How Hospitals Get Empanelled Under PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat)

September 19, 2026September 5, 2026 1 Comment

Quick answer: A hospital becomes PM-JAY-empanelled by registering on the Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM) through hospitals.pmjay.gov.in, meeting infrastructure and staffing requirements, submitting documentation, and passing a physical inspection by the State Health Agency’s District Empanelment Committee. This guide is for hospital administrators — patients don’t need to do any of this.

Key Takeaways

Empanelment is managed by each State Health Agency (SHA), not directly by patients or by NHA alone.
Hospitals need minimum infrastructure — typically at least 10 beds, 24/7 emergency care, and basic diagnostic support — before applying.
NABH accreditation isn’t always mandatory, but it’s preferred and required outright in several states.
Approval involves document review and a physical site inspection, not just an online form.

Basic Eligibility for Hospitals

Requirement	Typical standard
Minimum bed strength	At least 10 beds, including an operation theatre if surgical packages will be offered
Emergency care	Round-the-clock emergency unit with an MBBS doctor available
Diagnostic support	In-house or tied-up laboratory and radiology services
Accreditation	NABH Entry Level certification preferred; mandatory in some states
Digital compliance	Health Facility Registry (HFR) registration through ABDM is required for empanelment and claims processing

Step-by-Step Empanelment Process

Complete a self-assessment against the eligibility criteria before applying.
Register the facility on the Health Facility Registry (HFR) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Create an account on the Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM) at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
Complete the online application with infrastructure, staffing, and specialty details.
Upload required documents — registration certificates, staff credentials, facility approvals, and accreditation proof where applicable.
Pay the applicable application fee, which varies by hospital bed capacity and state.
Undergo a physical inspection by the District Empanelment Committee.
Sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the State Health Agency once approved.
Complete final system activation to go live on the platform.

Processing time varies by state and application volume, so hospitals should expect the full process — from application to activation — to take some weeks rather than days.

Who Approves Empanelment

The State Health Agency (SHA) in each state runs empanelment through a District Empanelment Committee, which reviews applications and conducts the physical verification. This means requirements and processing timelines can differ somewhat from state to state, even though the underlying HEM platform is the same nationwide.

Common Mistakes Hospitals Make

Mistake	What to do instead
Applying before completing HFR registration under ABDM	Register on the Health Facility Registry first — it’s now a prerequisite, not an optional step
Submitting incomplete or low-quality document scans	Follow the file format and size requirements exactly; incomplete submissions delay review
Assuming empanelment automatically covers every specialty	Apply specifically for the packages and specialities the hospital can actually deliver

Staying Empanelled: Ongoing Compliance

Empanelment isn’t a one-time approval — hospitals are expected to maintain the infrastructure and staffing standards they were approved under, and are subject to periodic review. Claims processed through TMS (Transaction Management System) are also monitored, and irregularities can trigger a review of a hospital’s empanelment status. Keeping documentation and accreditation current is worth treating as an ongoing responsibility, not a box ticked once at onboarding.

Conclusion

Empanelment gives a hospital access to a large, steady base of patients through PM-JAY, but it comes with real infrastructure, documentation, and inspection requirements set by the State Health Agency. Hospitals that prepare their HFR registration and documentation thoroughly before applying tend to move through the process faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for PM-JAY hospital empanelment?

Both government and private hospitals meeting minimum infrastructure requirements — at least 10 beds, 24/7 emergency care, and basic diagnostic support.

Is NABH accreditation required for empanelment?

It’s preferred and mandatory in several states, though requirements vary by State Health Agency.

Who approves a hospital’s empanelment application?

The State Health Agency (SHA), through a District Empanelment Committee that reviews documents and conducts a physical inspection.

How long does empanelment typically take?

It varies by state and application volume; hospitals should expect the full process to take some weeks from application to activation.

Ayushman Bharat Treatment & Package List: What’s Covered Under PM-JAY

September 18, 2026September 5, 2026

Quick answer: PM-JAY covers over 1,900 treatment procedures across roughly two dozen medical specialities — including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, general surgery, and more — bundled into fixed-price “packages” under the Health Benefit Package (HBP) list. Coverage goes up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, and the exact package list is periodically revised by the National Health Authority.

Key Takeaways

Treatments are grouped into standardized “packages,” each with a fixed price the hospital is paid regardless of exact costs incurred.
The Health Benefit Package (HBP) list has been revised more than once since PM-JAY launched in 2018, most notably as HBP 2.0 and HBP 2.2, adding, removing, and repricing packages.
Not every hospital offers every package — coverage depends on what a specific hospital is empanelled for.
Pre-existing conditions are covered from day one, with no exclusions based on age, gender, or family size.

