how to make an Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

how to make an Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) / “Ayushman Bharat Scheme Card” (often called the “Ayushman Card”) in 2025. This covers eligibility, step-by-step application, documents required, how to check status/download the card, and useful tips.
Keywords woven in: Ayushman Card 2025, how to apply Ayushman Card, PMJAY card eligibility, Ayushman Card download, Ayushman Card benefits.

Table of Contents

What is the Ayushman Card and why it matters

The Ayushman Card is issued under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme via PM-JAY and acts as the health-cover identity for eligible families. It enables them to access cashless hospitalisation and treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
With the rising cost of medical care, having an Ayushman Card in 2025 means you or your family can get up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for treatment depending on your state’s implementation.
Thus, knowing how to apply, check eligibility and download the card is very important for many households.

Eligibility: Who can apply for an Ayushman Card in 2025?

Before applying, you must check if you’re qualified. Eligibility criteria have been updated and vary slightly by state, but general rules include:

Households listed in the “Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011” database (especially rural/urban poor) are eligible.
Additional inclusion in 2024-25: gig workers, urban poor, sanitation workers, rickshaw pullers and other deprived categories in some states.
No age limit for the card itself; it covers all members of the family.
For some states/schemes: senior citizens (70 +) get a special top-up benefit.
Must have identity proof (Aadhaar card preferred) and other supporting documents.

Tip: Use the official “Am I Eligible?” tool on the PMJAY website (or your state portal) to check eligibility before going further.

Documents Required for the Ayushman Card

When you’re ready to apply, gather the following documents (exact list may vary by state and centre):

Aadhaar card of the head of the family and/or family members (or Aadhaar enrolment slip).
Ration card or similar family-ID document.
Income certificate (if the state asks for it) or proof of occupation/deprivation.
Bank account details (for linking benefits) – sometimes required.
Passport-size photos of family members (if applying offline).

Make sure all information (name, age, Aadhaar number, mobile number) is accurate, because any mismatch can delay approval.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Ayushman Card in 2025

Here is a clear walkthrough:

Step 1: Check your eligibility online

Go to the official website of the scheme (e.g., National Health Authority (NHA) portal for PMJAY) and click “Am I Eligible?” Enter your Aadhaar or mobile number and verify via OTP.
If your name appears in the eligible list, you can proceed to the application.

Step 2: Visit a registration centre / apply online

You have two main routes:

Online (where available): Some states allow you to apply via portal/app, complete e-KYC and download card.
Offline at a Common Service Centre (CSC) or empanelled hospital: Visit with your documents. At the centre, your biometric details may be captured (fingerprint/face) and the staff will help you fill the form.

Step 3: Document verification & e-KYC

At the centre, staff (often called “Ayushman Mitra”) verify your documents, complete Aadhaar-based KYC, capture biometrics and register your family for the scheme.
Important: Ensure your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar, and the documents are correct.

Step 4: Application submission & approval

Once you submit the form and verification is done, the application is forwarded to the nodal state authority. The approval may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks (depending on state) in 2025.
You will get a message/SMS once approved and your Ayushman Card is ready.

Step 5: Download or collect your Ayushman Card

Download e-card: After approval, you can visit the portal, go to “Download Card” and authenticate via Aadhaar OTP to download your Ayushman Card (PDF).
Physical card collection: If you applied via CSC/hospital, you may collect a printed card (sometimes free, sometimes a nominal charge depending on state) from the same centre.

How to Download / Check Status of Your Ayushman Card

Visit the beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in) or relevant state portal. Search by Aadhaar/family ID/ration card to see your status.
If status is “Not Generated”, click “Apply Now” (if applicable) or visit a centre.
After generation, click “Download Card”, authenticate via Aadhaar OTP and save PDF.
If you face issues (name not listed, error in details etc.), visit your nearest CSC/hospital or call the helpline: 14555 or 1800-111-565.

Key Benefits of Having an Ayushman Card

You get access to cashless hospitalisation in any empanelled public/private hospital across India.
The coverage is up to ₹5 lakh per family per year (subject to state policy).
It covers pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses (for certain days) as defined by the scheme.
No age limit, covers all family members; epidemiological and critical treatments included.
Portability: You can use the card in any empanelled hospital in any state (if scheme is respected across states).

This makes the Ayushman Card a powerful tool for ensuring financial protection in health emergencies.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Name not found / Not eligible: Sometimes families think they are eligible but are not part of SECC list or state inclusion list. In that case, check with the local State Health Agency or CSC.
Aadhaar not linked/mobile mismatch: If your Aadhaar number is not linked to mobile or details differ, KYC can fail. Update Aadhaar details beforehand.
Delay in card issuance: If verification is taking long, revisit the CSC and ask for status or visit the official portal. Keep document copies ready.
Card lost / duplicate needed: Since many states allow download, keep the PDF safely. If physical card lost, visit CSC and ask for re-issue.
Agent frauds: The scheme is free. If someone demands large fee (e.g., Rs. 7000) for issuing card, that is fraud. > “Agent asking Rs 7000/- for Ayushman Card registration … my understanding is that government doesn’t charge anything for registering for Ayushman card?”

Tips for Smooth Application in 2025

Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar and active, since OTP verification is required.
Carry original documents + photocopies. Make sure names, ages and Aadhaar details are matching.
Visit a CSC or empanelled hospital early (morning hours) to avoid long wait.
Ask for help from the “Ayushman Mitra” staff at the centre—they are trained for these registrations.
Check the portal after 7-10 days for status, rather than returning every day.
Download the card PDF and keep a printed photo copy for quick access in emergencies.
Keep your ration card/family ID and Aadhaar ready even if you apply online.
For seniors (70 +), check if your state has special top-up benefit (Ayushman Vay Vandana, etc.) so you don’t miss that.

Summary

In summary, obtaining your Ayushman Card in 2025 involves:

Checking eligibility via official portal (Am I Eligible).
Gathering required documents (Aadhaar, ration card, photos, etc.).
Applying online or walking into a CSC/hospital for registration + e-KYC.
Submitting application & waiting for approval (usually within days/weeks).
Downloading or collecting your card and using it for cashless treatment.

By following these steps, you can secure health security for you and your family under one of India’s largest health-cover schemes.
If you like, I can send you state-wise links or a step-by-step video guide specific to your state (Uttar Pradesh, since you’re in Gorakhpur) for the Ayushman Card. Would you like that?