e-Shram Card 2026: Free Registration in 7 Easy Steps, ₹2 Lakh Insurance, Eligibility & Download
The e-Shram card is a free government ID for unorganised workers in India. Registering on the e-Shram portal gives you a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), access to accident insurance of up to ₹2 lakh under PMSBY, and an easier path to dozens of central and state welfare schemes. Construction workers, domestic workers, street vendors, farm labourers, drivers and gig workers such as delivery partners can all apply.
Registration takes about ten minutes online using your Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked mobile number, and you can also register at a Common Service Centre. In this guide, we explain who is eligible for the card, the benefits, the documents you need, seven easy registration steps, and how to download and update your card.
Table of Contents
What Is the e-Shram Card?
The e-Shram portal is a national database of unorganised workers created by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. When you register, you receive a UAN card with your UAN, which identifies you as an unorganised worker for government schemes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Run by | Ministry of Labour and Employment |
| Official website | eshram.gov.in |
| Fee | Free |
| Card number | 12-digit UAN |
| Age limit | 16 to 59 years |
| Accident cover | Up to ₹2 lakh under PMSBY |
| Helpline | 14434 |
Who Is Eligible for the e-Shram Card?
You can register if you meet all these conditions:
- You are between 16 and 59 years old.
- You work in the unorganised sector.
- You are not a member of EPFO or ESIC.
- You do not pay income tax.
Who Counts as an Unorganised Worker?
Unorganised workers include:
- Construction and brick kiln workers.
- Agricultural labourers, fishermen and animal husbandry workers.
- Domestic workers, cooks and cleaners.
- Street vendors, hawkers and small shopkeepers.
- Auto, taxi and truck drivers.
- Gig and platform workers, such as delivery partners and ride-hailing drivers.
- Tailors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and beauticians.
- ASHA and Anganwadi workers and other similar categories.
Benefits of the e-Shram Card
1. Accident Insurance Under PMSBY
Registered workers can get accident insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana:
| Situation | Cover |
|---|---|
| Accidental death | ₹2 lakh |
| Permanent total disability | ₹2 lakh |
| Partial permanent disability | ₹1 lakh |
PMSBY has a small annual premium, currently ₹20, which is auto-debited from the bank account after the initial period.
2. Access to Welfare Schemes
The e-Shram card makes it easier for the government to identify workers and deliver schemes such as ration benefits, housing, health cover, skill training and state welfare support.
3. PM-SYM Pension
Workers can separately join the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme. By contributing ₹55 to ₹200 per month depending on age, you get a pension of ₹3,000 per month after 60. The government matches your contribution.
4. Support During Emergencies
During disasters and crises, the government can use the e-Shram database to send direct support to registered workers.
Documents Required
You need only a few things to get a UAN card:
- Aadhaar card.
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for online registration).
- Bank account details (account number and IFSC).
No income certificate, caste certificate or employer letter is needed. If your mobile is not linked to Aadhaar, register at a CSC using biometric authentication, or update mobile number in Aadhaar first.
How to Register for e-Shram Card: 7 Easy Steps
Step 1: Visit the e-Shram Portal
Go to eshram.gov.in and click Register on e-Shram.
Step 2: Enter Your Mobile Number
Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and captcha. Answer whether you are an EPFO or ESIC member (you must not be).
Step 3: Verify With OTP
Enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
Step 4: Enter Aadhaar Details
Enter your Aadhaar number and complete Aadhaar OTP verification. Your basic details are fetched from Aadhaar.
Step 5: Fill in Personal and Address Details
Add your address, education, income range and emergency contact details.
Step 6: Select Your Occupation and Skills
Choose your main occupation and any skills from the list. Gig workers should select the relevant platform work category.
Step 7: Add Bank Details and Submit
Enter your bank account number and IFSC, review all information, and submit. Your card with UAN is generated immediately.
How to Download Your e-Shram Card
1. Visit eshram.gov.in and click Already registered? Update. 2. Enter your registered mobile number and verify with OTP. 3. Verify your Aadhaar with OTP. 4. Open your profile and click Download UAN Card.
Save the PDF on your phone and keep a printout safely.
How to Update e-Shram Details
If your mobile number, address, occupation or bank account changes, log in through the Update option, make the changes and save. Keeping your bank details updated is important because payments under schemes may be made to that account. Also check your Aadhaar bank link status for DBT payments.
