First Understand Your Exact Aadhaar Problem

The solution depends on whether the beneficiary has no Aadhaar, has Aadhaar but cannot receive OTP or has incorrect Aadhaar information.

Is Aadhaar Required for an Ayushman Card?

Aadhaar is commonly used for beneficiary identification, eKYC and prevention of duplicate records. Most beneficiary self-service workflows are designed around Aadhaar-based identity authentication.

However, beneficiary-identification guidance may allow:

• Aadhaar as the primary identity document
• Another valid government ID approved by the applicable state
• Ration card or another recognised Family ID
• PM-JAY ID or an existing beneficiary reference
• Operator-assisted verification
• Additional documents requested by the State Health Agency

Aadhaar Does Not Automatically Create PM-JAY Eligibility

Aadhaar is an identity document. PM-JAY eligibility depends on whether the beneficiary belongs to an eligible family database or qualifies under another applicable category.

• Aadhaar alone does not guarantee an Ayushman Card
• Aadhaar alone does not add a family to PM-JAY
• Aadhaar alone does not provide ₹5 lakh cash
• Aadhaar alone does not approve hospital treatment
• Aadhaar alone does not guarantee package approval
• Not having Aadhaar does not automatically prove ineligibility

Which Alternative Government ID May Be Accepted?

The accepted alternative document is decided by the applicable state, State Health Agency and current beneficiary-identification process.

Depending on the official state workflow, possible documents may include:

• Voter ID card
• PAN card
• Driving licence
• Passport
• Government-issued pensioner card
• Government employee identity card
• Disability identity document
• Another photo-based government identity document
• Another identity record specifically approved by the state

Which Family or Household Documents May Be Needed?

An individual identity document may prove who the person is, while a family document may help connect that person with the eligible household.

Possible family records include:

• Ration card
• State Family ID
• PM-JAY Family ID
• Existing family member’s Ayushman Card
• Existing PM-JAY beneficiary ID
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Adoption or guardianship document
• Another state-approved household document

Documents to Carry Without Aadhaar

Can You Apply Online Without Aadhaar?

The official beneficiary portal and Ayushman App commonly use Aadhaar as a beneficiary-search and eKYC method. A complete non-Aadhaar self-service process may not be displayed for every state or beneficiary.

You may still use online services to:

• Log in with an active mobile number
• Select the correct state and scheme
• Search using Family ID where available
• Search using an existing PM-JAY ID
• Check whether the family is present
• Review the beneficiary list
• Check the current card status
• Locate an existing generated card

How to Apply Through an Authorised Assistance Centre

Operator-assisted service is usually the most practical option when a beneficiary genuinely has no Aadhaar.

Assistance may be available at:

• An authorised Common Service Centre
• A State Health Agency facilitation centre
• A district PM-JAY assistance point
• An authorised beneficiary-enrolment camp
• An Ayushman help desk at an empanelled hospital

1. Call the centre before travelling.
2. Ask whether non-Aadhaar beneficiary identification is currently available.
3. Ask which government photo IDs the state accepts.
4. Carry the beneficiary’s identity and family documents.
5. Carry an active mobile phone.
6. Ask the operator to search for the existing eligible family.
7. Confirm the correct state and scheme.
8. Review every family member shown.
9. Select the correct beneficiary.
10. Ask which alternative verification method is permitted.
11. Review all information before submission.
12. Collect an acknowledgement or reference number.
13. Collect a receipt for any authorised service charge.
14. Collect every original document before leaving.

Get Help at an Empanelled Hospital

An empanelled hospital’s Ayushman help desk may be able to search and verify the beneficiary through the official hospital system.

1. Find a currently empanelled PM-JAY hospital.
2. Visit the Ayushman or PM-JAY help desk.
3. Ask for the Arogya Mitra.
4. Explain that the beneficiary does not have Aadhaar.
5. Provide the accepted alternative government ID.
6. Provide Family ID, ration-card or PM-JAY information.
7. Ask the representative to search the eligible family.
8. Confirm the correct beneficiary.
9. Ask which verification method is available.
10. Ask whether additional state approval is required.
11. Request a clear written or reference-based explanation if verification fails.

