Understanding DigiLocker and Its Relevance to Ayushman Bharat

DigiLocker, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Digital India initiative, offers a paperless and hassle-free method for citizens to store and access verified documents. For Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries, DigiLocker simplifies the card download process by eliminating the need for physical visits to a health center or downloading it through multiple verification steps on the PMJAY portals. This ensures greater convenience, especially for people in rural and semi-urban areas who may have limited access to hospital registration centers.

Registering or Logging Into DigiLocker for Card Access

To begin the process, individuals must first access the DigiLocker platform either via the website or mobile application. Existing users can log in using their credentials, while new users can register by providing a valid mobile number, Aadhaar number, and setting up a secure username and password. The platform uses OTP-based verification linked to the Aadhaar database to ensure the authenticity of the user.

Once logged in, the homepage provides a search bar where users can locate services offered by various departments. This is the starting point for finding the Ayushman Bharat Card service within the DigiLocker ecosystem.

Navigating to the Ayushman Bharat Document Section

After accessing the search bar on the DigiLocker dashboard, the user should type in “Ayushman Bharat” to view relevant services linked to the scheme. Among the search results, the correct selection is “Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).” Upon clicking this option, the system redirects to a dedicated page where the required details must be entered to fetch the Ayushman Card.

Entering Required Details for Verification

On the PMJAY document page within DigiLocker, the user must input the PMJAY ID, often beginning with a prefix like “PMJAY0000,” which is unique to every beneficiary. In addition to the ID, the user must select the state in which they originally applied for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. These two data points—PMJAY ID and state—help the system trace the cardholder's records within the government’s health database.

Once these details are submitted, DigiLocker interacts with the central health database to retrieve the corresponding Ayushman Bharat card associated with the user’s credentials.

Downloading the Ayushman Bharat Card from DigiLocker

If the entered information matches government records, the Ayushman Card appears on the screen as a digital document. The user is given the option to download the card in PDF format. This file can then be stored on a personal device or printed out if needed for hospital visits or administrative verification.

Importantly, the downloaded card remains accessible within the DigiLocker account at all times. This ensures that the beneficiary can retrieve the card easily in the future, even if the original print is misplaced. DigiLocker’s storage system allows users to carry essential documents in their smartphones without the worry of physical copies.

Advantages of Using DigiLocker for Ayushman Card Access

Using DigiLocker to download the Ayushman Card is not only convenient but also secure. It eliminates the need for repeated verifications through different government portals or in-person visits to Common Service Centres (CSCs). Furthermore, the document obtained via DigiLocker is legally valid and accepted across all empaneled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
This makes the healthcare experience smoother and more efficient for beneficiaries, ensuring they focus on treatment rather than paperwork.

In a country as vast as India, digital tools like DigiLocker are essential in bridging the gap between public healthcare services and beneficiaries who often struggle with access due to technological or geographical barriers. By simplifying the Ayushman Card download process, DigiLocker supports the broader mission of PMJAY to deliver accessible and affordable healthcare to the most vulnerable citizens.