e-Shram Card Registration: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply Online (2026)

Last Updated: 22 Oct, 2026 by Ansara
e-Shram is a centralized national database established by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (Government of India) to register and create a comprehensive registry of unorganized workers across the country. Any unorganized worker aged between 16 and 59 years—including daily wage earners, gig workers, agricultural laborers, street vendors,and domestic workers who are not members of EPFO or ESIC—is eligible to register. Upon registration, workers receive a unique 12-digit e-Shram Card (UAN) that streamlines their access to various central and state social security schemes,government welfare benefits, accidental insurance coverage, and targeted relief measures during crises.
e-shram portal

e-shram portal

What Is the e-Shram Portal?

The e-Shram Portal collects information about eligible workers. It helps the government understand their needs. It also helps workers find suitable government schemes.

Many workers do not receive pensions or insurance through their jobs. Some work on farms, construction sites or in people’s homes. Others sell goods on streets or work for delivery apps.

The government created this portal to support such workers.

Launch date and the ministry behind it

The government started e-Shram on 26 August 2021. The Ministry of Labour and Employment runs it. The portal aims to help unorganised workers.

National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW)

NDUW means National Database of Unorganised Workers. It is a list of registered workers across India. The government uses it to understand workers’ needs.

From registry to “One-Stop-Solution”

The portal has added new services over time.

  • 2021: The government launched the e-Shram Portal.
  • October 2024: It brought many scheme details together.
  • January 2025: States received their own online pages.

These changes help workers find scheme information more easily.

Why Was e-Shram Launched? Purpose and Objectives

Many workers do not receive regular job benefits. Some find it hard to get government help. Workers moving between states may face extra problems.

The portal aims to:

  • Help workers find government schemes.
  • Help workers who move between states.
  • Help identify workers during emergencies.
  • Help the government know what workers need.
  • Keep all workers’ details in one place.

Who Can Register on e-Shram? Eligibility

Eligible unorganised workers can register on this portal. Generally, they must be aged 16 to 59. They must not pay income tax. EPFO or ESIC membership can affect eligibility.

Eligible worker categories

These workers may register if they meet the rules:

  • Gig and platform workers: People working through apps.
  • Migrant workers: People who move for work.
  • Construction workers: People building houses and roads.
  • Delivery workers: People who deliver food or parcels.
  • Agricultural workers: People who work on farms.
  • Street vendors: People selling goods on streets.

Other eligible unorganised workers may also register.

Who is not eligible?

These people generally cannot register:

  • Workers covered by EPFO.
  • Workers covered by ESIC under the eligibility rules.
  • People who pay income tax.
  • People outside the allowed age range.

EPFO and ESIC provide certain benefits to eligible employees.

How to Register on the e-Shram Portal

You can register using a phone or computer. You can also visit a Common Service Centre (CSC). Staff there can help you register.

Documents needed

Keep these ready:

  • Your Aadhaar number. (printed on the front side of your physical Aadhaar card)
  • Your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. (You can check which mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar card using the My Aadhaar Portal or the official UIDAI Website)
  • Your bank account details.

Registration steps

  1. Open the official e-Shram website.
  2. Select “Register on eShram.”
  3. Enter your mobile number.
  4. Enter the OTP sent to your phone.
  5. Follow the Aadhaar verification steps.
  6. Enter your personal details.
  7. Add details about your work and bank.
  8. Check all details and be sure that they are correct.
  9. Submit the form.
  10. Download your e-Shram card.

You will get an OTP (a one-time code) on your phone. Enter this code to confirm your mobile number.

You can also register at an authorised CSC (Common Service Centre). Take your Aadhaar card and bank details with you. The staff will help you.

If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, go to a CSC or State Seva Kendra. The staff may use your biometrics to check your identity. You can register for free at authorised centres.

What Is the e-Shram Card and UAN?

The e-Shram card proves that you have registered. It contains your details and a special number. This number is called the Universal Account Number (UAN).

The number helps identify you in the e-Shram database. It differs from the EPFO UAN.

How to download or update the card

  • Visit the e-Shram website.
  • Log in using the available registration option.
  • Follow the instructions to download your card.
  • Update your details when needed.
  • Keep your mobile number and work details correct.
UAN Card format

UAN Card format

Services and Benefits Available Through e-Shram

The portal helps workers find government schemes. Different schemes offer different kinds of help. However, the card alone does not provide these benefits.

Workers must meet each scheme’s rules.

Insurance and pension (PMSBY, PMJJBY, PM-SYM)

  • PMSBY: Provides accident insurance to eligible members. The maximum cover is ₹2 lakh.
  • PMJJBY: Provides life insurance to eligible members. The cover is ₹2 lakh.
  • PM-SYM: Offers a pension scheme to eligible workers. Members may receive ₹3,000 monthly after age 60. Scheme rules and payments apply.

Workers must join these schemes separately.

Ration, health and housing linkages (ONORC, Ayushman Bharat, MoHUA)

  • ONORC: Helps eligible people get ration in different places.
  • Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: Helps eligible people pay for hospital treatment.
  • MoHUA schemes: May offer housing or street-vending support. Help depends on the scheme and eligibility rules.

Jobs and skilling (NCS, Skill India Digital Hub)

  • National Career Service (NCS): Helps people search for jobs.
  • Skill India Digital Hub: Helps people find training courses.

Integrated schemes table

Scheme Main benefit
PMSBY Accident insurance
PMJJBY Life insurance
PM-SYM Pension after age 60
ONORC Ration access in different places
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Hospital treatment support
NCS Help finding jobs
Skill India Digital Hub Training information
MoHUA schemes Relevant housing or street-vending support

You must meet each scheme’s rules to receive benefits.

e-Shram Key Facts and Latest Figures (2026)

The number of registered workers changes regularly. Here are some important facts.

Fact Figure or detail
Launch date 26 August 2021
Total registrations Over 31.82 crore, as of 3 August 2026
Women and men Check the latest official dashboard
Largest age group Check the latest official dashboard
Top states Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
Platform workers Check the latest official dashboard
Registration methods Online or through a CSC

The government reported over 31.82 crore registrations.

Benefits and Challenges of e-Shram

Benefits Challenges
Keeps worker details together. Some details may be wrong.
Helps workers find government schemes. The card does not guarantee money.
Helps identify workers during emergencies. Some workers may not know about it.
Helps workers find job services. Some people need help registering online.
Helps the government plan support. Workers may need to update their details.

The portal can help workers find support. However, workers must check each scheme’s rules.

e-Shram: Quick Facts for Exams

  • Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  • Launch date: 26 August 2021.
  • NDUW: National Database of Unorganised Workers.
  • UAN: Universal Account Number.
  • Registration fee: Free.
  • Main purpose: Help workers find government schemes.
  • One-Stop-Solution: Started in October 2024.
  • State online pages: Started in January 2025.

Conclusion

The e-Shram Portal helps workers find government schemes. Eligible workers can register without paying a fee. Visit the official e-Shram website to register.