How the Package System Works

Rather than reimbursing whatever a hospital happens to charge, PM-JAY pays a fixed, pre-negotiated rate for each defined treatment package — this keeps costs predictable for the scheme and prevents overbilling. A package typically bundles the surgery or procedure itself, associated medicines and consumables, a defined period of pre- and post-hospitalization care, and standard diagnostics tied to that treatment.

Broad Categories of Covered Treatment

Category	Examples
Cardiology & cardiac surgery	Angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve procedures
Oncology	Cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Orthopedics	Joint replacement, fracture surgery, spine procedures
General surgery	Hernia repair, gallbladder removal, appendectomy
Nephrology & urology	Dialysis, kidney stone removal, urological surgery
Neurology & neurosurgery	Brain and spinal surgery, stroke management
Obstetrics & gynecology	Complicated deliveries, gynecological surgery
Critical care	ICU care, ventilator support

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive — the full, current package list with exact codes and prices is maintained by the National Health Authority and updated periodically.

How to Check If a Specific Treatment Is Covered

Ask your treating hospital’s PM-JAY desk directly — they work with the package list daily and can confirm quickly.
Check the official Health Benefit Package documentation published by the National Health Authority for the specific procedure code.
If you’re unsure which category your condition falls under, the PM-JAY helpline (14555) can help point you in the right direction.

What’s Generally Not Covered

Typically excluded	Why
Purely cosmetic procedures	Not classified as medically necessary secondary/tertiary care
Outpatient consultations without hospitalization	PM-JAY is designed around hospitalization-based packages, not routine OPD visits
Treatment at non-empanelled hospitals	Cashless coverage only applies at hospitals empanelled for that specific package

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Assuming a treatment isn’t covered just because one hospital doesn’t offer it	Check the official hospital list for another empanelled hospital that offers that specific package
Relying on an outdated package list found online	Confirm current package details directly with the hospital’s PM-JAY desk or NHA’s official documentation
Assuming pre-existing conditions are excluded	PM-JAY explicitly covers pre-existing conditions from day one, unlike many private insurance policies

Conclusion

PM-JAY’s package-based system covers a genuinely broad range of hospitalization needs, but exact coverage for any specific procedure depends on the current package list and the hospital you visit. When in doubt, the hospital’s own PM-JAY desk is usually the fastest way to get a definitive answer for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments does PM-JAY cover?

Over 1,900 procedures across roughly two dozen medical specialities, organized into fixed-price treatment packages that are periodically revised.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Yes, PM-JAY covers pre-existing conditions from day one, with no waiting period or exclusion based on age, gender, or family size.

Does every empanelled hospital offer every treatment package?

No, coverage depends on which packages a specific hospital is empanelled for — check with the hospital or the official hospital list.

How do I confirm if my specific treatment is covered?

Ask the hospital’s PM-JAY desk directly, check NHA’s official Health Benefit Package documentation, or call the helpline at 14555.

How to Use Your Ayushman Card at a Hospital: Step-by-Step

September 17, 2026September 5, 2026

Quick answer: At an empanelled hospital, visit the dedicated PM-JAY desk (often staffed by an Ayushman Mitra), show your Aadhaar and Ayushman card, and let the hospital verify your eligibility and get pre-authorization before treatment. You don’t pay upfront for covered treatment — the hospital bills PM-JAY directly.

Key Takeaways

Using your card is mostly the hospital’s job, not yours — your role is verification and paperwork, not payment.
Treatment needs pre-authorization from the hospital before it’s confirmed as covered.
Only empanelled hospitals, and only for the packages they’re approved for, offer cashless treatment.
Emergency admissions can start treatment first and complete verification afterward at most hospitals.

Step-by-Step: Using Your Card for Planned Treatment

Confirm the hospital is empanelled and offers the specific treatment you need, using the official hospital search tool.
Bring your Aadhaar, Ayushman card (digital or physical), and any prior medical records or referral documents.
Visit the hospital’s PM-JAY help desk on arrival — look for signage or ask reception for the Ayushman Mitra.
The desk verifies your identity and eligibility, usually against the same beneficiary database used on the portal.
The hospital’s medical team requests pre-authorization for your specific treatment package from the State Health Agency.
Once approved, treatment proceeds as cashless — the hospital bills PM-JAY directly rather than charging you.

