What Is Covered
- ECHS Smart Card New Application
- ECHS Card Renewal Assistance
- CSD Card Application Support
- Dependent Addition & Updation
- Lost Card Replacement Assistance
- ECHS Polyclinic Change Support
- Document Checklist & Verification
- Application Status Follow-Up
ECHS Smart Card (64 KB)
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme provides cashless healthcare to retired defence personnel and dependents through polyclinics and empanelled hospitals across India.
Ex-servicemen drawing pension (regular/disability/family) • War widows & NOK of battle casualties • Dependents: spouse, children, parents, disabled relatives • Online fee: ₹177
Primary Members: Pensioner ESM (regular/disability/family pension) • War widows (Veer Naris) • NOK of soldiers killed in war • Medically boarded out recruits with disability pension
Eligible Dependents: Spouse • Unmarried daughters (any age) • Unemployed sons (up to 25 yrs) • Disabled children/siblings • Widows & divorced women • Parents (if ESM income <₹9000+DA)
- Cashless treatment at 427+ ECHS polyclinics across India
- OPD services: consultations, diagnostics
- IPD services: hospitalization, surgery
- Specialist treatments: cardiology, oncology, orthopedics
- Emergency services at empanelled hospitals
- Expanded Central Drug List (~2,300 medicines)
- AYUSH & alternative treatment options
- Portability: nationwide pan-India access
- Service Number / PPO (Pension Payment Order)
- Discharge Book / Pension Book
- Aadhaar Card copy
- PAN Card (dependents above 18 yrs)
- Passport-size photo (51x51mm, white background)
- Bank account proof
- Dependency proof (for dependents)
Step 1: Visit www.echs.gov.in → "ECHS Smart Card Online Application"
Step 2: Select category (ESM / Spouse / War Widow / Dependent)
Step 3: Register with Army Number & mobile
Step 4: Verify OTP on registered mobile
Step 5: Login & fill personal + service details
Step 6: Upload documents & passport photo
Step 7: Pay online fee (₹177) via UPI / Debit Card
Step 8: Collect card from nearest ECHS Polyclinic (10-15 days)
Documents Required: Dependency proof (marriage/birth certificate), Aadhaar, PAN, photos
Processing: Dependent applications sent to nearest ECHS Polyclinic for verification (7-10 days)
Important: Old 32KB cards discontinued. Only 64KB Smart Card valid now.
CSD Smart Card (Canteen)
Canteen Stores Department provides subsidized groceries, electronics, vehicles, AFD items to defence personnel, ex-servicemen and dependents through canteens and online portal.
Serving defence personnel (Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard) • Ex-servicemen with 5+ years service or medically discharged • War widows & dependents • Online renewal fee: ₹229.50
Serving Personnel: All officers, JCOs, ORs from Armed Forces
Ex-Servicemen: Retired with minimum 5 years service • Medically discharged with pension
Dependents: Spouse of serving/retired personnel • Unmarried children up to 25 yrs • Disabled children (any age)
Special: War Widows (Veer Naris) • NOK of battle casualties
- Groceries: cereals, vegetables, dairy, oils at 10-15% discount
- Electronics: TVs, ACs, appliances (2 TVs & 4 ACs per 4-year block)
- Vehicles: Cars (Officers ₹20L, JCOs ₹10L, ORs ₹8L), Bikes, EVs (+₹5L)
- AFD Items: purchases at concessional rates
- Liquor: Allocated monthly quota
- Household goods, furniture, clothing & more
- Service Number / Discharge Book / PPO
- Aadhaar Card copy
- PAN Card (mandatory)
- Passport-size photograph (recent, 2x2 inch)
- Bank account proof
- For dependents: Proof of relationship
First-Time Applicants (Offline Process):
Step 1: Visit nearest Unit Run Canteen (URC) with original documents
Step 2: Fill CSD Smart Card application form
Step 3: Submit with photographs & supporting documents
Step 4: Verification by URC authority
Step 5: Card couriered to registered address (valid 10 years)
Processing Time: 2-3 weeks
Good News: CSD Smart Card no longer requires annual renewal! Card remains valid till expiry (10 years).
Lost Card Replacement: Pay ₹229.50 online → New card couriered (2-3 weeks)
Dependent Addition: Add dependent with proof of relationship on CSD portal
What We Do
Eligibility Assessment: Determine if you qualify for ECHS and/or CSD cards.
Document Verification: Ensure all documents meet requirements (photos, certificates, proofs).
Portal Guidance: Step-by-step assistance with online application on official websites.
Dependent Management: Help add dependents, update information, manage multiple cards.
Card Replacement: Assistance with lost card replacement and courier tracking.
Status Tracking: Monitor application progress and ensure timely card delivery.
