Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Card, launched by the National Health Authority (NHA), focuses on establishing an identity for every individual, linked to EHRs. This has been practised to transform the Indian healthcare sector by improving and enhancing health service options in the largely populated country through an ABHA card issued to more than 68.5 crores of citizens, verified healthcare facilities on the health facility register (3,48,182), and verified professional caretakers as per 5,18,157, respectively. There are innumerable beneficial things about an ABHA card, but one of the golden ones is that the ABHA card registration free, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses to avail the card and reap its benefits.
In this guide, the readers will find the steps and a detailed guide for ABHA Card Registration, ranging from its meaning and benefits to eligibility criteria and detailed steps of registration through all the possible acceptable ways, including information on additional functions, like download and status check, and resolving issues like ABHA Card Registration OTP problem.
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Latest ABHA Card News & 2026 Updates
There have been some major updates regarding the ABHA health card. Some of the major updates regarding the govt schemes are listed below:
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One of the most recent updates this year is concerning the Google Wallet ABHA Card 2026. With the help of this new feature, people can store their ABHA cards in their respective Google Wallets and access them in a couple of seconds whenever needed.
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Till now, 59 crore accounts have been opened under the govt scheme from which 4.2 crore are from the state of Andhra Pradesh alone.
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The central govt employees must link their ABHA IDs with their respective CGHS cards.
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The Health Department of India has made a proposal plan that aims to create ABHA IDs for all the people who will be coming to the infamous Kumbh in 2025.
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There has also been an update in the PM-JAY scheme, which allows senior citizens above the age of 70 years to apply for the scheme and reap its benefits. Senior citizens can do so by applying for the new Ayushman Vaya Vandana card. ABHA has been increasingly associated with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which not only reduces paperwork but also speeds up the processing of claims made by the hospital after providing treatment to an ABHA cardholder.
ABHA Card Registration 2026 — Quick Overview Table
The table below summarises some key details about ABHA ID Registration that one should know.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA Card) |
| Launched By | National Health Authority (NHA), Government of India |
| Objective | Digital storage of medical records and easy accessibility to healthcare |
| Benefits | Secure health data, streamlined access to healthcare, personalised health ID. |
| Application Mode | Online through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Portal or App. |
| Eligibility | Open to all Indian citizens, irrespective of age |
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Integration | Can be linked with Ayushman Bharat health insurance schemes. |
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What Is ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) & ABHA ID?
The ABHA Health Card is a component of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) launched by the National Health Authority (NHA), which would help people do everything related to their health, like scheduling appointments, managing medications, and timely follow-ups, etc. It digitises the healthcare sector from scratch for both people and healthcare institutions.
The Ayushman Bharat Health Account card seeks to integrate the healthcare system in India on a digital platform. It assists people in making an online health record that safely stores their health information. In this way, it allows healthcare providers to view such records in real-time and reduce the duality of services offered to the patients.
Eligibility Criteria for ABHA Card Registration 2026
Almost every Indian citizen is eligible for the ABHA ID Registration, but there are a few specific criteria to keep in mind:
1. Citizenship:
Only Indian citizens are allowed to apply for the ABHA Card.
2. Age Limit:
There is no age restriction or any requirement as to the age of the applicants. This service will be useful for both children and adults.
3. Aadhaar Card/Phone Number:
Although the Aadhaar card makes the process faster, it is not mandatory at all. A correct mobile number can also be used.
4. Residency:
Both urban and rural residents can apply for the card, making it a truly nationwide initiative.
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How To Do ABHA Card Registration Online 2026 — Step-by-Step (3 Methods)
Applying for the ABHA Card is quite easy and can be done through both ABHA Card Registration online and offline platforms, based on one’s preference and convenience. Here is a step-by-step guide concerning ABHA Card Registration 2026 to help you with the application process and the ways to do so.
1. ABHA Registration via Aadhaar Card — OTP Method (Fastest)
To apply for an ABHA Card Registration via Aadhaar, follow these steps.
Step 1:
To start the process of registration, one has to visit the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal.
Step 2:
Generate your Health ID: The Health ID can be created by using an Aadhaar card or mobile number. Choose the option most suitable to you and verify using OTP and Captcha.
Step 3:
Enter the required details. Then you should enter the basic information of the subject, such as the name, date of birth, and contact info.
Step 4:
Link your Aadhaar (optional): However, you have the option to link your Aadhaar for a faster identification process, but it is not compulsory.
Step 5:
View ABHA number: Upon successful authentication, you will be issued a virtual ABHA card, which you can always save for future use.
2. ABHA Registration via Driving Licence (No Aadhaar Required)
Step 1. To start the process of ABHA Card Registration via Driving Licence, one has to visit the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal via the abha.abdm.gov.in (official portal URL).