How to Find the Eligible Family Without Aadhaar

The operator should search using every genuine identifier available before concluding that the family is not present.

1. Select the correct state.
2. Review every applicable scheme displayed.
3. Search using Family ID.
4. Search using PM-JAY ID.
5. Search using ration-card details where supported.
6. Search using an existing family member’s Ayushman Card.
7. Search using the family head’s information.
8. Review the complete household list.
9. Check whether the beneficiary appears under another family.
10. Check whether a special category applies.

How Alternative Identity Verification May Work

The exact process depends on the State Health Agency and current Beneficiary Identification System.

An authorised process may involve:

• Reviewing the original government photo ID
• Checking the document number
• Matching the name and photograph
• Matching the beneficiary with the eligible family
• Reviewing age and gender information
• Reviewing the family relationship
• Capturing a current photograph
• Uploading approved supporting documents
• Obtaining state or supervisor verification
• Generating an acknowledgement for review

What If Aadhaar Exists but the Registered Mobile Is Unavailable?

This is an Aadhaar-authentication problem, not a no-Aadhaar case.

Possible solutions include:

• Face authentication through the official Ayushman App
• Fingerprint authentication through an authorised operator
• Updating the Aadhaar-registered mobile through UIDAI
• Using another approved identity-verification option displayed by the system

Use Face Authentication When Available

Face authentication may help beneficiaries who possess Aadhaar but cannot use Aadhaar OTP or fingerprint verification.

1. Open the correct beneficiary record.
2. Select eKYC, Redo eKYC or card creation.
3. Select face authentication where displayed.
4. Allow camera access only to the official application.
5. Keep the actual beneficiary physically present.
6. Use bright and even lighting.
7. Keep the face clearly visible.
8. Follow the blinking or movement instructions.
9. Wait for the official authentication result.
10. Capture the beneficiary photograph where requested.
11. Review the information before submission.

Use Fingerprint Authentication When Available

An authorised operator may use a registered biometric device when fingerprint authentication is offered.

1. Visit an authorised service point.
2. Ask the operator to find the correct beneficiary.
3. Select fingerprint authentication.
4. Clean and dry the beneficiary’s finger.
5. Place the finger correctly on the registered device.
6. Try another finger if the first attempt fails.
7. Check whether Aadhaar biometrics are locked.
8. Ask for face authentication if fingerprints are unreadable.
9. Review the authentication result.
10. Submit the eKYC request.

How to Enrol for Aadhaar

A person who has never received Aadhaar may consider Aadhaar enrolment, especially when the current PM-JAY workflow cannot complete card generation through alternative identification.

1. Visit the official UIDAI website.
2. Locate an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised enrolment centre.
3. Book an appointment where available.
4. Carry accepted proof of identity.
5. Carry accepted proof of address.
6. Carry proof of date of birth where required.
7. Complete demographic and biometric enrolment.
8. Review every detail before submission.
9. Collect the enrolment acknowledgement slip.
10. Track the Aadhaar-generation status.
11. Repeat the Ayushman Card process after Aadhaar is generated.

Correct Aadhaar Before Repeating eKYC

A beneficiary who has Aadhaar but faces a name, age, gender, photograph or biometric problem may need a UIDAI update rather than an alternative-ID process.

Possible Aadhaar corrections include:

• Name or spelling
• Date or year of birth
• Gender
• Address
• Mobile number
• Photograph
• Fingerprints
• Iris information

Ayushman Card for a Child Without Aadhaar

A child may not yet have Aadhaar or may be waiting for Aadhaar enrolment. The parent should check the applicable family-member and child identification process.

Possible supporting documents include:

• Birth certificate
• Hospital birth record
• Parents’ Aadhaar cards
• Parents’ Ayushman Cards
• Family ration card
• State Family ID
• Child’s Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement
• Another child identity document accepted by the state

1. Open the existing eligible family record.
2. Check whether the child already appears.
3. Use the supported family-member addition option where applicable.
4. Provide the genuine birth and parent documents.
5. Ask which child verification method is accepted.
6. Save the application acknowledgement.
7. Check the request status.
8. Complete Aadhaar-based verification later if requested.