Planned vs. Emergency Admission

	Planned treatment	Emergency admission
Verification timing	Before admission	Can start after treatment begins
Pre-authorization	Obtained before the procedure	Often processed retrospectively within a defined window
What you need to bring	Aadhaar, Ayushman card, referral if applicable	Aadhaar and Ayushman card as soon as available; a family member can assist if you can’t

Hospitals are generally required to stabilize and treat genuine emergencies first and sort out PM-JAY paperwork afterward — if a hospital demands upfront cash before treating an emergency, that’s worth escalating to the hospital’s PM-JAY desk supervisor or the scheme’s helpline.

What’s Included Without Extra Cost

Pre-hospitalization expenses for a limited period before admission
The treatment package itself, including surgery, medicines, and consumables covered under that package
Post-hospitalization expenses for a limited period after discharge
Diagnostic tests that are part of the approved package

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Paying cash because a hospital staff member says the card “isn’t working”	Ask them to contact the PM-JAY desk or Ayushman Mitra directly before paying anything
Assuming any procedure at an empanelled hospital is automatically covered	Coverage depends on the specific treatment package the hospital is approved for — confirm before your procedure
Not bringing Aadhaar along with the Ayushman card	Both are typically needed together for identity verification at the hospital desk

If a Hospital Asks You to Pay

A hospital that’s genuinely empanelled for your treatment shouldn’t be asking for payment for a covered package. If this happens, ask specifically whether the procedure falls under a covered PM-JAY package — sometimes a related but different procedure isn’t included, which is a legitimate reason for a partial charge. If you believe you’re being wrongly asked to pay for something that should be free, the PM-JAY helpline (14555) can help you raise the issue with the hospital or State Health Agency.

Conclusion

Using your Ayushman card at a hospital is less about anything you personally do and more about the hospital’s own verification and billing process running correctly. Knowing the steps — and your right to cashless treatment for covered packages — helps you catch it quickly if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay anything upfront at an empanelled hospital?

No, for treatment covered under an approved PM-JAY package, the hospital bills the scheme directly rather than charging you.

What do I need to bring to use my Ayushman card at a hospital?

Your Aadhaar and your Ayushman card (digital or physical); prior medical records help if you have a referral.

Can I get treated in an emergency before verification is complete?

Yes, most hospitals stabilize and treat genuine emergencies first, completing PM-JAY verification and pre-authorization afterward.

What if a hospital asks me to pay despite being empanelled?

Confirm whether your specific treatment is under a covered package; if you believe you’re wrongly asked to pay, contact the PM-JAY helpline at 14555.

Ayushman Card Status Check: How to Verify Yours Online

September 15, 2026September 5, 2026

Quick answer: You can check your Ayushman (PM-JAY) card status for free on the beneficiary portal by logging in with your mobile number and OTP, then searching your household record. The result shows whether your card is active, whether eKYC is complete, and whether you’re eligible to download it — all without visiting an office.

Key Takeaways

Status checking is free and takes just a few minutes on the official beneficiary portal.
You’ll typically need your registered mobile number, plus Aadhaar or ration card details to locate your record.
A status check tells you whether your card is active, pending eKYC, or not yet generated — not just whether you’re “eligible” in general.
If your card shows as inactive or you can’t find your record, a Common Service Centre or your PM-JAY helpline can help troubleshoot.

How to Check Your Ayushman Card Status Online

Visit the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
Enter your registered mobile number and the captcha, then request an OTP.
Enter the OTP to log in.
Search for your household using Aadhaar number, ration card, or other listed identifiers.
Select your name from the household members shown to view your individual status.

What the Different Status Results Mean

Status shown	What it means	Next step
Active / card generated	You’re eligible and your card is ready to download or already issued	Download or keep your existing card handy
Eligible, eKYC pending	You’re eligible but need to complete identity verification first	Complete eKYC via Aadhaar-based verification
Not found	No matching record for the identifiers you searched	Try alternate identifiers, or check with a CSC before assuming ineligibility — our beneficiary list check guide covers searching by ration card, name, or RSBY URN if your mobile number alone isn’t finding a match
Not eligible	The household doesn’t currently meet PM-JAY’s eligibility criteria	Check for a state extension scheme with different eligibility rules

Checking Status by Phone

If you don’t have internet access, you can call the official PM-JAY helpline at 14555 for status and eligibility assistance. A separate helpline, 1800-11-0770, is available specifically for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for beneficiaries aged 70 and above.