Step 2. Click on ‘Creating an ABHA card using a Driving License’.
Step 3. Fill in your mobile number and verify using the OTP.
Step 4. Enter the required details. Then you should enter the basic information of the subject, such as the name, driving license number, date of birth, and contact info.
Step 5. You’ll receive your ABHA number upon successful registration.
3. ABHA Registration via ABHA App — Android & iOS (New 2025 Method)
Step 1: Please download the ABHA application, available on both Android and iOS operating systems, to begin the ABHA App Registration process.
Step 2: After downloading, open the app and click on the ‘Create a new account’ option.
Step 3: Fill in the required information and register using either your Aadhaar card, mobile number, or driving license, as per your ease.
Step 4: Validate using the One-Time Password for the successful creation of one’s account. After that, the system will require you to fill in your personal information, like name, date of birth, gender, address, etc.
Step 5: Set up your unique ABHA ID and ensure that your information is correct. After this, the system will finally generate your ABHA Number 14-digit.
ABHA Card Registration Without Aadhaar — Via Mobile Number Only
Step 1: One of the ABHA Card Registration without Aadhaar methods is registering using one’s mobile number.
Step 2: Visit the official website or application of ABHA and then select the ‘Create ABHA or Register’ option.
Step 3: Choose ‘Mobile Number’ as a method of registration when asked by the portal, and fill in your number and complete validation using the OTP that you will receive on your entered mobile number.
Step 4: After that, the system will require you to fill in your personal information and then set up your unique ABHA ID and ensure that your information is correct. After this, the system will finally generate your ABHA Number 14-digit.
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Offline Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or any hospital registered with the ABDM system and request the people working there to create an ABHA card for you.
Step 2: The employees at the visited establishment will start creating your ABHA card. Choose one verification method and make sure to provide them with the correct information to avoid errors.
Step 3: After verification, the employee will ask you to tell them your personal details and also give your explicit consent. Set up an ABHA address, after which your 14-digit ABHA number will be generated.
ABHA Card Registration For Child Or Newborn — Parent/Guardian Guide
Ayushman Bharat Health Account card can also be issued for minors below the age of 18 years and newborn babies, as it is not a temporary health account but an account that persists for the entire life of an Indian citizen or an individual residing in India. Minor or newborn babies are also entitled to have valid ABHA cards, but only through a parent or a legal guardian. Such type of ABHA registrations are completely tied to the parent or guardian of the child, and to access the medical records of a child, the consent of the parent is needed.
The process of applying for an ABHA card for a child or a newborn is mentione below for one’s reference:
Step 1: Visit the official website or application of ABHA and then select options related to ABHA for a child, newborn, or dependent.
Step 2: The system will first verify the details of the parent or guardian, so please enter your information for verification purposes.
Step 3: After verification and establishing a legal connection with the child, fill in your child’s details like name (even if temporary), mother’s name, date of birth, and gender.
Step 4: ABHA will be generated after you set up a unique ABHA address, but only in connection with the parent’s ABHA IDs.
How To Check ABHA Card Registration Status Online?
Applicants can also check the ABHA Card registration status by following a simple online procedure. The steps for the same are as follows for one’s clarity:
Step 1: Visit the official website or application of ABHA and then log in to the portal using your ABHA number, ABHA address, or mobile number.
Step 2: After logging in, navigate to the ‘Status Check’ option.
Step 3: The system will show you the status of your ABHA application as either active, partially verified, or pending.
Documents Required for ABHA Card Registration
Applicants need to submit some supporting documents to successfully generate their ABHA number. The list of those documents is as follows:
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Although not mandatory, Aadhaar can help speed up the application process.
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Mobile Number:
A valid mobile number is essential for registration and verification.
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Address Proof:
In some cases, proof of residency may be requested for verification. One can also use utility bills as proof.
How To Download ABHA Card PDF 2026 — After Registration
One can download the ABHA card by following the steps mentioned below in detail for one’s reference:
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Please visit the official website of ABDM.
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Log in to your ABHA account.
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Select the ‘ABHA Card Download PDF’ option, after which the softcopy of your card will be stored in your device.
How To Do e-KYC of ABHA Card After Registration
Applicants can complete the e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) by following the steps below:
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Please visit the official website of ABDM to begin the ABHA Card e-KYC online process.
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Log in to your ABHA account.
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Navigate to the ‘KYC’ option.
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Select your preferred verification method, like Aadhar or a driving license.
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Enter the chosen ID’s number and registered mobile number, and verify using OTP.
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After verification, your KYC will be updated.
How To Recover ABHA ID Number If Forgotten?
One can recover their ABHA number by following the steps mentioned below in detail for one’s reference:
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Please visit the official website of ABDM.
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Below the login option, there is the ‘Forgot ABHA Number’ option; click on it.
