The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the world’s largest government-funded health insurance schemes. It provides free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year to economically weaker sections of society. However, not everyone in India is eligible for an Ayushman card. Eligibility is strictly defined based on socio-economic criteria set by the government.
Understanding who qualifies for the Ayushman card is essential before applying, as the scheme is not income-based but deprivation-based.
What Is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman card is a digital health card issued to beneficiaries under PM-JAY. It allows cashless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals across India. The card covers secondary and tertiary healthcare services, including surgeries, hospitalisation, medicines, and diagnostics.
How Eligibility for Ayushman Card Is Decided
Eligibility is determined using data from the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 for rural and urban households. State governments may also add additional beneficiaries based on local criteria.
There is no registration or application process to become eligible. If your name exists in the PM-JAY database, you can generate the card.
Ayushman Card Eligibility for Rural Areas
In rural India, eligibility is based on deprivation and occupational criteria.
Rural households eligible for Ayushman card include:
- Families living in a single-room house with kucha walls and roof
- Households without any adult member aged 16–59 years
- Families with no able-bodied adult members
- Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households
- Landless families earning major income from manual labour
These conditions aim to support families with minimal income stability and limited access to healthcare.
Ayushman Card Eligibility for Urban Areas
Urban eligibility is based on occupation rather than housing conditions.
Eligible urban workers include:
- Rag pickers
- Beggars
- Domestic workers
- Street vendors, hawkers, and repair workers
- Construction workers, masons, and labourers
- Drivers, conductors, helpers
- Plumbers, electricians, painters, welders
- Security guards and watchmen
Only families engaged in these identified occupations qualify under PM-JAY in urban areas.
Who Is Not Eligible for Ayushman Card?
Certain categories are automatically excluded, even if they apply.
You are not eligible if:
- You own a four-wheeler or motorized vehicle
- You own mechanized farming equipment
- You have government employment
- You are an income tax payer
- You own a pucca house with more than two rooms
These exclusions ensure that benefits reach only the most deserving households.
Documents Required to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility
Although documents are not required to “apply,” the following are needed to verify and generate the card:
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Family ID (if applicable)
Biometric or OTP verification is used to confirm identity.
Overview Table: Ayushman Card Eligibility Summary
| Category | Basis of Eligibility | Key Criteria | Coverage Limit | Applicable Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Households | SECC 2011 | Deprivation indicators | ₹5 lakh per family | Rural India |
| Urban Workers | SECC 2011 | Occupational category | ₹5 lakh per family | Urban India |
| SC/ST Families | Social category | Automatically included | ₹5 lakh per family | All regions |
| Landless Laborers | Income source | Manual labour dependency | ₹5 lakh per family | Rural areas |
| State-added Beneficiaries | State policy | Additional inclusion | ₹5 lakh per family | Selected states |
How to Check If You Are Eligible for Ayushman Card
You can check eligibility easily using official channels:
- Visit the official PM-JAY website
- Enter your mobile number and verify via OTP
- Search using Aadhaar number, ration card, or name
- Check if your family appears in the beneficiary list
If eligible, you can download or print the Ayushman card instantly.
Special Note on State-Specific Eligibility
Some states have expanded coverage beyond SECC criteria. States like Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal have their own health schemes or modified versions of PM-JAY. Eligibility rules may differ slightly depending on your state of residence.
Key Benefits for Eligible Families
- Cashless hospitalisation across India
- No restriction on family size or age
- Covers pre-existing diseases
- Includes surgeries, diagnostics, and medicines
- Portable across all empanelled hospitals
Final Thoughts
The Ayushman card is a lifeline for millions of families who cannot afford expensive medical treatment. Eligibility is carefully designed to target economically and socially vulnerable households rather than income slabs. If your family meets the SECC-based criteria, you are entitled to comprehensive healthcare coverage without paying a single rupee.
Checking your eligibility takes only a few minutes and can secure financial protection during medical emergencies.
One-Line FAQs
- Is Ayushman card available to everyone in India?
No, it is only available to eligible families listed under SECC criteria. - Can a salaried person apply for Ayushman card?
No, government employees and income tax payers are not eligible. - Does Ayushman card cover the entire family?
Yes, it provides ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year.