How to Download Ayushman Card Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Quick answer: You can download your Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) card for free as a digital e-card from beneficiary.nha.gov.in after logging in with your registered mobile number and OTP. A physical printed copy is also available for a small printing fee at your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) if you’d rather have a plastic card.
Key Takeaways
- Downloading the digital e-card yourself online is completely free.
- A small fee (typically around ₹30–50) applies only if you want a physical card printed at a CSC — not for the download itself.
- You need your registered mobile number to receive the OTP used for login.
- The digital e-card (PDF) is accepted at empanelled hospitals the same as a physical card.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
| Requirement | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Registered mobile number | Used to receive the OTP for login |
| Aadhaar number or family ID / ration card | Used to search and confirm your beneficiary record |
| Approved PM-JAY eligibility | You can only download a card once your family’s eligibility has been confirmed |
How to Download Your Ayushman Card Online (Free)
- Go to the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Enter your registered mobile number and the captcha shown, then click Generate OTP.
- Enter the OTP you receive by SMS to log in.
- Search for your family record using your Aadhaar number, ration card, or other listed identifiers.
- Select your name from the matched household members shown.
- If your eKYC is already complete, a Download Card option will appear — select it to save the PDF e-card to your device.
- If eKYC hasn’t been completed yet, you’ll be prompted to complete identity verification (usually Aadhaar-based) before the download option appears.
Getting a Physical Printed Card Instead
If you’d prefer a plastic or printed card rather than a digital PDF, your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) can print one for you. This is a paid service — typically a modest fee in the range of ₹30–50 — because it covers the physical printing and lamination, not the underlying PM-JAY benefit itself. The free digital e-card works identically at hospitals, so printing is a convenience choice rather than a requirement.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Paying a third party to “download” your card online | Downloading the e-card yourself on the official portal costs nothing |
| Assuming the ₹30–50 CSC fee applies to everyone | It applies only if you choose physical printing at a CSC, not to the online download |
| Giving up if “Download Card” doesn’t appear | Complete eKYC verification first — the download option unlocks after that step |
What if You Can’t Access the Portal Yourself
Not everyone has reliable internet access or is comfortable with an online form, and that’s exactly what Common Service Centres exist for. A CSC operator can look up your record, complete eKYC if needed, and either email you the digital card or print a physical one, all using the same official system you’d use yourself. If you go this route, the only charge should be the CSC’s printing fee for a physical card — not a fee to access or generate the card in the first place.
Conclusion
Downloading your Ayushman card is a short, free process once your eligibility and eKYC are confirmed. Keep a saved copy of the PDF on your phone as a backup, even if you also get a physical card printed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downloading the Ayushman card online free?
Yes, downloading the digital e-card from the official beneficiary portal is completely free.
Why do some people pay a fee for their Ayushman card?
The fee, usually around ₹30–50, applies only to getting a physical card printed at a Common Service Centre, not to the online download.
Can I use the digital PDF card at a hospital instead of a physical card?
Yes, the digital e-card is accepted at empanelled hospitals the same as a printed card.
What if the Download Card option doesn’t appear for me?
You likely need to complete eKYC verification first; the download option becomes available once that’s done.
Related: PMJAY Beneficiary Portal guide, Mera PMJAY & UTIITSL eKYC Portal guide, and How to Apply for Ayushman Card.
