Overview

The Ayushman Card, also known as the Golden Card, is one of the most important healthcare identity cards in India. It is issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program. This scheme allows eligible families to receive free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year at empaneled hospitals across India.

In 2026, the government has made it easier than ever to download the Ayushman Card online, offline, and through the official mobile app. Whether you need the card for hospital admission, medical verification, or simply want a digital copy for future use, the process is quick and straightforward.

In this complete guide, we will explain:

• How to download the Ayushman Card online

• How to download it using the mobile app

• How to get it offline from service centers

• Required documents

• Eligibility criteria

• Common issues and solutions

• FAQs about Ayushman Card download
  
  

Let’s start by understanding what the Ayushman Card actually is.

 What is an Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman Card is a health insurance identity card issued to beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). It confirms that the cardholder is eligible for free treatment under the scheme.

The program was launched by Narendra Modi in 2018 to provide healthcare benefits to economically weaker families.

With this card, beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at thousands of empaneled hospitals across the country.

Key Benefits of Ayushman Card

• Free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year

• Cashless hospitalization

• Coverage for surgeries and critical illnesses

• Access to public and private hospitals

• No age limit

• Covers pre-existing diseases
  
  

The Ayushman Card acts as proof that you are enrolled in the scheme.

Who is Eligible for an Ayushman Card?

Eligibility for the Ayushman Card is determined based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.

Families belonging to economically weaker sections are automatically included in the scheme.

Eligible Categories

Some eligible groups include:

• Families without a proper house

• Landless households

• Daily wage laborers

• Rural workers

• SC/ST households

• Families with disabled members

• Families living in temporary houses

In urban areas, certain occupational categories like drivers, sanitation workers, and street vendors may also qualify.

You can check eligibility through the National Health Authority portal.

Documents Required to Download Ayushman Card

Before downloading your Ayushman Card, make sure you have the following documents ready:

Required Documents

1. Aadhaar Card

2. Registered mobile number

3. Family ID or PMJAY ID

4. Ration card (if required)

5. Basic personal information

These documents help verify your identity in the system.

How to Download Ayushman Card via Mobile App

The government has introduced a mobile app for easy access to the scheme.

You can download the card through the Ayushman App.

Steps to Download via App

1. Install the Ayushman App from the Play Store

2. Open the app

3. Enter your mobile number

4. Verify OTP

5. Search your record using Aadhaar or Family ID

6. Click Download Ayushman Card

You can also store the card digitally on your phone.

How to Check Ayushman Card Status

You can check your status online.

Steps:

1. Visit the PMJAY website

2. Click Check Eligibility

3. Enter mobile number

4. Verify OTP

5. Search using Aadhaar or name

If your record appears, you can download the card immediately.

Benefits of Downloading Ayushman Card

Having a digital copy of your Ayushman Card provides many advantages.

Key Advantages

✔ Quick hospital admission
✔ Instant identity verification
✔ Access anywhere on your phone
✔ No risk of losing the card
✔ Easy replacement if lost

Many hospitals now accept digital Ayushman cards as valid proof.

How to Use Ayushman Card in Hospitals

Once you have downloaded your card, you can use it at empaneled hospitals.

Steps

1. Visit an Ayushman-approved hospital

2. Show your Ayushman Card

3. Hospital verifies your identity

4. Treatment approval is processed

5. You receive cashless treatment

Hospitals connected with the scheme provide treatment without requiring advance payment.

How to Update Details in Ayushman Card

If your personal information is incorrect, you can update it.

Update Methods

• Visit a CSC center

• Update details through Ayushman portal

• Contact Ayushman Mitra at hospital

Documents may be required for verification.

Important Tips for Ayushman Beneficiaries

Follow these tips to make the most of your Ayushman Card.

Helpful Tips

• Always keep a digital copy on your phone

• Verify your eligibility regularly

• Use empaneled hospitals only

• Do not share OTP with anyone

• Update your mobile number if changed

These precautions ensure smooth access to benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I download Ayushman Card using Aadhaar?

Yes, you can download the card using your Aadhaar Card through the PMJAY portal.

2. Is Ayushman Card free?

Yes, the card is completely free for eligible beneficiaries.

3. Can I download Ayushman Card without mobile number?

No, OTP verification is required for security purposes.

4. How long does it take to download the card?

Usually it takes 2–5 minutes once your identity is verified.

5. Can I use a digital Ayushman Card?

Yes, most hospitals accept digital copies of the card.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Card is a powerful healthcare tool that ensures millions of families in India receive quality medical treatment without financial burden. With the digital services introduced in 2026, downloading the card has become easier than ever.

You can now download the Ayushman Card online, through the mobile app, or get it offline from service centers. All you need is your Aadhaar Card, a registered mobile number, and a few minutes to complete the process.

If you are eligible under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), make sure to download your Ayushman Card today and secure access to free healthcare benefits for your family.