Checking Status at a Hospital or CSC

Empanelled hospitals have a PM-JAY help desk (often staffed by an “Ayushman Mitra”) that can look up your status on the spot using your Aadhaar details, which is useful if you need to confirm coverage immediately before treatment. Common Service Centres can perform the same lookup for non-urgent checks and can also assist with eKYC or card generation if your status shows as pending.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Assuming “not found” means permanent ineligibility	Try alternate identifiers or ask a CSC to search using additional details
Paying someone to “check your status” for you online	The check is free and takes a few minutes yourself, or via a government CSC
Not re-checking after completing eKYC	Status updates once eKYC is processed — check again after completing it

Conclusion

A status check is the quickest way to know exactly where your PM-JAY record stands — active, pending, or not yet found — rather than guessing based on general eligibility criteria. If anything looks wrong or incomplete, the helpline and your nearest CSC are both free ways to get it sorted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my Ayushman card status online?

Is there a phone number to check Ayushman card status?

Yes, call the official PM-JAY helpline at 14555; a separate line, 1800-11-0770, serves the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for those 70 and above.

What does ‘eKYC pending’ status mean?

It means you’re eligible but need to complete identity verification before your card can be fully activated or downloaded.

Is checking my status free?

Yes, checking your status online, by phone, or at a Common Service Centre is free.

Ayushman Card Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for PM-JAY

September 14, 2026September 5, 2026 2 Comments

Quick answer: PM-JAY eligibility isn’t based on applying or on income certificates — it’s determined automatically from Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data for rural households and defined occupational categories for urban households, plus certain automatic-inclusion and automatic-exclusion rules. The most reliable way to know if your family qualifies is to search your record directly on the official beneficiary portal, since the underlying criteria are detailed and applied at the household level.

Try it interactively: Use our PM-JAY Eligibility Checker to answer a few quick questions and get an instant, general indication of where your household stands.

Key Takeaways

Eligibility is based on existing SECC and state welfare data, not a new application or income proof you submit.
Rural eligibility uses a set of deprivation-based criteria; urban eligibility uses defined occupational categories.
Some households are automatically included (for example, based on certain welfare scheme memberships) and some are automatically excluded (for example, based on specific asset ownership).
Because the exact criteria are detailed and applied by NHA/state agencies at the household level, checking your own record on the beneficiary portal is the most accurate way to confirm eligibility — general criteria lists are a starting point, not a guarantee.

Rural Eligibility: Deprivation-Based Criteria

In rural areas, eligibility draws on deprivation criteria identified through the SECC, which flag households facing specific forms of socio-economic disadvantage — for example, households with no adult member between certain working ages, female-headed households with no adult male member, households dependent on manual casual labour for income, and households living in single-room or kutcha housing, among other defined categories. NHA’s official policy documentation confirms multiple such deprivation categories apply, but doesn’t publish a single simplified public checklist covering every category in full detail — which is exactly why a direct eligibility search on the beneficiary portal is more reliable than trying to self-assess against a general description.

Urban Eligibility: Occupational Categories

In urban areas, eligibility is generally linked to specific informal-sector occupations rather than housing or asset criteria — categories that have historically included groups such as street vendors, domestic workers, construction and sanitation workers, home-based artisans, and similar occupations with limited job security and social protection. As with the rural criteria, the complete official list is maintained by NHA and applied at the household record level, so the most dependable way to confirm whether your occupation category qualifies is to check your own household’s status directly rather than relying on a general summary.

Automatic Inclusion and Automatic Exclusion

Category	General principle
Automatic inclusion	Certain households are included automatically based on factors like existing enrollment in specific welfare categories, without needing to separately meet the deprivation or occupational criteria
Automatic exclusion	Households meeting certain asset-ownership or income-level thresholds (for example, owning specific categories of vehicles, land, or having salaried government employment) are generally excluded, regardless of other factors

These inclusion and exclusion rules exist precisely to keep the scheme targeted, and the specific thresholds are set and periodically reviewed by NHA and state governments rather than fixed permanently.

Eligibility Under State Extension Schemes

Several states run their own extended health coverage schemes alongside PM-JAY, sometimes broadening eligibility beyond the central criteria or offering coverage under a different state-specific name. If your family doesn’t match the core PM-JAY criteria, it’s worth checking whether your state runs its own extension scheme, since eligibility rules and enrollment can differ from the central program.

How to Actually Check Your Eligibility

Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in and log in with your mobile number and OTP.
Search your household using Aadhaar, ration card, or other listed identifiers.
Review the eligibility status shown against your matched record.

