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

Online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in OR any empanelled hospital's Pradhan Mantri Aarogya Mitra (PMAM) OR Common Service Centre (CSC).

→ Official source: https://pmjay.gov.in/about/pmjay

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

  1. Gather mandatory documents above before applying — saves a re-visit
  2. Apply via official portal (link above) — no agent needed
  3. Track status: see our status-check guides
  4. If rejected for “documents inadequate”: request specific deficiency under §4(1)(d) RTI Act
  5. For state-specific guidance: see state portals directory

All RTI Wiki tools (free, no login)

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.

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