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Submit your registered phone number or mail details.
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Verify using the OTP.
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After successful verification, you’ll receive your ABHA ID number through SMS.
How To Link ABHA With CGHS Card — Mandatory for Central Govt Employees
The government of India has now mandated the linking of the ABHA health card of the central government employees with their CGHS cards. This step was taken to improve the working of both government services. This merger will allow the authorities to integrate people’s data into one unified platform and ensure the smooth delivery of quality healthcare services.
One can link their respective ABHA card with their CGHS card by following the steps mentioned below:
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Visit the official website of CGHS.
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Click on ‘beneficiary login’ and log in to your CGHS account.
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Navigate to the ‘Linking with ABHA’ option.
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Enter your ABHA ID number and verify.
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After verification, your CGHS card will be linked to your ABHA card.
How Can One Manage Their PHR Through An ABHA Card?
One can easily manage their Personal Health Record (PHR) through the ABHA card by following the steps mentioned below:
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Please visit the official website or download the ABHA application.
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Log in to your respective ABHA accounts.
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Link your Aadhar with the ABHA account using your registered mobile number.
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After successful verification, you’ll be able to see your PHR.
Key Features Of An ABHA Health Card
The ABHA Card is equipped with several innovative features that enhance the user experience and streamline healthcare services. Here are the key features of the ABHA Card, which will surely make you go for ABHA Card registration.
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Paperless Record Keeping:
The ABHA card provides a fully digital platform wherein people can store and access their medical records, ranging from diagnostic reports to prescriptions. The digital platform also helps people in scheduling appointments with medical professionals and avoiding long queues.
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Interoperability:
One of the most important features of the ABHA Card is its interoperability. It allows healthcare providers to easily share people’s health records with other medical professionals and hospitals, subject to the person’s consent. This not only only heps the doctors study the entire medical history of a patient but also gives them time to make informed medical decisions, best suited for the patient’s life.
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Real-time Health Data:
With the help of the ABHA system, one can track their medical history in real time. This includes one’s prescriptions and medications, past diagnoses, lab reports, etc. All accessible in just a couple of taps on the screen.
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Nationwide Access:
The Ayushman Bharat Health Account card can be used at any healthcare facility for accessing a range of medical services across India. This feature becomes extremely useful for people who travel frequently within India and need accessible medical care options in emergencies.
Objectives Of An ABHA Card
In addition to its features, the ABHA health card aims to achieve specific objectives that align with the broader goals of improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency. The objectives of the ABHA Card are as follows:
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The Ayushman Bharat Health Account card aims to create a centralised and secure health information database for all Indian citizens. This database can be accessed by both people and medical professionals and hospitals (only after the person consents) as and when needed.
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The digital system also aims to improve efficiency in healthcare delivery by reducing the need for repeated tests or procedures, as such information gets automatically stored in the digital portal.
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The system also enables digital integration between healthcare providers and citizens for better coordination of care.
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Another objective of the online healthcare system is to provide people with as much control as possible over their health-related data. Through consent-based sharing, people can decide who to share their medical information with and for how long. This not only enhances privacy but also the security of people’s sensitive information, such as their health information.
Why Does One Need To Have An ABHA Health Card?
Humans are very different from each other, but there are some things that they share, such as carelessness toward their respective health. In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone is constantly running, it is very easy and convenient to forget about what matters the most, and that is our own health.
Every citizen of India needs to have an ABHA health card to break the harmful cycle they might be in at present. The ABHA card aims to do nothing but make everyone’s lives easy. Consider it your digital medical secretary who would help you in helping yourself.
Benefits of ABHA Card Registration — 10 Key Advantages
The ABHA Card benefits are designed to make healthcare services more efficient and accessible. Here are the top benefits:
1. Secure Storage of Health Records:
This means that your health records are kept in a secure electronic form that can be accessed at any time by you and other healthcare providers.
2. Easy Access to Health Services:
The ABHA Card can be used to share your health records with doctors, clinics, and hospitals at any time and in any part of the country.
3. Personalised Health ID:
Every ABHA Card has a Health ID, which helps you connect your records from different healthcare facilities, which makes a unified health record.
4. Seamless Interaction:
It allows straightforward communication between healthcare providers, which makes your treatment process easy, especially when you are transitioning between cities or hospitals.
5. Prevention of Duplicate Records:
Through the card, there are no possibilities of developing two records of the same patient, which, when compiled with the rest of the medical records, makes health care systematic.
6. Paperless Health Experience:
This means that, going digital, there is no need to have actual paper copies of your health records. All that information is saved in the cloud.
7. Integration with Health Insurance:
It can be integrated with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides health insurance to you, and you can get some health insurance benefits.
8. Cashless Claims:
Beneficiaries can access all the services without having to pay the expenses up front. This reduces the financial burden on people’s shoulders.