This direct check reflects the actual, detailed criteria applied to your specific household — far more reliably than any general list of categories can.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Assuming eligibility based only on income level	Eligibility depends on specific SECC/occupational criteria and inclusion-exclusion rules, not a simple income cutoff
Concluding ineligibility from a general criteria list alone	Search your actual household record on the beneficiary portal — the applied criteria are more detailed than any summary
Not checking for a state extension scheme	Some states offer broader coverage under their own scheme names

Conclusion

PM-JAY eligibility rules are detailed and applied at the household level using existing government data, which means a general criteria list can only give you a rough sense of where you stand. Checking your specific household record on the official beneficiary portal remains the most accurate way to know for certain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is PM-JAY eligibility decided?

It’s determined from existing SECC data (rural) and defined occupational categories (urban), plus automatic inclusion and exclusion rules — not from a new application.

Is eligibility based on income alone?

No. It depends on specific deprivation or occupational criteria and inclusion-exclusion rules, not a single income threshold.

What’s the most reliable way to check if my family qualifies?

Search your household directly on the official beneficiary portal — general criteria lists are only a rough guide.

Can I be eligible under a state scheme even if I don’t match core PM-JAY criteria?

Possibly — several states run their own extended coverage schemes with different eligibility rules.

Ayushman Bharat Golden Card: What It Actually Means

September 13, 2026September 5, 2026

Quick answer: “Golden Card” is the popular nickname for the PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) beneficiary e-card — the official document confirming your family’s eligibility for cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals. It’s not a separate or premium product; it’s simply the common name people use for the standard Ayushman card.

Key Takeaways

“Golden Card” and “Ayushman card” refer to the same document — the name isn’t official terminology, just widely used shorthand.
It confirms eligibility for cashless, paperless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year under PM-JAY.
It’s different from the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID, which is a separate digital health-records ID under a different initiative.

Where the Name “Golden Card” Comes From

The nickname likely comes from how the scheme has been described in public messaging and local-language media as unlocking valuable, high-value health coverage — treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per family, at no cost at the point of care. Over time, “Golden Card” stuck as an informal name in everyday conversation and search behavior, even though NHA’s official documentation refers to it simply as the Ayushman card or PM-JAY e-card.

Golden Card vs. ABHA ID: A Common Mix-Up

	Ayushman Card (“Golden Card”)	ABHA ID
What it is	Proof of PM-JAY eligibility for ₹5 lakh/year cashless treatment	A unique digital health ID for storing and sharing health records
Who needs it	Only PM-JAY-eligible families	Any Indian resident, regardless of PM-JAY eligibility
Where it’s issued	beneficiary.nha.gov.in	Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) platforms
What it unlocks	Cashless hospital treatment under PM-JAY	Linked digital health records across providers

Both fall under the broader “Ayushman Bharat” umbrella, which is part of why the two get confused — but they solve different problems and having one doesn’t automatically mean you have the other.

What the Golden Card Covers

Cashless hospitalization up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals
Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses within the defined package
Coverage across most public and many empanelled private hospitals nationwide, including outside your home state

How to Get Your Golden Card

If you’re already confirmed as PM-JAY eligible, you can download your card for free from the beneficiary portal after completing eKYC. If you haven’t checked eligibility yet, that’s the first step — the card itself is generated only after eligibility is confirmed.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Searching for a separate “Golden Card scheme”	It’s the same thing as the standard Ayushman/PM-JAY card, not a different program
Confusing it with the ABHA health ID	ABHA is for digital health records; the Golden Card is for PM-JAY treatment eligibility
Paying for a “premium” or “gold-tier” version	There’s only one official card, and it’s free to obtain

Conclusion

“Golden Card” is just an informal, widely-used name for the standard Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) e-card — not a special tier or add-on. If you’re eligible, downloading it costs nothing and works the same way regardless of what you call it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Golden Card different from the regular Ayushman card?

No, “Golden Card” is just a popular nickname for the same PM-JAY beneficiary e-card.

How much coverage does the Golden Card provide?

Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.

Is the Golden Card the same as an ABHA ID?

No. ABHA is a separate digital health-records ID; the Golden Card confirms PM-JAY treatment eligibility specifically.

Do I need to pay to get a Golden Card?

No, obtaining the digital e-card is free once your PM-JAY eligibility is confirmed.

How to Apply for Ayushman Card: Complete Process Explained

September 12, 2026September 5, 2026 3 Comments

Quick answer: There’s no traditional “application form” for an Ayushman card — PM-JAY eligibility is determined from existing SECC and state welfare data. What you actually do is check whether your family is already listed as eligible on the beneficiary portal, complete eKYC identity verification if needed, and then generate your card. If your family isn’t found, a Common Service Centre can help you pursue verification through other listed identifiers.

