The Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY), also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is one of India’s largest government-funded health insurance schemes. Launched to make healthcare accessible and affordable for the economically weaker sections of society, the scheme continues to evolve with more features in 2025.
If you or your family fall under the eligible category, this scheme can provide free treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empaneled hospitals.
Let’s understand the eligibility, benefits, and how to apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana in 2025.
What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY)?
Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Government of India that provides cashless and paperless medical treatment at public and private empaneled hospitals.
- Coverage Limit: ₹5 lakh per family per year
- Beneficiaries: Over 12 crore families (approx. 55 crore people)
- Hospitals Covered: 25,000+ empaneled hospitals (2025 data)
Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025
The scheme is targeted at economically weaker sections as identified in the SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) 2011 data and those holding ration cards, NFSA cards, or covered under state health schemes.
For Rural Families:
Eligible if any one of the following applies:
- No adult (16–59 years) in the household
- Families with only one room and kutcha walls/roof
- Manual scavenger families
- Landless households earning through daily labor
- SC/ST category without proper shelter or education
For Urban Families:
Workers in specific occupations are eligible:
- Domestic workers
- Ragpickers
- Cobblers, plumbers, masons, security guards
- Drivers, cleaners, electricians, peons, delivery staff, etc.
Other Eligibility Checks (2025):
- Valid ration card or NFSA eligibility
- Linked Aadhaar card and mobile number
- Names appearing in AB-PMJAY eligibility database
Note: Income tax payers and those owning four-wheelers or large properties are not eligible.
Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
- Coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family/year
- For secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
- For secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
- Covers all age groups
- No age limit for insured members
- No age limit for insured members
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- From day 1 of enrollment
- From day 1 of enrollment
- Cashless treatment
- No money required at point of service
- No money required at point of service
- Pre and post-hospitalization expenses
- Including medicines, diagnostics, ICU, OT, consultation
- Including medicines, diagnostics, ICU, OT, consultation
- Wide hospital network
- Includes both government and private hospitals
- Includes both government and private hospitals
- Portability
- Get treatment in any empaneled hospital across India
- Get treatment in any empaneled hospital across India
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana in 2025
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Visit https://mera.pmjay.gov.in
- Enter your mobile number, ration card number, or Aadhaar
- You’ll see if your family is eligible
Step 2: Download Ayushman Card
- Visit the Ayushman Bharat Mitra at the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or hospital
- Submit Aadhaar and photo
- Generate your PM-JAY Ayushman card
Step 3: Visit Empaneled Hospital for Treatment
- Carry your Ayushman card or ration card
- No money required – hospital verifies your card and provides treatment
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (linked with mobile number)
- Ration Card or NFSA card
- Income certificate (if asked)
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile number (for OTP and verification)
Where to Get Help?
- Ayushman Bharat Mitra at every empaneled hospital
- Common Service Centres (CSC)
- Call 14555 or 1800-111-565 (PM-JAY Helpline)
Conclusion:
Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025 continues to be a lifeline for millions of Indian families who cannot afford expensive medical care. It ensures that financial hardship doesn’t become a barrier to health. If you’re eligible, don’t delay — apply and get your Ayushman card today.