9. Unified Health Interface:
The ABHA card works on a unified health interface, which allows both the medical professionals and the people to work on a common network.
10. Privacy:
All the personal and sensitive details and documents of the people are safe and secure within the digital platform.
Difference Between ABHA Card And Ayushman Card (PM-JAY)
The difference between an ABHA card and an Ayushman Yojana card is laid out below in a tabular format for one’s better understanding:
| Aspect | ABHA Card | Ayushman Card |
|---|
| Full form | Ayushman Bharat Health Account | PM Ayushman card |
| Aim | Designed to digitise a person’s medical records and health management | Designed to provide health insurance coverage |
| What does it do? | Helps people and medical professionals in digitally storing or accessing health data | Allows people to access treatment without having to pay a hefty amount |
| Eligibility | For all Indian citizens | Especially for people from the economically weaker section of society |
| Financial aid | None | Yearly health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs |
| Aligns with | Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) | Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) |
Uses Of ABHA Card
Once you have generated an ABHA Card download, it’s time to make the most of its applications. Here’s how you can use the card in various scenarios:
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Link Your Medical Records:
Each time you go to a doctor or a hospital, make sure you give them your ABHA ID so that your latest information can be linked to an account.
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Access Your Health History:
In just several clicks, all the information about your health, diagnosis, prescriptions, and any treatments you have ever undergone can be accessed and compiled in one area.
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Doctor Consultation:
In both cases, you can share your digital health records with your doctors, which will help speed up the consultation process and improve its accuracy.
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Emergency Situations:
The ABHA Card, in the event of an emergency, will enable practitioners to get your medical history and therefore get you the right treatment as soon as possible.
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Integration with Ayushman Bharat Yojana:
If you are a citizen of India, and if you are selected to be under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, then having an ABHA Card means you now have your health insurance covered.
Comparison Of ABHA Card Vs Traditional Health Records
Below is a table that compares the ABHA card with traditional records so that one can make an informed decision:
| Aspect | ABHA Card | Traditional Health Records |
|---|
| Storage | Digital, accessible anytime | Paper-based, prone to loss or damage |
| Accessibility | Accessible from any part of India | Limited to physical storage |
| Sharing | Easily shared with doctors across the country | Physical copies need to be carried |
| Cost | Free | Involves costs of maintaining physical records |
| Environmental Impact | Paperless | High consumption of paper |
| Emergency Use | Quick access to medical history | Limited access in emergencies |
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ABHA Card Registration Problems & Fixes — OTP Issues, Aadhaar Errors
The government has tried to create the ABHA card registration 2026 process as easy and simplified as possible. However, people still end up facing numerous issues, like ABHA Card Registration OTP problem, verification issues, mismatch of information, etc. We have compiled a list of common issue sfaced by people along with how they can be fixed so that you can access and use the portal smoothly without many issues:
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One of the most common issues is the ABHA Card Registration OTP problem. Many people don’t end up receiving the One-time Password on time, either during registration or during logging in to the portal. This happens due to various issues, like network problems, wrong numbers entered by you, or simply traffic on the server. In such cases, one should ensure that the information entered by them is correct, and if correct, please wait for some time and try again.
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Another one of the common problems is failure of Aadhaar verification; the most probable reasons for this can be either an incorrect Aadhaar number or UIDAI server issues. When faced with this error, we advise you to check if the Aadhaar number that you entered is correct or if your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar. If everything’s correct and linked, exit the portal or app and try again in a few seconds.
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One of the most common things that people forget is linking their mobile numbers with their respective Aadhaar cards. This is especially important when one selects Aadhaar-based registration while creating ABHA accounts. If your mobile number is not linked with your Aadhaar, you can either change the verification method and switch to non-Aadhaar-based methods or else link your number using the UIDAI portal and then resume creating your ABHA account.
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You may come across an error that says ‘ABHA already exists’, and this happens when one has tried to create an ABHA ID in the past. All you have to do to get through this issue is click on ‘Forgot ABHA number’ and then attempt to retrieve your details using your mobile number, Aadhaar card number, or Driving license.
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Ensure to always recheck the information that you filled out to avoid any errors in the process, as they can lead to unnecessarily long delays in the whole registration process or worse, time out of the website.
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Conclusion
The ABHA Card is the first step toward the digitalisation of healthcare in the country of India. In this way, it is free from the inconveniences of conventional paper-based records for health. The card also introduces convenience, accessibility, and effectiveness to the process of obtaining healthcare, and vice versa, making the management of the treatment process easier for both the patient and the healthcare provider.
For more information and to engage with a community of informed citizens, visit the Jaagruk Bharat Community Page. Get updates, tips, and insights on how to better utilise the ABHA Card and other government initiatives.
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