The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is one of the largest government-funded health insurance schemes in the world, covering over 55 crore beneficiaries across India. If your name is registered under this scheme, you are entitled to cashless treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year at empanelled public and private hospitals. The Ayushman Card, also known as the ABHA Health Card or PM-JAY card, serves as your official entry point to claim these benefits.
Downloading your Ayushman Card PDF is a straightforward process, but many beneficiaries are unaware of the correct steps, official portals, and documents required. This guide covers the complete process of downloading your Ayushman Card PDF online, verifying your eligibility, and understanding what to do if you face any issues.
What Is the Ayushman Card and Why You Need the PDF
The Ayushman Card is a digital health identity card issued by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Government of India. It contains your unique beneficiary ID, name, registered family members, and a QR code that hospitals use to verify your eligibility at the time of treatment.
Having the PDF version of your Ayushman Card is important for several reasons. Hospitals and empanelled health centres require you to present this card when you seek cashless treatment. Government offices, insurance claim processes, and certain banking institutions that offer co-payment health products may also ask for it as a supporting document. Keeping a downloaded PDF means you always have a backup even if your physical card is lost or damaged.
Beyond direct hospital use, the Ayushman Card links to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which aims to create a unified digital health ecosystem across India. Having your card PDF ready positions you to access connected services including digital health lockers, tele-consultation platforms, and health data portals.
Eligibility Check Before Downloading
Before attempting to download the card, confirm that your name or your family’s name appears in the PM-JAY beneficiary list. Eligibility is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data for rural and urban households. Several states also have their own expanded lists under state health schemes integrated with PM-JAY.
You can check your eligibility through the following official sources:
- The official PM-JAY beneficiary portal at pmjay.gov.in
- The Ayushman App available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store
- Your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Jan Seva Kendra
- Empanelled hospital help desks that have Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras (PAMs)
- State health agency helplines specific to your state government
If your name is not found in the beneficiary list, you may need to contact your state’s health authority or the NHA helpline at 14555 to raise a grievance or verify data.
Documents Required to Download Ayushman Card PDF
To complete the download process online, keep the following documents and details ready before you begin:
| Document / Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card (12-digit number) | Primary identity and OTP-based authentication |
| Registered Mobile Number (linked to Aadhaar) | OTP verification during login |
| Ration Card Number | Alternative eligibility verification |
| PMJAY Beneficiary ID (if already issued) | Direct search for your card record |
| State Name and District | Required to filter beneficiary records |
It is strongly recommended to use your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for the process, as OTP-based verification is the primary authentication method on all official portals.
Step-by-Step Process to Download Ayushman Card PDF Online
The National Health Authority maintains the official Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) portal for card download. The steps below are based on the updated 2026 portal process.
Step 1: Visit the Official Ayushman Bharat Portal
Open your browser and go to the official portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or pmjay.gov.in. These are the only government-authorised websites for Ayushman Card download. Avoid third-party websites that claim to offer this service, as they may collect your Aadhaar and personal data without authorisation.
Step 2: Select Your State and Login Method
On the homepage, select your state from the dropdown menu. The portal will then prompt you to log in. The primary login method is via Aadhaar OTP. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click on “Send OTP.” A one-time password will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Step 3: Enter OTP and Authenticate
Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile within the stipulated time (usually 10 minutes). Once authenticated, you will be directed to the beneficiary dashboard where your family’s PM-JAY records are displayed, provided your name is in the eligible list.
Step 4: Search for Your Beneficiary Record
If your Aadhaar authentication is successful and you are an eligible beneficiary, your record will appear automatically. If not displayed immediately, use the search filters to look up your record by name, family ID, or ration card number along with your district details.
Step 5: Download the Ayushman Card PDF
Once your record appears on the screen, you will see a “Download Card” or “Download PDF” button against your name. Click on it. The system will generate a downloadable PDF of your Ayushman Card containing your unique beneficiary ID, QR code, and family details. Save this PDF to your phone or computer and take a printout for physical use.
Step 6: Verify the Downloaded Card
Open the downloaded PDF and verify that the name, Aadhaar-linked details, and beneficiary ID are correctly printed. The QR code on the card should be scannable. Hospitals use this QR code to pull your eligibility data in real time from the NHA servers before processing cashless admission.
How to Download Ayushman Card PDF Through the Ayushman App
The Ayushman App is the mobile-friendly alternative for beneficiaries who prefer smartphone access. It is available on both Android and iOS platforms and is the recommended method for those without easy access to a desktop or laptop.
