How to Apply for a CGHS Card Online (Serving Employees & Pensioners)

Applying for a Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) card online helps eligible serving Central Government employees and pensioners enrol in the scheme without multiple visits to a CGHS office. This guide explains who can apply, what documents are needed, and how to complete the online application process in a clear, step-by-step format.

This article is portal-neutral and focuses on the standard process applicable across CGHS-covered cities.

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Who Can Apply for a CGHS Card

Serving Employees

• Serving Central Government employees posted in CGHS-covered cities
• Employees of eligible autonomous bodies and organisations included under CGHS
• Certain categories of employees on deputation, according to applicable CGHS rules

Pensioners

• Central Government pensioners living in CGHS-covered areas
• Family pensioners who meet eligibility criteria

Note: CGHS eligibility is linked to the place of posting (for serving employees) or place of residence (for pensioners). Applicants outside CGHS coverage areas generally do not qualify.

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Difference Between Serving Employee and Pensioner Applications

Aspect	Serving Employee	Pensioner
Card Validity	Linked to service tenure	Usually lifetime (subject to rules)
Contribution	Monthly deduction / subscription	One-time or annual as applicable
Verification	Via department / sponsoring authority	Via pension records and PPO

This distinction affects the information and documents required during application.

Documents Required for CGHS Card Application

Before starting your online application, prepare the following (scanned copies):

Common Documents

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Proof of residence (if required)
• Details of eligible dependents

For Serving Employees

• Proof of employment (employee ID / office details)
• Sponsoring authority information
• Pay level / basic pay details

For Pensioners

• Pension Payment Order (PPO) details
• Bank account details linked to pension
• Proof of retirement / pension document

Required documents may vary slightly based on category and local CGHS office instructions.

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How to Apply for a CGHS Card Online – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the Official CGHS Online Portal

To begin the application, use the official Government of India sites:

👉 CGHS Online Services & Beneficiary Login (Official portal)
https://cghs.mohfw.gov.in/
This is the official CGHS portal maintained by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

👉 Apply for CGHS Card – Government Services Page
https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/apply-online-for-central-government-health-scheme-plastic-card
This Government of India services directory page links to the CGHS application service.

🔎 Tip: Always use these official URLs. Applications through unofficial sites are not accepted.

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Step 2: Select Applicant Category

When you start the application:

• Choose Serving Employee if you are a currently serving government employee
• Choose Pensioner / Family Pensioner if you are retired and drawing pension

Choosing the correct category ensures you are asked the right questions and upload the correct documents.

Step 3: Fill in Personal and Service Details

Enter details such as:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Contact information
• Office / department for serving employees
• Pension details (PPO number, pension office) for pensioners

Make sure this information exactly matches official records to avoid processing delays.

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Step 4: Add Dependents (If Applicable)

Include eligible family members such as spouse, children, or dependent parents.

Most CGHS applications allow adding dependents online — but the eligibility and number of dependents can vary based on CGHS rules.

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Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload clear, readable scans of all required documents.

Ensure:

• Documents are legible
• Scans are complete and not distorted
• File sizes meet the portal’s requirements

Incorrect or poor-quality uploads are a common cause for rejections.

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Step 6: Make the CGHS Contribution Payment

After entering details and uploading documents, proceed to the payment step (if applicable).

• Serving employees may have contributions deducted or paid online
• Pensioners may pay a one-time or annual subscription

Follow the online payment instructions carefully.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before final submission:

• Review all entered information
• Confirm document uploads
• Verify payment status

Once submitted, you will receive a reference number or acknowledgement — keep this for tracking or future correspondence.

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What Happens After Submission

After you submit the application:

• Verification is done by the concerned authority or sponsoring office
• If there are discrepancies, you may be asked for clarifications
• Once approved, the CGHS card (physical or digital) is issued

Temporary or digital cards may be available before the physical card arrives.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting the wrong applicant category
• Entering details that don’t match official records
• Uploading unclear or incorrect documents
• Forgetting to complete the payment step
• Leaving dependent information incomplete

Avoiding these helps prevent delays in approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I complete the entire CGHS card application online?
A: Yes — the application and payment can generally be done online. However, some offices may require physical verification later.

Q: How long does it take to get the CGHS card?
A: Processing times vary by city and office workload. Applicants should keep their acknowledgement/reference number for follow-ups.

Q: Can pensioners apply after retirement?
A: Yes — eligible pensioners residing in CGHS-covered areas can apply after retirement.

Q: Can I add dependents after the initial application?
A: Generally, yes. Dependent addition is allowed through prescribed procedures subject to eligibility.

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Final Words

Applying for a CGHS card online is practical and efficient when you prepare the necessary documents and follow the steps carefully. The key to success is choosing the correct applicant category (serving or pensioner), entering accurate information, and uploading clear documents.

Once your application is submitted through the official portal, retain your reference number and follow up with the appropriate CGHS authority if needed.