ECHS — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | ECHS 2026 — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme | Free Treatment for Veterans |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2003 |
| Benefit | Free OPD + hospitalization + medicines + diagnostics at 427+ polyclinics & empanelled hospitals |
| Category | Defence |
| Last Verified | 23 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://echs.gov.in |
What is ECHS?
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), approved on 30 December 2002 and launched on 1 April 2003, provides comprehensive medical care to all retired Armed Forces personnel drawing pension and their dependents through a network of 427+ ECHS polyclinics, service medical facilities, government hospitals, and empanelled civil hospitals across India. ECHS members are issued a 64 KB Smart Card containing personal details, dependents, and medical history. The scheme covers OPD consultation, hospitalization, diagnostics, surgeries, medicines, and specialist care — at no cost to the veteran. Eligible beneficiaries include the ESM pensioner, spouse, dependent unemployed/unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters, dependent unmarried sons up to 25 years, handicapped children, and dependent parents. As of 2026, CSD Smart Cards no longer require annual renewal — they are valid for 10 years until expiry. The scheme is administered by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Free OPD + hospitalization + medicines + diagnostics at 427+ polyclinics & empanelled hospitals. The scheme was launched in 2003 and is implemented by the Government of India.
Benefits of ECHS
Free OPD + hospitalization + medicines + diagnostics at 427+ polyclinics & empanelled hospitals
Who is Eligible for ECHS?
- ✓Ex-Servicemen (ESM) drawing pension/family pension/disability pension from any Armed Force
- ✓Spouse of ESM pensioner (continues after death of ESM under family pension)
- ✓Dependent unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters of ESM — no age limit if unemployed
- ✓Dependent unmarried sons up to 25 years (or any age if permanently disabled)
- ✓Dependent parents whose income is less than the prescribed limit
- ✓Pre-Mature Retirement (PMR) personnel after specified conditions
Advertisement
Documents Required for ECHS
How to Apply for ECHS Online?
- 1Visit the official ECHS portal echs.sourceinfosys.com (or echs.gov.in) — register with mobile number and create password
- 2Fill the online application form — personal details, service details (PPO number), unit, dependents details
- 3Upload scanned copies: photograph, signature, PPO, Aadhaar, discharge book, dependent documents
- 4Pay the one-time membership fee online — rank-based contribution as per ECHS guidelines
- 5Submit application — receive temporary slip for immediate use at any ECHS Polyclinic
- 6Smart Card delivered to your address within 7–20 days via India Post / Speed Post
- 7Activate the Smart Card at any ECHS Polyclinic on first visit — biometric verification
- 8Use Smart Card at any of 427+ ECHS Polyclinics, empanelled hospitals, and diagnostic centres — production of card is MANDATORY for treatment
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on echs.gov.inFrequently Asked Questions — ECHS
Common Questions About Defence Schemes
What is the Seva Nidhi Package under Agniveer scheme?+
On completion of 4 years, Agniveers receive Rs.11.71 lakh as Seva Nidhi which includes their monthly contribution plus the government matching contribution with interest.
What percentage of Agniveers are retained permanently?+
Up to 25% of Agniveers are eligible to be enrolled as regular cadre in the armed forces based on merit, medical fitness, and performance.
Who is eligible for CSD Smart Card?+
All serving personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Assam Rifles), Ex-Servicemen with 5+ years service or medically discharged, defence civilians (DSC/MES/BRO/GREF), war widows, family pensioners, and their dependents (spouse, unmarried children, dependent parents).
What is the discount at CSD canteens?+
CSD prices are typically 15–50% below market rate (depending on item). Groceries average 20% off MRP, liquor 30–50% off, white goods (refrigerators, washing machines) 15–25% off, and CSD AFD items (cars, two-wheelers) get exclusive rates with GST exemption in some cases — savings up to ₹50,000 on a car.
Who can apply for AWHO flats?+
All serving and retired Indian Army personnel (Officers, JCOs, ORs), widows of Army personnel, parents of unmarried fatal casualties. Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard personnel can apply if there are vacant units in a specific AWHO project after Army allotment. Defence Civilians considered case-by-case.
Advertisement
Related Defence Schemes
Agniveer Scheme 2026 — Agnipath Defence Recruitment, Salary & Seva Nidhi
The Agniveer Scheme, launched under the Agnipath programme in 2022, recruits Indian youth aged 17.5 to 21 years for a 4-year short-service commission in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Agniveers receive a monthly salary starting at Rs.30,000 (rising to Rs.40,000 in the 4th year) plus risk and hardship allowances. On completion of 4 years, they receive a tax-free Seva Nidhi package of Rs.11.71 lakh (their contribution matched by the government with interest). Up to 25% of each batch is offered permanent enrolment in the regular armed forces based on merit and performance. Agniveers also receive priority in central paramilitary forces (CRPF, CISF, BSF) and several state police recruitment drives.
CSD Canteen Smart Card 2026 — Apply Online | Subsidized Groceries & Liquor for Veterans
The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) Smart Card is the identification card issued by the Indian Armed Forces that allows serving personnel, ex-servicemen (veterans), war widows, and eligible dependents to purchase groceries, household goods, lifestyle products, and liquor at Unit Run Canteens (URC) and CSD canteens across India at significantly subsidized rates (typically 15–50% below market price). Launched as a digital identification programme in 2017, the CSD Smart Card now has online application via csdsmartcard.co.in. The 2026 updates include: discontinuation of annual renewal (cards now valid till 10-year expiry); ability to purchase both grocery and liquor from any URC; provision to buy 2 months' quota of grocery and liquor in one month; and CSD AFD (Against Firm Demand) for big-ticket items like cars and electronics at exclusive discounted rates. Cards are delivered within 7–20 days via courier directly to home address.
AWHO 2026 — Army Welfare Housing Organisation | Affordable Flats for Veterans
The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) is a registered society formed in December 1978 under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 with the singular mission to construct and allot quality dwelling units to serving and retired Army personnel, their widows, and parents of unmarried fatal casualties — at the most affordable rates possible. AWHO operates on a no-profit-no-loss basis under the aegis of the Adjutant General's Branch of the Indian Army. Projects are spread across North, South, East, West zones and NCR — including flats, duplex units, plots, and independent villas. AWHO offers significant savings of 15–25% versus market rates due to bulk land procurement, military engineering services, and zero developer margin. Selected projects also accommodate Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel subject to availability. Application is online at awhosena.in with project-specific draws conducted transparently. AWHO has delivered 50,000+ dwelling units across 70+ projects in 4+ decades.
OROP One Rank One Pension 2026 — Uniform Pension for All Armed Forces Veterans
One Rank One Pension (OROP), implemented on 7 November 2015 with effect from 1 July 2014, ensures that ALL Armed Forces veterans of the same RANK and same LENGTH of service receive the SAME pension — regardless of when they retired. This corrects a historical injustice where older retirees received much lower pensions than those who retired later (despite equivalent rank and service). The latest OROP revision (OROP-2) was approved on 23 December 2022 with effect from 1 July 2019 — covering 25.13 lakh defence pensioners with arrears of ₹23,638 crore (paid in 4 installments). Future revisions happen every 5 years, with the next OROP-3 revision expected in 2024-25 (already announced). Administered by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Ministry of Defence. The scheme covers Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and select paramilitary forces.