What If an Elderly Beneficiary Does Not Have Aadhaar?

Elderly people may have no Aadhaar, an outdated Aadhaar photograph, unreadable fingerprints or no access to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Recommended steps:

1. Confirm whether the senior has an Aadhaar number.
2. Check whether Aadhaar can be retrieved or downloaded.
3. Check whether face authentication is available.
4. Try another fingerprint where appropriate.
5. Check whether biometrics are locked.
6. Carry an alternative government photo ID.
7. Carry pension, age and family documents.
8. Visit an authorised operator or hospital help desk.
9. Ask for the current state-approved alternative process.
10. Register a grievance when a valid alternative is wrongly refused.

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card Without Aadhaar

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above may qualify under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card category irrespective of income, subject to official age and identity verification.

If the senior does not have Aadhaar, carry:

• An alternative government photo identity document
• Reliable date-of-birth or age proof
• Active mobile phone
• Family ID or ration-card information
• Existing PM-JAY family details, where available
• Existing public health-scheme information
• Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement, where available

What If the Aadhaar Card Is Lost?

A lost printed Aadhaar card does not mean that the beneficiary has no Aadhaar. The Aadhaar number or e-Aadhaar may be recoverable through UIDAI.

1. Open the official UIDAI website.
2. Use the Aadhaar retrieval service where applicable.
3. Download e-Aadhaar after authentication.
4. Use a masked Aadhaar copy where appropriate.
5. Order another official Aadhaar copy if needed.
6. Return to the official Ayushman eKYC process.

What If Aadhaar Is Locked or Authentication Fails?

Authentication may fail because the Aadhaar number is incorrect, biometrics are locked, demographic details differ or the biometric scan cannot be matched.

Check:

• Aadhaar number entered correctly
• Name and date of birth
• Registered mobile access
• Biometric lock status
• Finger cleanliness and device quality
• Face-authentication lighting
• Whether the correct beneficiary was selected
• Whether another Aadhaar is already linked

Name or Date-of-Birth Mismatch Without Successful eKYC

An operator should not simply overwrite official identity information to force two records to match.

How to Check the Application or Verification Status

1. Open the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
2. Log in using an active mobile number.
3. Select the correct state and scheme.
4. Search using Family ID or PM-JAY ID.
5. Open the correct beneficiary record.
6. Review the identification or eKYC status.
7. Check whether additional documents are required.
8. Check whether the request is under review.
9. Check whether the card is approved and generated.
10. Contact the submitting operator when no status is visible.
11. Use the acknowledgement or complaint number for follow-up.

Download the Ayushman Card After Approval

1. Open the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
2. Log in using an active mobile number.
3. Select the correct state and scheme.
4. Search for the beneficiary.
5. Open the approved beneficiary record.
6. Confirm that the status shows Card Generated.
7. Select the download option.
8. Complete any authentication requested by the official system.
9. Download the official card file.
10. Review the name, photograph and beneficiary ID.
11. Save a secure digital copy.
12. Print a clear copy where necessary.

Can the Card Be Used at a Hospital Without Aadhaar?

The hospital must confirm the actual beneficiary through the official PM-JAY system. A generated Ayushman Card and an accepted alternative government photo ID may support verification when Aadhaar is unavailable, subject to the applicable hospital and state process.

1. Find a currently empanelled PM-JAY hospital.
2. Confirm that the required speciality is available.
3. Carry the generated Ayushman Card.
4. Carry the accepted government photo ID.
5. Carry the family or PM-JAY identification documents.
6. Carry medical reports and prescriptions.
7. Visit the Ayushman help desk.
8. Ask the Arogya Mitra to verify the beneficiary.
9. Explain that Aadhaar is unavailable.
10. Complete the alternative verification requested.
11. Meet the doctor for medical assessment.
12. Ask which treatment package applies.
13. Complete pre-authorisation where required.