Offline Registration at a CSC
If you do not have a smartphone or your mobile is not linked to Aadhaar:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Centre with your Aadhaar and bank passbook.
- The operator registers you using fingerprint authentication.
- Collect your printed e-Shram card.
Registration is free for workers. Do not pay agents who promise extra benefits.
e-Shram Card for Gig Workers
Delivery partners, ride-hailing drivers and other platform workers are encouraged to register on e-Shram. The government is using the portal to identify gig workers for social security benefits under the labour codes. Registering now helps ensure you are included when new schemes are rolled out.
Common Myths About the e-Shram Card
– Myth: The e-Shram card gives ₹1,000 every month. Fact: There is no automatic monthly payment. Some states have given one-time support to registered workers in the past. – Myth: Registration costs money. Fact: It is completely free. – Myth: EPFO members can register. Fact: EPFO and ESIC members are not eligible. – Myth: You need an employer certificate. Fact: Only Aadhaar, a mobile number and a bank account are needed.
Quick Summary: e-Shram Card
– The e-Shram card is free for unorganised workers aged 16 to 59. – You must not be an EPFO/ESIC member or an income tax payer. – Register on eshram.gov.in in seven easy steps or at a CSC. – Benefits include PMSBY accident cover of up to ₹2 lakh and easier access to schemes. – Download your UAN card anytime from the portal.
Key Terms Explained
– UAN: The 12-digit Universal Account Number on your card. – PMSBY: Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, an accident insurance scheme. – PM-SYM: Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan, a pension scheme for unorganised workers. – CSC: Common Service Centre offering digital services locally. – Gig worker: A worker who earns through online platforms, such as delivery apps.
Expert Tips
– Register family members who work in the unorganised sector too. – Keep your bank account active and Aadhaar-seeded. – Consider joining PM-SYM early, as contributions are lower at a younger age. – Update your details whenever you change jobs, city or mobile number. – Call 14434 for help instead of trusting unknown agents.
e-Shram Card vs Other Labour Cards
| Card | For Whom | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| e-Shram card | All eligible unorganised workers | National ID, PMSBY accident cover, scheme access |
| BOCW (labour) card | Registered construction workers in a state | State construction welfare board benefits |
| PM-SYM card | Unorganised workers who join the pension scheme | ₹3,000 monthly pension after 60 |
| Ayushman card | Eligible families and senior citizens | Cashless health cover up to ₹5 lakh |
Many workers can hold more than one of these cards. For example, a construction worker can have a UAN card, a state labour card and an Ayushman card.
How to Join PM-SYM Pension Using Your e-Shram Card
1. Visit the PM-SYM portal (maandhan.in) or a CSC. 2. Enter your Aadhaar, mobile and bank details. 3. Choose your monthly contribution based on your age (₹55 to ₹200). 4. Set up auto-debit from your bank account. 5. Download your Shram Yogi pension card.
The government contributes an equal amount, and you receive ₹3,000 per month after turning 60, as long as you continue contributions.
Why Every Unorganised Worker Should Get an e-Shram Card
– It creates an official record of your work and skills. – It helps you get accident insurance at almost no cost. – It makes it easier to receive support during disasters. – It may help you access future social security benefits for gig and platform workers. – It takes only a few minutes and costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the e-Shram card?
It is a free government ID card with a 12-digit UAN for unorganised workers, issued through the e-Shram portal.
Who can apply for the e-Shram card?
Unorganised workers aged 16 to 59 who are not EPFO or ESIC members and do not pay income tax.
Is e-Shram registration free?
Yes. Registration is free online and at CSCs.
What are the benefits of the e-Shram card?
Benefits include accident insurance up to ₹2 lakh under PMSBY and easier access to welfare schemes.
Does the e-Shram card give monthly money?
No. There is no automatic monthly payment. Pension under PM-SYM requires separate enrolment and contributions.
How can I download my e-Shram card?
Log in on eshram.gov.in through the Update option, verify with OTP and download the UAN card.
Conclusion
The e-Shram card is a simple, free way for unorganised workers to get recognised by the government and access social security benefits like accident insurance and welfare schemes. Registration takes just a few minutes with Aadhaar, a linked mobile number and a bank account. Register today on eshram.gov.in or at your nearest CSC, download your UAN card, and keep your details updated.
