The Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in 2018 with the aim of providing affordable and quality healthcare services to all citizens, especially the poor and middle-class families.
In 2025, this scheme has been revamped with digital integration and enhanced facilities, making it even more beneficial for millions of people.
This scheme is also popularly known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Over the years, it has become a strong healthcare shield for countless families across India.
If you are looking to benefit from this scheme, this detailed guide will help you understand everything about Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025.
What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025?
Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025 is a government-backed health insurance program under which eligible families receive cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year at government hospitals and empaneled private hospitals across India.
This scheme is primarily designed for economically weaker sections, rural families, scheduled caste/tribe communities, and low-income households.
Key Features of Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025 (PM-JAY) |
| Launched | 23rd September 2018 (Upgraded Version: 2025) |
| Benefit | Free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh annually |
| Target Beneficiaries | Over 12 crore families |
| Hospitals Covered | 24,000+ government and private empaneled hospitals |
| Application Mode | Both Online and Offline |
| Age Limit | No age restrictions |
| Diseases Covered | 1300+ serious illnesses (heart, kidney, cancer, etc.) |
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card
- Single card covers the entire family.
- Completely cashless and paperless treatment process.
- Online verification for quick approvals.
- Treatment available at any empaneled hospital across India.
- Free access to treatment in expensive private hospitals.
- Coverage for critical and costly diseases.
Eligibility Criteria
For Rural Areas
- Families living in kutcha houses.
- Landless households.
- Families headed by women.
- Households with disabled members.
- SC/ST category families.
- Daily wage laborers.
For Urban Areas
- Street vendors, vegetable sellers.
- Construction workers.
- Domestic helpers/housemaids.
- E-rickshaw or auto drivers.
- Other categories of daily wage earners.
Who is Not Eligible?
- Families with an annual income above ₹10 lakh.
- Households owning a four-wheeler/tractor.
- Families with government job employees.
- Income tax payers.
- Families living in permanent (pucca) houses.
Diseases Covered under Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025
- Heart surgeries
- Kidney transplant
- Cancer treatment
- Neurosurgery
- Burns and accident cases
- Orthopedic surgeries
- Newborn baby care
- Fever-related illnesses like Dengue & Malaria
- Hernia, Gallstones, Tuberculosis
- Dialysis
Hospitals Under the Scheme
- Top government hospitals like AIIMS, PGI, district hospitals.
- Renowned private hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Max.
- Community health centers in rural areas.
Objectives of Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025
- To provide universal healthcare access to poor and vulnerable families.
- To reduce the financial burden of expensive hospital treatments.
- To strengthen both government and private healthcare infrastructure.
- To promote digital healthcare integration for faster access.
- To ensure women and children’s health protection with special packages.
Ayushman Card – How to Get It?
- Online Method
- Visit the official PM-JAY portal or mobile app.
- Enter Aadhaar number & mobile OTP.
- Upload documents and complete KYC.
- Download Digital Ayushman Card instantly.
- Offline Method
- Visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or Ayushman Kendra.
- Provide Aadhaar, ration card, and family details.
- The officer verifies eligibility.
- Card is printed and handed over to you.
Health & Wellness Centers (HWCs)
- Over 1.5 lakh HWCs being set up across India.
- Provide primary healthcare like vaccination, maternal health, diabetes checkups, and free medicines.
- Connected digitally to empaneled hospitals for referrals.
Budget Allocation for 2025
- The central and state governments jointly fund the scheme.
- ₹70,000+ crore allocated for 2025 to expand services.
- Special budget reserved for rural and tribal areas.
Special Provisions for Women & Children
- Free maternity care & C-section delivery.
- Breast and cervical cancer treatment included.
- Free childbirth services and neonatal care.
- Vaccinations and nutrition support packages for children.
Process of Cashless Treatment
- Visit any empaneled hospital.
- Show Ayushman Card + Aadhaar Card.
- Hospital staff verifies through digital portal.
- Get admitted and receive cashless treatment.
- Hospital gets payment directly from government.
State-Wise Benefits
- Some states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu have the highest number of beneficiaries.
- Certain states provide extra financial coverage above ₹5 lakh (like Chhattisgarh and Kerala).
- Rural-focused states are expanding Ayushman clinics.
Role of Technology in 2025 Updates
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) integration.
- Each patient gets a unique Health ID for lifetime records.
- Digital prescriptions and medical history stored securely.
- AI-based tracking to prevent fraud in hospital claims.
Comparison with Other Health Schemes
- Ayushman Bharat vs State Schemes – Some states like Andhra Pradesh (Aarogyasri) and Tamil Nadu (Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme) are merged with PM-JAY for wider coverage.
- Ayushman Bharat vs Private Insurance – Unlike private insurance, no premium is required; government bears the cost.
New Updates in 2025
- Digital Ayushman Card (can be saved on mobile).
- More diseases added to the coverage list.
- Special healthcare packages for women and children.
- Increase in the number of Health & Wellness Centers.
- Launch of Ayushman Mobile App for easy access.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Mobile Number
- Passport-size Photograph
- Family ID/Proof (if applicable)
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025 is a game-changer in India’s healthcare system. It provides free and cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year, ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable families can access life-saving medical care without financial burden.