- Download and install the Ayushman App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
- Open the app and select your preferred language
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify through the OTP sent to your registered mobile
- Your beneficiary profile will be displayed on the home screen upon successful verification
- Tap on “Download Card” to generate and save the PDF to your phone’s storage
- You can share the PDF directly via WhatsApp or email from within the app
The app also allows family members registered under the same PM-JAY family ID to download their individual cards from a single login. This is particularly useful for families where an elderly parent or a child needs a separate card for hospital admission.
Downloading Ayushman Card from Common Service Centre (CSC)
For beneficiaries in rural areas or those without a smartphone or internet access, the nearest Common Service Centre or Jan Seva Kendra is the most accessible option. CSC operators are authorised by the government to assist with Ayushman Card downloads and printing.
The process at a CSC is as follows:
- Visit your nearest CSC or Gram Panchayat digital centre
- Carry your Aadhaar card and the mobile phone with the registered number
- The CSC operator will log in to the BIS portal using their authorised credentials
- After verifying your identity with an OTP, they will pull your beneficiary record
- The card will be printed and handed to you on the spot
There may be a nominal printing charge at some CSCs. The card download itself is free of cost from the government portal.
Ayushman Card PDF Download Through Empanelled Hospitals
All hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY have a dedicated help desk staffed by a Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitra (PAM). These trained personnel can look up your eligibility, generate your card, and hand you a printed copy at no cost.
This option is particularly useful when you are already at a hospital seeking treatment. The PAM will verify your identity using biometric authentication (fingerprint) or Aadhaar OTP, confirm your eligibility in real time, and generate your card before initiating the cashless admission process.
Benefits You Can Access With the Ayushman Card
Once you have your Ayushman Card PDF downloaded and printed, you are entitled to a wide range of health services at empanelled hospitals across India:
| Category | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Health Cover | Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care |
| Pre-Hospitalisation | Up to 3 days before hospital admission |
| Post-Hospitalisation | Up to 15 days after discharge including medicines and diagnostics |
| Number of Health Packages | Over 1,929 medical procedures and treatment packages |
| Portability | Valid at any empanelled hospital across all states in India |
| Family Size Limit | No cap on family size; all eligible members covered |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered from day one of scheme enrolment |
The scheme covers a broad spectrum of medical conditions including cardiac surgeries, cancer treatment, orthopaedic procedures, maternity care, neurological interventions, and critical care. Beneficiaries do not need to pay any premium or co-payment amount at empanelled hospitals.
What to Do If You Cannot Download the Card
There are several reasons why the download process might not work. Understanding each issue helps you resolve it without repeated failed attempts.
Name Not Found in Beneficiary List
If your name does not appear in the search results, it may be because the Aadhaar number is not seeded to your PM-JAY family record, or your family was not included in the SECC 2011 data. In this case, contact the NHA helpline at 14555 or visit your state health agency office. Some states have their own enrolment windows or additional household surveys that allow new inclusions.
OTP Not Received on Mobile
If you are not receiving the OTP, it is possible that your current mobile number is not the one registered with Aadhaar. Visit your nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre or a designated bank branch to update your mobile number in the UIDAI database. Some public sector banks and regional cooperative banks offer Aadhaar mobile number update services at their branches.
Portal Error or Technical Issues
Government portals may occasionally experience downtime. If the beneficiary portal shows a server error or does not load correctly, try accessing it during off-peak hours, clear your browser cache, or switch to a different browser. Alternatively, use the Ayushman App as a backup channel.
Card Shows Incorrect Details
If the downloaded PDF shows incorrect personal details such as a wrong name or date of birth, file a correction request through the grievance redressal portal at the NHA website or call 14555. You may need to submit a copy of your Aadhaar card and a self-attested correction request.
Linking Ayushman Card With ABHA Health ID
The National Health Authority has introduced the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), a 14-digit health ID that links all your medical records digitally. In 2026, the NHA has integrated the PM-JAY card with the ABHA system, allowing beneficiaries to store their claim history, discharge summaries, diagnostic reports, and prescription records in a single digital health locker.
Linking your Ayushman Card with your ABHA ID is done through the ABHA portal or the Ayushman App by entering your 14-digit ABHA number and verifying via OTP. Once linked, your health data is accessible to doctors at empanelled hospitals with your consent, improving the quality and continuity of care you receive.