Key Takeaways

PM-JAY doesn’t work like a loan or scholarship application — there’s no form where you submit income proof to newly qualify.
Eligibility is checked, not applied for, using your Aadhaar, ration card, or other household identifiers against existing government data.
The entire process — eligibility check, eKYC, and card generation — is free through official channels.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in and log in with your mobile number and OTP.
Search for your household using your name, Aadhaar number, ration card, or mobile number.
If a matching record appears with eligible status, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Complete eKYC Verification

If your record is found but eKYC hasn’t been completed, you’ll need to verify your identity — usually via Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric verification — before your card can be generated. This confirms that the person applying matches the beneficiary listed in the record.

Step 3: Generate and Download Your Card

Once eKYC is complete, a Download Card (or Generate Card) option becomes available. This produces your digital e-card, which you can save as a PDF or optionally get printed at a Common Service Centre for a small fee.

Stage	What happens	Cost
Eligibility check	Search your family in existing SECC/state welfare data	Free
eKYC verification	Confirm your identity, usually via Aadhaar	Free
Digital card download	Save your e-card as a PDF	Free
Physical card printing (optional)	Get a plastic card printed at a CSC	Small fee, typically ₹30–50

If Your Family Isn’t Found in the System

Not being found on a first search doesn’t automatically mean you’re ineligible — try alternate spellings of names, a different family member’s details, or your ration card number instead of Aadhaar. If repeated searches still don’t return a match, your nearest Common Service Centre or your state’s health department helpdesk can look into whether your household appears under a different identifier in the underlying welfare data. This is also where genuinely ineligible households will get an accurate answer, rather than continuing to search indefinitely.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Looking for a downloadable “application form” online	There isn’t one — eligibility is checked against existing data, not applied for on paper
Paying an agent who claims they can “get you approved”	Eligibility is determined by existing data, not negotiable through a paid agent
Assuming a failed search means permanent ineligibility	Try alternate identifiers and search fields, or ask a CSC to check on your behalf

Conclusion

“Applying” for an Ayushman card really means checking existing eligibility and completing verification, not filling out a fresh application. Start at the beneficiary portal, complete eKYC if prompted, and your card is ready to download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application form for the Ayushman card?

No. PM-JAY eligibility is determined from existing SECC and state welfare data rather than a submitted application form.

How do I know if my family is eligible?

Search for your household on the beneficiary portal using your Aadhaar number, ration card, or mobile number.

Is there a fee to apply for or generate an Ayushman card?

No, the eligibility check, eKYC, and digital card generation are all free through official channels.

What if my family isn’t found in the eligibility search?

Try alternate names or identifiers, or visit a Common Service Centre for help checking your record.

Mera PMJAY & UTIITSL eKYC Portal: What They Do and When You Need Them

September 10, 2026September 5, 2026

Quick answer: “Mera PMJAY” and the UTIITSL-run eKYC portal (pmjay.utiitsl.com) are related to updating and verifying your existing Ayushman card details — things like re-confirming your identity, updating your photo, or correcting an address. They’re for beneficiaries who already have a record in the system, not for a first-time eligibility check.

Key Takeaways

eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) confirms your identity against your existing PM-JAY record, usually via Aadhaar.
UTIITSL is one of the empanelled agencies handling e-card and eKYC services for PM-JAY in several states.
If you’re checking eligibility for the first time, start at the beneficiary portal instead — eKYC comes after you’re already identified as a beneficiary.

When You’d Actually Need eKYC

Situation	What eKYC does
Your card details don’t match your current ID	Re-verifies your identity against Aadhaar and updates the record
You need to update your photo	Refreshes the photo linked to your Ayushman card
Your address has changed	Updates your registered address for the household
You’re generating your card for the first time after approval	Completes identity verification as part of card issuance

How the eKYC Process Generally Works

Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP.
Select the eKYC option and choose your verification method (commonly Aadhaar-based).
Confirm or update the details shown against your existing record.
Submit — most eKYC updates process quickly, though some may require admin review.

