🎖️

ECHS 64KB Smart Card (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme)

64KB Smart Card portal, cashless polyclinic & empanelled hospital treatment, annual dependent validation & temporary slip download

Visit Official Portal →
📝 Reviewed by: India Docs Portal Editorial Team📅 Last updated: August 28, 2026Sources: Official .gov.in portals

Quick Answer

💡 The ECHS 64KB Smart Card is a microchip-embedded medical identity card issued by the Ministry of Defence to retired Armed Forces personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force) drawing a military pension and their eligible dependents. It provides 100% cashless medical care across 433+ military polyclinics and empanelled private super-specialty hospitals. Beneficiaries can apply online on echs.sourceinfosys.com.

Quick Information

⏱️ Processing Time

Temporary Slip: Instant download (valid for 6 months) | Physical 64KB Smart Card delivery: 30–60 days to parent polyclinic

💵 Fees

One-time contribution based on rank at retirement (exempted for war widows and disability pensioners) | Replacement/Duplicate card fee: ₹177 per card

✅ Eligibility

Ex-Servicemen (ESM) drawing a military pension or disability pension from the Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA Prayagraj / SPARSH) and their legally recognized dependents (spouse, unmarried/unemployed children within prescribed age limits, and dependent parents earning less than ₹9,000 + DA per month)

Who Needs This Document?

Retired Armed Forces personnel (Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Special Frontier Force), war widows, next-of-kin, and their eligible dependent family members for 100% cashless medical treatment

Required Documents

  • Original Pension Payment Order (PPO / e-PPO from SPARSH or PCDA)
  • Military Discharge Book / Service Certificate copy
  • Aadhaar Card and PAN Card of Ex-Serviceman and each dependent beneficiary
  • Passport-size photographs and specimen signature/thumb impression of all beneficiaries
  • Form 26AS or State Revenue Income Certificate (for annual validation of dependents aged 18+ confirming income below ₹9,000 + DA)

How to Apply for ECHS 64KB Smart Card (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme)

1

Register on Official ECHS Portal (echs.sourceinfosys.com)

Create an account on the central 64KB smart card portal using your military service number, rank, and active mobile number.

2

Fill ESM & Dependent Details

Enter service coordinates, date of discharge, PCDA pension details, parent polyclinic preference, and add dependent family members (spouse, children, parents).

3

Upload Service & KYC Proofs

Upload scanned copies of SPARSH PPO, Discharge Book pages, Aadhaar cards, and passport photos of each applicant.

4

Pay Card Fee & Station HQ Online Verification

Pay the smart card generation fee via the online payment gateway. The application is reviewed and digitally cleared by the designated Record Office and Station Headquarters (Stn HQ).

5

Download ECHS Temporary Slip

While the physical 64KB smart card is printed, download the system-generated countersigned ECHS Temporary Slip to avail instant cashless treatment at polyclinics.

6

Collect 64KB Smart Card from Parent Polyclinic

Collect the physical chip-based 64KB Smart Card from the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of your parent ECHS polyclinic upon biometric verification and submission of old 16KB/32KB cards.

📝 How to Update ECHS 64KB Smart Card (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme)

How to add a newborn child, update mobile number, or change parent polyclinic on your ECHS card:

1

Log In to echs.sourceinfosys.com

Sign in with your registered username and password.

2

Select 'Add Dependent / Change Polyclinic'

Choose the specific amendment service under your active profile.

3

Upload Birth Certificate / Part II Order

Provide the service documentation or address proof for the amendment.

4

Station HQ Approval & Card Re-Print

The Record Office clears the change, and a revised 64KB card is ordered.

⬇️ How to Download ECHS 64KB Smart Card (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme)

Download an official digital ECHS Temporary Slip or tracking receipt online:

1

Open Official ECHS Portal

Visit echs.sourceinfosys.com and log in.

2

Go to 'Card Application Status'

Check the verification timeline of your 64KB card.

3

Click 'Download Temporary Slip'

Download the verified temporary medical slip containing barcodes and family member rosters.

4

Save on ECHS Beneficiary App

Link your credentials on the official Android mobile app for instant digital appointment booking.

🔍 How to Check ECHS 64KB Smart Card (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) Application Status

Track your 64KB smart card manufacturing and dispatch status online:

1

Visit Status Tracking Portal

Go to echs.sourceinfosys.com and click 'Track 64KB Card Status'.

2

Enter Service Number & Mobile

Input your military service credentials.

3

View Real-Time Stage

Track whether your file is at 'Verified by Record Office', 'Card Printed at Vendor', or 'Dispatched to Polyclinic OIC for Delivery'.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to complete the mandatory Annual Validation for dependents aged 18+ (leads to automatic card blocking at polyclinics)
  • Not downloading the ECHS Temporary Slip while waiting for physical card manufacturing
  • Using an unauthorized third-party site instead of the official sourceinfosys portal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ECHS 64KB Smart Card and why is it mandatory?

The 64KB Smart Card is a microchip-embedded biometric identity card issued by the Ministry of Defence. It stores medical history, fingerprint biometrics, and dependent credentials, enabling 100% cashless outpatient (OPD) care at 433+ ECHS Polyclinics and comprehensive inpatient (IPD) hospitalization across thousands of empanelled private super-specialty hospitals nationwide.

How to complete the mandatory Annual Life Certificate / Validation for Dependents?

Primary ESM beneficiaries must perform annual validation on echs.sourceinfosys.com or the ECHS Beneficiary App: 1) Log in and click 'Annual Validation of Dependents'. 2) Submit a self-declaration confirming dependent status. 3) Upload Form 26AS (if dependent has PAN) or a Tehsildar Income Certificate proving monthly earnings do not exceed ₹9,000 + Dearness Relief. (Spouses are exempt from annual income validation).

How can I avail emergency treatment at an un-empanelled hospital under ECHS?

In life-threatening emergencies, an ECHS beneficiary can be admitted directly to any nearby un-empanelled private/civil hospital without referral. The beneficiary must inform their parent ECHS Polyclinic within 48 hours and submit the emergency certificate and medical bills for reimbursement.

How to download the ECHS Temporary Slip online?

1) Log into echs.sourceinfosys.com. 2) Check application status. 3) Once Stage 3 (Record Office/Stn HQ approval) is complete, click 'Download Temporary Slip'. 4) Print the color PDF and get it stamped by the OIC Polyclinic to use as a valid card for 6 months.

What is the toll-free helpline and official support for ECHS smart cards?

ECHS Central Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 114 115. Technical portal assistance WhatsApp: +91-7703818578 / 7701976194. Official portal: echs.sourceinfosys.com & echs.gov.in.

📄 Related Documents

Ready to Apply?

Visit the official government portal to start your application

Go to Official Portal →
Try India Docs AI!