The Ayushman Bharat Scheme, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is the world’s largest government-funded health protection program launched by the Government of India.
Introduced under the National Health Policy 2017, the scheme aims to provide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to every citizen of the country. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23rd September 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Ayushman Bharat has brought a major transformation in India’s healthcare system. The primary goal of the scheme is to ensure that poor and vulnerable families receive hospital treatment without worrying about medical expenses. Under the initiative, two major components have been integrated:
- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Together, these provide healthcare services ranging from basic checkups to advanced medical treatments.
Main Objective of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme
The main objective of this scheme is to provide free and cashless health insurance to millions of underprivileged families across India. Each eligible family receives up to ₹5 lakh per year for hospitalization—completely free of cost, regardless of the severity of the illness.
The scheme covers 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore people), making it the largest health protection program in the world.
Beneficiary families are identified using SECC 2011 (Socio-Economic Caste Census) data, and the cost of implementation is jointly borne by the Central and State Governments.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme 2025: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Date | 23rd September 2018 |
| Implemented By | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Health Coverage | ₹5,00,000 per family per year |
| Beneficiary Families | 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable households |
| Scheme Type | Health Insurance / Medical Assistance |
| Official Website | pmjay.gov.in |
Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Under PM-JAY, families can avail cashless treatment for serious illnesses in both private and government hospitals. There are no restrictions on family size, age, or pre-existing diseases—everything is covered from day one.
Key Benefits (Step-by-Step)
- Cashless treatment up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year
- Coverage for secondary and tertiary hospitalization
- All pre-existing diseases included
- No limit on the number of family members
- Treatment available in both private and public hospitals
- Coverage of pre- and post-hospitalization expenses
- Free food and accommodation for admitted patients
- 15 days of follow-up care after discharge
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility under PM-JAY is divided into Rural and Urban categories.
Rural Beneficiaries
A rural family is eligible if any of the following conditions apply:
- Lives in a single-room house with kacha (mud) walls/roof
- No adult member aged 16–59 years
- Female-headed household with no adult male member
- Family with a disabled member and no able-bodied support
- Belongs to SC/ST community
- Landless labourers depending solely on daily wages
Urban Beneficiaries
People working in the following professions are eligible:
- Ragpickers, beggars, domestic workers
- Street vendors, cobblers, hawkers
- Construction workers such as plumbers, painters, masons
- Sweepers, sanitation workers, gardeners
- Drivers, conductors, rickshaw/e-rickshaw pullers
- Electricians, mechanics, shop assistants, delivery personnel
How to Apply for the Ayushman Card (PM-JAY e-Card)
The process of obtaining an Ayushman Bharat Card is simple, digital, and hassle-free. The card can be created through:
- Nearest CSC (Common Service Centre)
- PM-JAY empanelled government/private hospital
- PM-JAY official website or UMANG App
Applicants must first check if their name is listed in the SECC 2011 database and then verify their identity. An Arogya Mitra at the centre helps with the process.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the nearest CSC centre or PM-JAY hospital
- Provide your name, mobile number, or ration card number
- Search your name in the SECC database
- Verify your details using Aadhaar or any government-issued ID
- Upload required documents and family details
- On approval, download your PM-JAY e-Card
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card or any valid photo ID
- Address proof
- Mobile number & Email ID
- Ration Card
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate
- Family status proof (joint/nuclear)
Who Is Not Eligible? (Exclusions)
The following families are not covered under PM-JAY:
- Families owning two, three, or four-wheelers
- Owners of advanced agricultural machinery
- Government employees or pensioners
- Families with monthly income above ₹10,000
- Households having a refrigerator or landline connection
- Families living in pucca houses (solid construction)
- Owners of more than 5 acres of agricultural land
Official Source
All information regarding Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY 2025 is available on the official government websites. You can check eligibility, view hospital lists, and apply online for the Ayushman Card.
- Official Website: pmjay.gov.in
- Information Source: myscheme.gov.in