“Mera PMJAY” vs. the Main Beneficiary Portal

“Mera PMJAY” (meaning “my PMJAY”) is sometimes used informally, and occasionally as an app or portal name in specific states, to refer to a beneficiary’s personal view of their own record — checking their card, family members, and coverage details. It isn’t a separate scheme or a competing system; it draws on the same underlying beneficiary data as beneficiary.nha.gov.in. If you find a “Mera PMJAY” branded page or app, the same basic rule applies as anywhere else in this scheme: the official version will be free, will reference nha.gov.in or pmjay.gov.in, and won’t ask you to pay to view your own information.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Using eKYC as a substitute for an initial eligibility check	Check eligibility on the beneficiary portal first — eKYC assumes you’re already identified
Paying a third party to “complete eKYC” for you	eKYC through official channels is free
Assuming Mera PMJAY and the main beneficiary portal are unrelated	They serve the same underlying beneficiary record — treat them as connected, not separate systems

What to Do if eKYC Verification Fails

A failed eKYC attempt is usually a data-matching issue rather than a sign you’re ineligible — the name, date of birth, or address on your Aadhaar record may not exactly match what’s already on file in your PM-JAY beneficiary record. Before assuming there’s a bigger problem, try the process again carefully checking each field, and if it still fails, your nearest Common Service Centre or empanelled hospital’s Ayushman Mitra can usually complete the verification manually using your original documents. Repeated automated failures are common in rural areas where SECC records were entered with minor spelling variations, so a manual check often resolves what the online form can’t.

Conclusion

eKYC is a maintenance step, not a starting point — it exists to keep an already-confirmed beneficiary’s details accurate over time. If you haven’t checked your eligibility yet, that’s the beneficiary portal’s job; eKYC comes afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eKYC required for every PM-JAY beneficiary?

It’s typically required when your identity details need to be verified or updated against your existing record, such as before card generation.

Is there a fee for eKYC?

No, eKYC through official PM-JAY channels is free.

What documents does eKYC usually use?

Aadhaar-based verification is the most common method.

Should I start with eKYC if I’ve never checked my PM-JAY eligibility?

No — check eligibility on the beneficiary portal first; eKYC is a follow-up step for confirmed beneficiaries.

PMJAY UMP Portal: Single Sign-On for Hospital & Scheme Staff

September 9, 2026September 5, 2026

Quick answer: UMP (User Management Portal) is the account and access-management system behind PM-JAY’s staff-facing applications like TMS. Rather than a separate login for every tool, hospital and scheme staff use one UMP account to reach all the applications their role is approved for. It’s built for staff, not for patients checking their own eligibility.

Key Takeaways

UMP is a single sign-on (SSO) layer, not a beneficiary-facing eligibility tool.
Accounts are created through Aadhaar-based eKYC and approved by an admin at the relevant hospital or health agency.
Three role types exist: application users, admins, and super admins (reserved for NHA and State Health Agencies).

How UMP Access Works

Role	What they do
Application user	Requests access to specific tools (e.g. TMS-Provider) to do their assigned job
Admin	Approves or denies role requests, manages active accounts at their entity
Super admin	NHA/State Health Agency level — configures applications and oversees the whole platform

Registering for a UMP Account

Complete self-registration using Aadhaar-based eKYC verification.
Request access to the specific application(s) your role requires.
Wait for your entity’s admin to approve the request.
Once approved, log in once through UMP to reach every authorised application from a single screen.

What “Role-Based Access” Means in Practice

Not every hospital staff member needs the same level of access, and UMP’s role system reflects that. A billing clerk might only be approved for claim submission within TMS, while a hospital’s PM-JAY nodal officer might hold an admin role covering several applications and the ability to approve new staff requests. This matters for beneficiaries mainly in one practical way: if a staff member tells you they “don’t have access” to check or update something, it’s often because their specific UMP role doesn’t cover that function — not that the system itself is broken — and the request may need to go to someone with a broader role at the same hospital.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to do instead
Beneficiaries trying to register on UMP to check their status	Use the beneficiary portal — UMP is for staff, not patients
Creating duplicate accounts for the same person	One eKYC-verified UMP account should cover every approved application
Not knowing who your entity’s admin is	Check with your hospital or health agency’s PM-JAY coordinator before re-registering

Why PM-JAY Uses a Centralized SSO Instead of Per-App Logins

PM-JAY’s staff-facing side involves several separate applications — TMS for claims, and others depending on a hospital or agency’s role — and requiring a different username and password for each would make onboarding and offboarding staff far harder to manage securely. Centralizing access through UMP means an admin can approve, adjust, or revoke a staff member’s access to specific applications from one place, and a staff member only has one eKYC-verified identity to maintain rather than several. This is the same rationale most large institutional systems use for single sign-on, applied to a scheme that spans thousands of empanelled hospitals nationwide.

Conclusion

UMP exists to make life easier for the staff running PM-JAY day to day — one verified login instead of several. It’s not somewhere beneficiaries need to visit, but understanding it clears up a lot of the “which portal do I need” confusion that surrounds the scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UMP for patients or hospital staff?

