What You'll Learn
- ✓ Step-by-step online registration process for e-Shram card at eshram.gov.in.
- ✓ How to claim the ₹2 lakh accidental insurance and ₹3,000 monthly pension.
- ✓ Document requirements, eligibility criteria, and UAN card download process.
- ✓ How e-Shram integrates with NCS for job matching and other social security schemes.
The e-Shram portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in August 2021, is the world's largest database of unorganised workers. As of May 2026, over 29.8 crore workers have registered on the platform. The e-Shram Card (also called the UAN Card) provides a 12-digit Universal Account Number that serves as a portable digital identity for informal sector workers across India. The database covers construction workers, domestic help, gig workers (Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato), agricultural labourers, street vendors, home-based workers, and all other categories of unorganised labour. The government has integrated e-Shram with multiple welfare schemes to ensure seamless delivery of benefits through Aadhaar-seeded Direct Benefit Transfer.
e-Shram Card Key Benefits in 2026
| Benefit | Details | How to Avail |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental Insurance | ₹2 lakh for death or permanent disability | Auto-covered via PMSBY linkage |
| Monthly Pension | ₹3,000/month after age 60 (PM-SYM) | Register at maandhan.in |
| Job Matching | Free job search via NCS portal | Use UAN to login on ncs.gov.in |
| Skill Training | Access to PMKVY skill programmes | Skill India portal integration |
| Scheme Access | One-click link to 25+ govt schemes | eshram.gov.in dashboard |
Eligibility Criteria for e-Shram Card 2026
As per the official e-Shram portal, the eligibility criteria are straightforward:
- Age: Between 16 and 59 years.
- Occupation: Must be working in the unorganised sector (agriculture, construction, domestic work, gig work, street vending, home-based work, etc.).
- Exclusion: Members of EPFO, ESIC, or NPS (government-funded) are not eligible.
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen with a valid Aadhaar number.
- Income tax: Income taxpayers are generally not eligible for e-Shram benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register for e-Shram Card Online
Registering for an e-Shram card is completely free and can be done online from home:
- Visit eshram.gov.in: Go to the official e-Shram portal and click on "Register on eShram."
- Enter Aadhaar: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked with it. An OTP will be sent for verification.
- Verify Aadhaar: After OTP verification, your basic details (name, DOB, gender) will be fetched from UIDAI.
- Fill Details: Enter your education level, skills, bank account details, and occupation category. Select from options like home-based worker, construction worker, gig worker, domestic worker, etc.
- Self-Declaration: Confirm that you have not registered with EPFO/ESIC and are not an income taxpayer.
- Submit: After submission, you will receive a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN). Your e-Shram card can be downloaded immediately as a PDF.
How to Download e-Shram Card (UAN Card)
Once registered, you can download your e-Shram UAN card through multiple methods:
- Via Portal: Login at eshram.gov.in with your UAN or Aadhaar OTP, go to the dashboard, and click "Download e-Shram Card."
- Via DigiLocker: The e-Shram card is available on DigiLocker under Ministry of Labour & Employment. Sign in and download from "Central Government" documents.
- Via UMANG App: The e-Shram service is now integrated with the UMANG app for mobile download.
₹2 Lakh Accidental Insurance: Coverage and Claim Process
Every registered e-Shram worker is automatically covered under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) for accidental death and disability insurance of ₹2 lakh. The coverage includes ₹2 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability, and ₹1 lakh for permanent partial disability. The insurance is provided at a nominal premium of ₹20 per year, which is auto-debited from the worker's bank account. In case of an accident, the nominee can claim by contacting the bank, filling the claim form, and submitting the death certificate, FIR, post-mortem report, and Aadhaar. The helpline number 14434 provides claim assistance. For comprehensive health coverage, registered workers should also enrol their families in Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for ₹5 lakh secondary and tertiary care cover.
PM-SYM Pension: ₹3,000 Monthly After Age 60
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) is a voluntary contributory pension scheme for e-Shram registered workers. Workers aged 18-50 can enroll and receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000 after reaching age 60. The contribution ranges from ₹55 to ₹200 per month depending on the entry age, and the Central Government provides an equal matching contribution. The scheme is accessible through the maandhan.in portal. After registration, contributions are auto-debited from the worker's bank account. This pension provides crucial old-age income security for informal sector workers who have no employer-provided retirement benefits.
Documents Required for e-Shram Registration
The registration process requires minimal documentation:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory - for identity verification and DBT linkage)
- Aadhaar-linked active mobile number for OTP verification
- Bank account number and IFSC code (Aadhaar-seeded account preferred)
- Self-declaration of occupation and income status
Ensure your bank account is properly linked via NPCI DBT Link to receive all benefit transfers directly. Workers can also register at Common Service Centres (CSC) if they need assistance with the online process.
e-Shram Card Integration with NCS and Other Schemes
One of the most powerful features of the e-Shram portal is its integration with the National Career Service (NCS). Workers can use their UAN to login on the NCS portal (ncs.gov.in) and search for suitable job opportunities across India. The platform uses AI-powered matching to connect workers with employers. Additionally, e-Shram is integrated with PMKVY for skill training, PM-SYM for pension, and PMSBY for insurance. This creates a comprehensive social security ecosystem for unorganised workers. Artisans registered on e-Shram can also access the PM Vishwakarma Yojana for collateral-free loans at 5% interest.
e-Shram Card for Gig and Platform Workers
In 2026, the e-Shram portal has been updated to include a dedicated registration pathway for gig and platform workers. Workers associated with Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart, and other platforms can now register under the "Platform Worker" category. The separate portal at register.eshram.gov.in captures specific data about platform earnings, working hours, and aggregator details. This data is used by the government to formulate social security policies for the growing gig economy in India.
How to Update e-Shram Profile and Complete KYC
Registered workers should keep their e-Shram profile updated. To update bank details, address, or occupation, login at eshram.gov.in using your UAN or Aadhaar OTP. Click on "Update Profile" and make the necessary changes. For e-KYC, visit a CSC centre for biometric verification using Aadhaar fingerprint authentication. The portal also allows Aadhaar-based OTP verification for basic updates. Keeping your profile current ensures uninterrupted benefit delivery and pension contributions. Street vendors registered under PM SVANidhi should ensure their e-Shram profile matches their scheme registration for seamless benefit cross-verification.
Conclusion
The e-Shram Card is a transformative initiative for India's 30 crore unorganised workers. By providing a universal digital identity through the UAN, it opens the door to accident insurance of ₹2 lakh, a monthly pension of ₹3,000 after age 60, free job matching through NCS, and access to 25+ government welfare schemes. The registration process is simple, free, and requires only an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. In 2026, with the addition of gig worker registration and enhanced integration with NCS and skill training portals, e-Shram has become the single gateway for informal sector social security. Every eligible worker aged 16-59 should register today at eshram.gov.in to secure their future. For workers also interested in safe investment options, the Atal Pension Yojana provides an additional guaranteed pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month.
Last Updated: May 26, 2026 | Source: Ministry of Labour & Employment (Official e-Shram Portal), PIB India, and myScheme.gov.in