Knowing exactly what documents you need before starting the Ayushman Card application process prevents mid process drop offs and wasted trips to CSCs. This complete 2026 checklist breaks down documents needed at each stage, from eligibility check to hospital admission, all sourced from the official National Health Authority.
Core Documents Required for Every Stage
Two documents are absolutely essential at every stage:
- Aadhaar Card, mandatory for identity verification at every step, issued by UIDAI
- Aadhaar linked mobile number, required for OTP based authentication during eKYC
If your mobile is not linked to your Aadhaar, online application becomes impossible. You can either update your number at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra, which takes 24 hours, or use offline alternatives like Face Authentication or fingerprint biometric at a Common Service Centre (CSC).
Stage 1, For Eligibility Verification
To check whether your family qualifies for PMJAY, you need:
- Aadhaar Card of any family member
- Aadhaar linked mobile number for portal login
- Ration Card, which is optional but speeds up SECC based searches
- Family ID if you already have one issued by your state
The eligibility check itself doesn’t require document uploads. The PMJAY beneficiary portal matches your details against the existing SECC 2011 database internally.
Stage 2, For Online Application and eKYC
To complete eKYC and register on PMJAY:
- Aadhaar Card of each family member being registered
- Aadhaar linked mobile number active for OTP verification
- Recent passport size photograph, required for live capture during eKYC
- Ration Card, helpful for SECC based family matching
For senior citizens aged 70 and above applying under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, only Aadhaar is required. No other documents, no income proof, and no SECC verification is needed.
Stage 3, For Card Download
Once approved, downloading your card requires:
- Aadhaar Card of the cardholder
- Aadhaar linked mobile for OTP authentication
- PMJAY Family ID or PMJAY ID, which are auto fetched from the portal during search
The card is delivered as a PDF. Print two copies and store digitally on your phone and DigiLocker for backup.
Stage 4, For Hospital Admission
When using your Ayushman Card at an empanelled hospital, carry:
- Ayushman Card, printed or digital PDF on phone
- Aadhaar Card of the patient, original
- Doctor’s prescription or referral letter, if applicable
- Previous medical records and test reports
- Identity proof of the accompanying family member
The hospital’s PMAM desk verifies your card via QR scan and Aadhaar biometric authentication, then processes the cashless admission.
State Specific Document Variations
Different states may request additional supporting documents:
- Uttar Pradesh: Voter ID and family ID often required during CSC registration
- Bihar: Caste certificate may be requested for SECC verification
- Rajasthan: Bhamashah ID accepted as alternative to Family ID
- Maharashtra: Domicile certificate may be requested in border districts
- Karnataka: Kutumba ID functions as the primary Family ID
- Tamil Nadu: TN CMCHIS Family Card accepted at state empanelled hospitals
- Odisha: BSKY card details may be requested for cross scheme verification. See our Odisha Ayushman Card guide for full details
When in doubt, call the helpline 14555 before visiting a CSC to confirm any state specific requirements.
Alternatives if Documents Are Missing
If You Don’t Have an Aadhaar Card
Aadhaar is mandatory for PMJAY enrollment. If you don’t have one yet, visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra and enroll. Aadhaar enrollment itself is free. Once you receive your Aadhaar, proceed with the PMJAY application.
If Your Aadhaar Linked Mobile Doesn’t Work
Three alternatives exist:
- Use Face Authentication via the Ayushman App, which needs no OTP
- Visit a CSC for fingerprint biometric authentication
- Update your mobile at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, which takes 24 hours
If Your Family Isn’t in SECC 2011
If a family search returns no record at all, you have alternative pathways:
- For citizens aged 70+, switch scheme to PMJAY Vay Vandana and apply with only Aadhaar
- Check state schemes, because many states have parallel health schemes for those outside SECC
- Visit a CSC, where operators have deeper search access than the public portal
- Call 14555 so NHA staff can verify your status against the latest database
What You Do Not Need
These are commonly assumed requirements that are not needed:
- Income proof or salary certificates
- BPL or APL ration card categorization
- Caste certificates, except in specific state cases
- Property documents
- Bank statements
- Domicile certificate in most states
PMJAY eligibility is based on SECC 2011 inclusion or 70+ senior citizen status, not on individual income verification.
Free Versus Paid Services
Every PMJAY related document and service is completely free:
- Aadhaar enrollment is free at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Aadhaar updates for mobile or address may carry a small UIDAI fee
- PMJAY application and eKYC are 100% free
- Ayushman Card download is 100% free
- Card printing at CSC may carry a small operator service fee of ₹20 to ₹50
If anyone asks for payment for the Ayushman Card itself, it’s fraud. Report immediately to 14555.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Ayushman Card?
Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory at every stage of PMJAY. There is no alternative identity document accepted. If you don’t have Aadhaar, enroll at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra first.
What documents are needed for senior citizen Ayushman Card?
Senior citizens aged 70 or above need only an Aadhaar Card to apply under the Vay Vandana Card scheme. No income proof, ration card, or SECC verification is required.
Can I apply for Ayushman Card without a ration card?
Yes. The ration card is optional. You can complete the entire application using only your Aadhaar and Aadhaar linked mobile number.
Do I need to upload documents online during PMJAY application?
No file uploads are required during the PMJAY online process. The portal matches your Aadhaar details against the existing SECC 2011 database internally.
What documents should I carry to the hospital?
Carry your Ayushman Card (printed or PDF), the patient’s original Aadhaar Card, doctor’s prescription if available, and previous medical records. Hospital PMAM staff verify via card QR scan and Aadhaar biometric.
Last Updated: May 2026. Verified from pmjay.gov.in and uidai.gov.in. Helpline: 14555.
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