UMP is for hospital and scheme staff — it manages access to PM-JAY’s internal applications, not beneficiary eligibility checks.

How do I get a UMP account?

Through Aadhaar-based eKYC self-registration, followed by admin approval for the specific application access you need.

What’s the difference between an admin and a super admin on UMP?

Admins manage accounts and approvals at their own hospital or entity; super admins operate at the NHA/State Health Agency level across the whole platform.

Can one UMP login access multiple PM-JAY applications?

Yes — that’s the point of UMP: a single sign-on across every application your role is approved for.

PMJAY TMS Portal for Hospitals: Login, Claims & How It Works

September 8, 2026September 5, 2026

Quick answer: TMS (Transaction Management System) is the portal hospital and healthcare provider staff use to process PM-JAY patient admissions, treatment authorization, and claims. It’s built for empanelled hospital teams, not for patients — if you’re a beneficiary looking for your own status, use the beneficiary portal instead.

Key Takeaways

TMS is the claims-processing backbone of PM-JAY for empanelled hospitals.
Access is role-based and typically managed through UMP (User Management Portal), which handles single sign-on across PM-JAY’s staff-facing applications.
Patients don’t log into TMS — hospital staff use it on their behalf during treatment and billing.

What TMS Actually Handles

When a PM-JAY beneficiary is admitted to an empanelled hospital, someone on the hospital’s team — not the patient — logs into TMS to verify the patient’s eligibility, get pre-authorization for the treatment package, and later submit the claim for reimbursement. This is the system that keeps the “cashless” part of PM-JAY working: the hospital gets paid through TMS rather than billing the patient directly.

TMS function	Who performs it
Patient eligibility verification	Hospital PM-JAY desk / Ayushman Mitra
Treatment pre-authorization	Hospital medical/claims team
Claim submission and tracking	Hospital billing team
Claim approval and payment	State Health Agency / NHA (payer side)

How Hospital Staff Access TMS

Staff accounts are created and approved through UMP, PM-JAY’s unified login system for its applications.
Once a role (such as TMS-Provider) is approved, staff log in with their UMP credentials.
From there, TMS shows the applications and permissions relevant to that hospital’s role.

What Beneficiaries Actually See When TMS Is Involved

You won’t get a TMS login screen as a patient, but you’ll often see its effects indirectly — a hospital’s PM-JAY desk asking for your Aadhaar and Ayushman card before admission, a short wait while your eligibility is confirmed, and later a bill showing “PM-JAY covered” rather than an itemized charge to you. If a hospital tells you a treatment isn’t covered or asks you to pay upfront, that’s worth double-checking against your card’s actual entitlement and the hospital’s empanelment status, since coverage disputes are more often about package classification than about the TMS system malfunctioning.

Common Points of Confusion

Confusion	Clarification
“Why can’t I, as a patient, log into TMS?”	TMS is staff-only by design — patients use the beneficiary portal instead
“Is TMS the same as the beneficiary portal?”	No — different systems, different audiences, different logins
“My hospital says my claim is ‘in TMS’ — what does that mean?”	It means your treatment authorization or claim is being processed on the hospital’s side, not that anything is required from you directly

What Happens if There’s a Delay in TMS Processing

Occasionally a claim sits “in process” in TMS longer than a patient expects — this is usually a documentation or pre-authorization step on the hospital’s side rather than anything wrong with your eligibility. If your hospital’s PM-JAY desk or Ayushman Mitra can’t explain the delay, it’s reasonable to ask them directly what stage the claim is at (eligibility check, pre-authorization, or final claim submission), since each stage involves a different team and a different expected turnaround. As a patient, you generally shouldn’t need to contact TMS or NHA directly — the empanelled hospital is responsible for managing the claim on your behalf.

Conclusion

TMS is what makes cashless treatment possible under PM-JAY, but it operates entirely on the hospital’s side of the process. As a patient, the only portal you should need is the beneficiary one — TMS activity happening behind the scenes is a normal part of your treatment being processed, not something requiring your login.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do patients need to log into the TMS portal?

No. TMS is used by hospital staff to process admissions and claims — patients use the beneficiary portal for their own status.

How do hospital staff get access to TMS?

Through UMP (User Management Portal), which manages role-based single sign-on across PM-JAY’s staff applications.

What does it mean if my claim is ‘in TMS’?

It means your hospital’s team is processing your treatment authorization or claim — no action is typically needed from you.

Is TMS the same login as the beneficiary portal?

No, they’re separate systems for separate audiences with separate logins.