How to apply for e-Shram card — unorganised worker registration (2026)

• Indian, age 16–59
• Unorganised worker (not in EPFO/ESIC/govt employment)
• Income tax non-payer
• Examples: domestic worker, street vendor, agri labourer, construction worker, gig worker, beedi roller, fisherman, etc.

1. Visit eshram.gov.in — Click “Register on e-Shram”. Choose self-registration (Aadhaar OTP) OR CSC route.
2. Aadhaar OTP eKYC — Enter Aadhaar + receive OTP on registered mobile. eKYC auto-fills name, DoB, gender, address.
3. Fill occupation + bank details — 396+ occupation codes (NCO 2015). Bank account (any — not necessarily Aadhaar-linked).
4. Education + skill + family details — Optional but recommended for scheme convergence.
5. Submit + receive UAN — 12-digit Universal Account Number + downloadable e-Shram card. Print & laminate.
6. Auto-enrol in PMSBY — Rs 2L accidental death/disability insurance — free for first year. Renew at Rs 12/year via bank.
7. Link to other schemes — Portal shows scheme convergence — PMSYM pension Rs 3000/month after 60, PM-JAY, ration etc.
8. Annual update — Update employment / address yearly. UAN remains lifetime.

• Online portal: e-Shram
• Offline: Common Service Centres (Rs 0–25), State Seva Kendra. Self-registration is fastest.
• Fee: Free — application, card, PMSBY first-year all free
• Timeline: Same-day issuance of UAN + card (Aadhaar route) · CSC: 1-2 days

See our complete checklist: Documents required for eshram card — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.

• Aadhaar mobile not linked — visit UIDAI centre to link mobile first; e-Shram self-registration fails without OTP.
• EPFO contributor — registration blocked — e-Shram is for UoW only; if you have PF, you're organised. Withdraw inactive PF if applicable.
• Bank account Aadhaar-unlinked — link via NPCI to receive future scheme benefits.
• PMSBY claim denied — within 30 days of accident; family applies via UAN holder bank.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.

Auto-fill the PIO details + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Track your application status: How to check status guide

No — it's a worker identity card. Doesn't guarantee work, but unlocks scheme convergence.

Yes, first year for e-Shram registrants. From year 2: Rs 12/year auto-deducted from bank.

Only if PF is inactive (no contribution >36 months) and you're currently in unorganised sector.

No — separate enrolment. Pay Rs 55–200/month depending on age. Govt matches contribution. Rs 3,000/month pension after age 60.

Re-download free at eshram.gov.in with UAN + Aadhaar OTP.

• How to check status — 25 high-traffic services
• Documents required — 30 checklists
• All state RTI portals
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Official portal: https://eshram.gov.in
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
• Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.