Several private health insurance companies and third-party administrators (TPAs) are now integrating with the ABDM ecosystem. This means your ABHA-linked Ayushman Card can eventually serve as a unified health identity for both government-funded and private health insurance claims in the future.
States With Additional Benefits Beyond the Standard Rs 5 Lakh Cover
Several state governments have expanded the PM-JAY scheme with additional state-level top-up coverage. If you are a resident of these states, your Ayushman Card PDF gives you access to higher coverage limits:
| State | Scheme Name | Additional Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | Ayushman Bharat Niramayam | Up to Rs 5 lakh additional for critical illness |
| Chhattisgarh | Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana | Up to Rs 20 lakh per family |
| Rajasthan | Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana | Up to Rs 25 lakh per family |
| Gujarat | MA Vatsalya (Mukhyamantri Amrutam) | Integrated with PM-JAY for expanded cover |
| Jharkhand | Mukhyamantri Swasthya Sathi | Rs 5 lakh additional state top-up |
Beneficiaries in these states should check their state health authority website for updated scheme details and any changes in the enrolment or card download process specific to the state-level integration.
How to Use the Ayushman Card PDF at a Hospital
When you arrive at an empanelled hospital for treatment, follow this process to use your Ayushman Card for cashless admission:
- Go to the PM-JAY help desk or Ayushman Mitra counter at the hospital, which is usually located near the main entrance or outpatient department
- Present your Ayushman Card PDF (printed or on your phone screen) along with your Aadhaar card
- The Ayushman Mitra will scan the QR code on your card and verify your eligibility on the NHA portal in real time
- Biometric authentication using your fingerprint may be required for final verification
- Once verified, the hospital will initiate a pre-authorisation request on the portal before beginning your treatment
- After approval, you are admitted for cashless treatment under the applicable PM-JAY package
- At discharge, you receive a copy of the claim settlement summary; no cash payment is collected from you
In emergency situations, hospitals are required to begin treatment first and complete the verification process within 24 hours of admission. Having your card PDF readily available on your phone ensures the verification can be completed without delay.
Important Things to Remember About Your Ayushman Card PDF
- The Ayushman Card PDF is valid across all states in India, not just the state where you are registered
- The card does not expire, but you should re-download it if your family details are updated or if a new member is added to your record
- Do not share your Aadhaar OTP or beneficiary ID with any unauthorised third party claiming to help with card download
- The download service is completely free through official government channels; no fee should be charged
- Keep both a digital copy on your phone and a physical printed copy at home for quick access during medical emergencies
- If you shift to a new city or state, your Ayushman Card remains valid at any empanelled hospital in that location
- For senior citizens above 70 years of age, an additional coverage layer was announced in 2024 under the PM-JAY Senior Citizen expansion, which provides a separate Rs 5 lakh cover independent of the family limit
Ayushman Card PDF for Senior Citizens Above 70 Years
Under an expansion announced in September 2024 and fully operational in 2026, all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are now eligible for PM-JAY coverage regardless of their income group or SECC classification. This means even families who were previously ineligible due to income criteria can now download an Ayushman Card for elderly members aged 70 and above.
Senior citizens in this category can register through the Ayushman App or the official portal by authenticating via Aadhaar. A separate Vaya Vandana card is issued under this expansion, which provides a standalone Rs 5 lakh cover that does not count against the family’s existing limit. This is a significant benefit for families already covered under PM-JAY, as it effectively doubles the available coverage for households with senior members.
Families where the senior citizen is covered under a central government employee health scheme such as CGHS or ECHS can choose to opt for PM-JAY senior coverage as a top-up or retain their existing scheme, depending on which provides better benefits for their specific medical needs.
Grievance Redressal and Helpline Support
The National Health Authority has a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism for beneficiaries who face problems with eligibility verification, card download, or treatment claims. The primary contact point is the toll-free helpline number 14555, which operates seven days a week and is accessible from all telecom networks including BSNL, Airtel, Jio, and Vi.
You can also raise a written grievance through the NHA grievance portal by submitting your name, beneficiary ID or Aadhaar number, nature of complaint, and hospital details if applicable. State health agencies have their own grievance portals for issues specific to state-level schemes integrated with PM-JAY.
For fraud or misuse complaints, including cases where a hospital has charged a PM-JAY patient illegally or a third party has misused your beneficiary ID, there is a separate fraud reporting mechanism on the NHA website. Such cases are investigated by state vigilance teams and can result in de-empanelment of hospitals and legal action under applicable provisions.