Mumbai, February 21: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) continues to be the cornerstone of India’s public healthcare, providing a life-saving health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year. As of February 2026, the registration process has been significantly streamlined, incorporating expanded eligibility for senior citizens and a fully digital "Self-Registration" portal.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or looking to enroll elderly family members, the current system prioritises Aadhaar-based authentication to ensure paperless and cashless access to over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across the country. How To Download Ayushman Card Online?

Eligibility and New 2026 Mandates

Before beginning the registration, it is essential to verify your eligibility, as the scheme is database-driven. Traditionally, eligibility was based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC 2011) for rural and urban poor. However, a major policy update now includes all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income or socio-economic status.

  • Rural Criteria: Families living in one-room "kucha" houses, landless laborers, or SC/ST households.

  • Urban Criteria: Identified occupational groups such as street vendors, ragpickers, domestic workers, and construction laborers.

  • Senior Citizens (70+): Eligible for a distinct Ayushman Vay Vandana Card with a dedicated INR 5 lakh top-up, even if the rest of the family is already covered.

Ayushman Card: Step-by-Step Online Registration Process

For those with a stable internet connection and a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar, the digital route is the most efficient.

  • Go to the official National Health Authority (NHA) beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.

  • Select the ‘Beneficiary’ option, enter your mobile number, and verify it using the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your device.

  • Select your State, Scheme (PMJAY), and District. Search for your record using your Aadhaar Number or Family ID (Ration Card).

  • If your name appears in the list with a "Pending" or "Not Generated" status, click on the e-KYC icon. You can authenticate using Aadhaar OTP, Fingerprint, or Face Authentication.

  • Once the e-KYC is submitted, the request is reviewed by state authorities. Approval typically takes between 24 to 48 hours.

Registration via the 'Ayushman App'

The government has optimised the Ayushman App (available on the Google Play Store) for mobile users. The app features a "Face Auth" capability, allowing users to complete their e-KYC simply by taking a live photograph. This has proven particularly useful for rural areas where biometric fingerprint scanners may not be readily available. PM Kisan Yojana 22nd Installment Date: When Will Farmers Receive Latest Kist of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme?

Offline Registration: CSC and Empanelled Hospitals

If you face technical difficulties or do not have access to a smartphone, you can register offline at any Common Service Centre (CSC) or a PMJAY Kiosk located in government and major private hospitals.

  • Look for the "Ayushman Mitra" at the hospital help desk.

  • Provide your Aadhaar card and Ration card.

  • The operator will take your thumb impression or iris scan to verify your identity against the national database.

  • Once verified, you can receive a physical printout of your card for a nominal fee (usually around INR 30).

Mandatory Documents for 2026

In 2026, the reliance on physical paperwork has diminished. However, ensuring your digital records match is vital to prevent rejection.

  • Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for all applicants. The name and date of birth on your Aadhaar must match your Ration Card or the government's beneficiary list.

  • Ration Card / Family ID: Required to link family members under the same INR 5 lakh cover.

  • Active Mobile Number: Essential for receiving OTPs and status updates.

Most applications in 2026 are rejected due to Aadhaar Mismatch. If there is even a minor spelling difference in your name between your Aadhaar and your Ration card, the system may flag the entry. It is highly recommended to update your Aadhaar details at a local Aadhaar Kendra before initiating the Ayushman registration.

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TruLY Score 5 – Trustworthy | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 5 on LatestLY. It is verified through official sources (National Health Authority ). The information is thoroughly cross-checked and confirmed. You can confidently share this article with your friends and family, knowing it is trustworthy and reliable.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2026 12:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).