Documents required for Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) card (2026)
Direct answer. Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) provides Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for hospital treatment at empanelled hospitals. Auto-eligibility for SECC 2011-listed families. Documents: Aadhaar (verification) + ration card + mobile. No application form — eligibility check + e-card download at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
Mandatory documents
Aadhaar of all family members — Eligibility verification + biometric authentication at hospital
Ration card — Family composition proof
Mobile number (Aadhaar-linked) — For OTP-based authentication
SECC 2011 ID number — If known; else search by name + state
Income proof (for state top-up schemes) — Where state extends coverage
Photograph (for printed card) — Recent, white background
Optional / situational documents
PM Letter (Ayushman card invitation) — Sent to verified beneficiaries — speeds enrollment
Ration card type (BPL/AAY) — Strengthens eligibility claim
Caste certificate — For SC/ST priority and state top-up schemes
Job card MGNREGA — For rural beneficiaries — supplementary
Specifications + key rules
Eligibility: SECC 2011 deprivation criteria (D1-D7 categories) + occupation criteria. Rural: 6 deprivation criteria, urban: 11 occupational categories.
Senior Citizens 70+: universal coverage announced 2024 — no SECC needed.
Coverage: Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, secondary + tertiary care, 1,800+ procedures.
Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals (29,000+ across India). Show e-card + Aadhaar at admission.
No fee for card; no premium; no enrollment cost.
State top-ups — Maharashtra MJPJAY (+Rs. 1.5L), Punjab Sehat Sathi, MP Mukhyamantri Jeevan Suraksha extend coverage.
Where to apply
If you don't have all documents
If you are SECC-eligible but card not generated, file RTI to State Health Agency (SHA) under §6 for eligibility status + reason for non-issuance + projected issuance.
→ Use our 🪄 AI RTI Drafter to generate a free §6(1) application asking for the rejection reason in 60 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible if my name isn't in SECC 2011?
Limited. Some states (Maharashtra, Punjab) added post-SECC categories. Check state-specific. Senior citizens 70+: universally eligible since 2024.
Hospital refused cashless — what to do?
Insist on PMAM contact at hospital. If still refused, file complaint at SHA + RTI for hospital empanelment terms.
Can I use card in any state?
Yes — full portability across India.
What's NOT covered?
OPD generally not covered. Pre-existing conditions covered. Specific exclusions: cosmetic, fertility (IVF), mental health (limited).
Premium?
ZERO premium for beneficiaries. Govt subsidises entirely.
Summary + next steps
Gather mandatory documents above before applying — saves a re-visit
Apply via official portal (link above) — no agent needed
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If rejected for “documents inadequate”: request specific deficiency under §4(1)(d) RTI Act
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AwaazRTI — voice-to-RTI in 11 Indian languages
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Sources
Statutory references: as cited in Specifications above
Official portal: linked in “Where to apply” above
RTI Act 2005 §§4, 6, 7, 19
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.