What to Do During a Medical Emergency

Do not delay urgent professional medical care while trying to locate Aadhaar or complete a non-emergency card correction.

1. Go to the nearest appropriate emergency facility.
2. Inform hospital staff about the medical emergency.
3. Provide any available Ayushman Card or PM-JAY ID.
4. Provide an available government identity document.
5. Ask a family member to contact the Ayushman help desk.
6. Ask whether beneficiary verification can be completed during treatment.
7. Keep records of any payment made.
8. Collect itemised bills and receipts.
9. Contact official PM-JAY support when assistance is required.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Operator says Aadhaar is compulsory

Ask whether the state permits another valid government ID when Aadhaar is genuinely unavailable. Request guidance from the State Health Agency or PM-JAY helpline.

2. Alternative ID is refused

Ask which identity documents are officially accepted in that state and request the reason for refusal.

3. Family cannot be found without Aadhaar

Search using Family ID, PM-JAY ID, ration card and another existing family member.

4. Beneficiary has Aadhaar but no linked mobile

Use face or fingerprint authentication, or update the mobile number through UIDAI.

5. Aadhaar card is lost

Retrieve or download e-Aadhaar through official UIDAI services.

6. Fingerprint authentication fails

Try another finger or ask whether face authentication is available.

7. Face authentication fails

Improve lighting, clean the camera and confirm that the actual beneficiary is selected.

8. Alternative-ID request remains pending

Use the acknowledgement number and ask whether manual verification or an additional document is required.

9. Card is approved but cannot be downloaded

Confirm whether the status has reached Card Generated and ask the submitting operator for assistance.

10. Agent offers Aadhaar for instant payment

Do not proceed. Aadhaar enrolment and PM-JAY beneficiary services should be completed only through authorised channels.

11. Operator wants to use a relative’s Aadhaar

Refuse. Every beneficiary must be connected with their own genuine identity.

12. Hospital refuses a valid alternative ID

Ask for the Arogya Mitra or nodal officer and request a written explanation. Contact the PM-JAY helpline when necessary.

Complaint and Official PM-JAY Helpline

Contact official support when an eligible beneficiary cannot access the alternative-ID process, an operator requests another person’s Aadhaar or a hospital refuses to explain the verification requirement.

Keep the following information ready:

• Beneficiary’s full name
• State and district
• Family ID or ration-card number
• PM-JAY ID, where available
• Existing Ayushman Card, where available
• Alternative government ID used
• Reason Aadhaar is unavailable
• Name of the CSC or assistance centre
• Hospital name and branch, where relevant
• Exact error or refusal statement
• Application acknowledgement or screenshot
• Amount demanded or paid, where relevant

Fraud and Safety Precautions

• Do not use another person’s Aadhaar
• Do not share an Aadhaar OTP with an unknown caller
• Do not install an unknown Ayushman APK
• Do not upload identity documents to an unofficial website
• Do not pay for guaranteed PM-JAY eligibility
• Do not buy a fake Aadhaar or Ayushman Card
• Do not submit edited government documents
• Do not use another person’s face or fingerprint
• Do not create duplicate beneficiary records
• Do not leave original documents permanently with an operator
• Do not sign blank forms
• Do not share an ATM PIN, UPI PIN, CVV or banking password
• Do not believe promises of ₹5 lakh cash transfer
• Do not publicly post identity or card images

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Aadhaar is commonly used for Ayushman Card beneficiary identification and eKYC, but a person who genuinely has no Aadhaar should ask for the alternative government-ID process approved by the applicable state.

Carry a valid government photo ID, family documents and any existing PM-JAY information. Visit an authorised assistance centre or empanelled hospital help desk, and ask the operator to locate the eligible family before submitting identity documents.

When Aadhaar exists but OTP, fingerprint or demographic information causes failure, use face authentication, biometric assistance or UIDAI correction instead of creating a duplicate beneficiary. Never use another person’s Aadhaar or pay an agent for guaranteed approval.