiary portal, the Ayushman app, Common Service Centres or empanelled hospital help desks, and report any misuse to the official helpline.
Conclusion
For most people, the documents required for the Ayushman Bharat card are simple: an Aadhaar card for e-KYC, a mobile number, and in some States a ration card or family ID. What matters most is being listed in the PM-JAY beneficiary database or belonging to a category added by the Centre or your State.
Check your eligibility on the official portal, keep your documents updated and create your card through official channels only. If you are not eligible, or want broader protection, consider private health insurance alongside any government cover you have.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and awareness only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial or insurance advice. Government scheme details, eligibility criteria, benefits and processes are decided by the respective authorities and may change from time to time; please refer to the official government portals or contact the relevant authority for the latest information. Health insurance benefits are subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the specific policy. Please read the policy wording and sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation.
