Ayushman Card Registration 2026 is currently open under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Nukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), offering free health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh per family every year. Administered by the National Health Authority (NHA), eligible citizens can complete their registration and access beneficiary details online through the official portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
Ayushman Bharat PMJAY 2026 Overview
The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme stands as the world's largest health assurance initiative, designed to provide financial protection against hospitalization expenses for vulnerable sections. As of September 2026, over 48.5 crore Ayushman Cards have been successfully generated across India, with more than 38,000 empanelled public and private hospitals supporting cashless treatments. The scheme currently covers all 36 states and union territories following the recent inclusion of West Bengal. The table below outlines the core highlights of the initiative.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) |
| Managing Authority | National Health Authority (NHA) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Health Cover | Up to ₹5 Lakh per family per year |
| Official Portal | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
| Total Cards Issued | Over 48.5 Crore (as of September 2026) |
| Empanelled Hospitals | 38,000+ Across India |
Important Dates and Timeline
Tracking key milestones helps beneficiaries stay informed about scheme updates, policy rollouts, and expansion phases across different regions.
| Event / Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Initial Launch | 23 September 2018 |
| West Bengal MoU Signing | 8 June 2026 |
| West Bengal Official Rollout | 1 July 2026 |
| Current Operational Status | Active as of 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Card 2026
Eligibility for the Ayushman Card relies primarily on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database for rural and urban households. Rural categories include families living in one-room mud houses, households without adult male members aged 16-59, families with disabled members, and landless manual labourers. Urban categories cover workers such as street vendors, domestic helpers, construction workers, sanitation workers, cobblers, and transport workers. Furthermore, senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card with an additional ₹5 lakh health cover, completely independent of income limits or SECC criteria.
Application Fee and Financial Benefits
There is no application fee required for Ayushman Card registration; the entire process is free of cost. Approved beneficiaries receive cashless and paperless hospitalization coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually at any empanelled network hospital. The scheme covers pre-existing diseases, medical examinations, consultations, diagnostics, and post-hospitalization care.
Selection and Verification Process
Verification of applicants is conducted through the PMJAY database and Aadhaar-based eKYC. Once an individual logs into the beneficiary portal using a registered mobile number and OTP, the system cross-references location and identity data against eligible socio-economic parameters to confirm status before initiating card generation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
- Navigate to the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in using a web browser.
- Enter your active mobile number and complete the verification using the received OTP.
- Select your respective state, district, and search method using your Aadhaar number, Family ID, or PMJAY ID.
- Review your eligibility status displayed on the dashboard; if ungenerated, click the action button to proceed.
- Complete the eKYC process via Aadhaar authentication, update required personal details, and upload a clear photograph.
- Submit the form and wait for approval to download your digital Ayushman Card.
Official Website Reference
Applicants and beneficiaries can access all services, check eligibility lists, and download approved documents directly through the official website at https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in or via the main portal at https://pmjay.gov.in/.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much health insurance cover does the Ayushman Card provide?
The Ayushman Card provides free cashless health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family every year at empanelled hospitals across India.
Is there any application fee for registering an Ayushman Card?
No, registration for the Ayushman Card is completely free of cost.
Can senior citizens aged 70 and above apply for the scheme?
Yes, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card with ₹5 lakh cover, with no income limit or SECC condition.
What website should I use to apply for the Ayushman Card online?
You can apply online by visiting the official National Health Authority portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
Do I need to renew my Ayushman Card every year?
No, the Ayushman Card does not expire and does not require annual renewal.
Official Links
Details are compiled from official notices. Always confirm eligibility, dates and fees on the official website before applying. Jankari Portal never charges any fee.