Ayushman Card 2026: Why is a live photo necessary when making an Ayushman card? Learn the complete process for getting a new card
- bySudha Saxena
- 07 Nov, 2026
Ayushman Card Live Photo Update 2026: If you're preparing to get your Ayushman card made under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, here's some important information related to the photo. PMJAY-UP, the official social media account for the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Uttar Pradesh, has explained to beneficiaries what a live photo means and how it's taken during the card-making process.
Live photo for Ayushman cards means that the beneficiary's photo is captured on the spot and uploaded directly to the relevant system. This is intended to ensure accurate verification of the beneficiary's identity during the card creation process.
Many people are unclear about the difference between a Live Photo and a standard photo taken in advance. Therefore, it's important to understand this process to avoid problems during application or verification.
What does LIVE PHOTO mean in Ayushman Card?
The official X account of Uttar Pradesh Ayushman Bharat Yojana PMJAY-UP has shared information regarding the live photo.
According to this, LIVE PHOTO is a photo which is taken by the camera at the same time in the presence of the beneficiary and is uploaded directly into the system.
This means that the beneficiary must be present in front of the camera for the photo to be taken. A previously saved photo or an old photo cannot be considered a live photo.
This system is an important part of the identity verification process.
What is the difference between a Live Photo and a normal photo?
The main difference between a Live Photo and a regular photo is when the photo is taken and how it is used.
A standard photo can be taken in advance and stored on a mobile phone, computer, or other device. A live photo is taken with the camera during the application or verification process.
For example, if a person approaches an authorised centre to get an Ayushman card made, his/her current photograph can be taken there through the respective digital system.
This helps ensure that the person associated with the application is present at the time of verification.
However, there may be other steps to identity verification besides taking a Live Photo. Simply taking a photo does not guarantee that your card will be approved.
Why is live photo important for Ayushman card?
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, healthcare benefits are provided to eligible citizens. Therefore, accurate information regarding the identity of beneficiaries is essential.
Using Live Photos can aid in identity verification, reducing the risk of errors or irregularities, such as using someone else's old photo.
Additionally, having a current photograph of the beneficiary available in the digital record can help streamline the process.
It's worth noting that the PMJAY-UP notification primarily clarifies the meaning of live photos. It doesn't announce any new photo-related rules or any additional requirements.
What is the online process to get Ayushman Card?
Eligible beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat Yojana can get information related to their card through the official digital platform.
The general process for making an Ayushman card is as follows:
- First of all go to the official website https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in .
- Select Beneficiary option and login with mobile number and OTP.
- Select your state and view beneficiary information through the available search options.
- Check card status if name is found in the eligibility list.
- If e-KYC is required, complete the identity verification as per the available option.
- Where the Live Photo option is available, take a picture at the same time using the camera.
- Once all the necessary steps are completed and the card is issued, it can be downloaded.
This process may vary depending on the category of the beneficiary, the verification facility available and the options available on the portal.
Will an old passport size photo do?
If live photo is specifically asked for in the process of making or verification of Ayushman card, then pre-taken passport size photograph will not be an option for it.
For live photo, current photo of the beneficiary should be taken with the camera.
Therefore, those who are asked to give live photo while making the card should be present in person during the related process.
If the photo is being taken with a mobile phone, it may be useful to keep in mind the usual things like camera permission, adequate lighting and clear visibility of the face.
How much health cover is available under Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year is provided to eligible families.
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Under the scheme, cashless treatment is available in listed government and private hospitals as per the prescribed medical package.
This coverage is available on a shared basis for the family. However, the eligibility of beneficiaries and the availability of treatment are determined according to the applicable rules of the scheme.
Having an Ayushman card does not mean that every hospital or every type of treatment will be covered under the plan. Therefore, it is important to check the hospital's listing and related treatment package information before treatment.
Keep these things in mind while getting Ayushman card made
Beneficiaries should complete all the processes related to Ayushman Card only through the official website, government mobile application or authorized help center.
Don't share your OTP with strangers. Also, be wary of suspicious links and fake messages posing as card reservations.
If you face any technical issue in uploading photo or e-KYC, seek guidance from the authorized help center instead of entering wrong information again and again.
It's important for beneficiaries applying for an Ayushman card to understand the meaning of a live photo. The Uttar Pradesh Ayushman Bharat Yojana (UPAY) clarifies that a live photo is a picture taken in the beneficiary's presence and uploaded directly to the system.
Therefore, where a Live Photo is required, the prescribed camera procedure should be followed instead of a pre-saved photo. This can help ensure the identity verification process is completed correctly.
Source Credit: PMJAY-UP





