The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE), Government of India, launched the e-Shram Card Portal to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW). The e-Shram card is a vital tool to integrate unorganized sector workers—such as construction laborers, street vendors, domestic workers, and migrant labor—with the government’s social security schemes.
e-Shram Card Services: Registration, Benefits, Update & Official Links
Upon successful registration, the worker is issued an e-Shram card featuring a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), which remains valid permanently across the entire country.
Important Services
| Service | Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| e-Shram Registration | Register as an eligible unorganised worker | e-Shram Portal |
| Already Registered / Login | Access your existing e-Shram account | e-Shram Portal |
| Download UAN Card | Access your e-Shram card after registration | e-Shram Portal |
| Update Profile | Update mobile number, address, occupation, and other eligible details | e-Shram Portal |
| Update Occupation | Keep occupation information current | e-Shram Portal |
Eligibility Criteria
The e-Shram card is exclusively designed for the unorganized sector. Applicants must meet the following strict criteria:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
| Age Limit | The applicant must be between 16 and 59 years of age. |
| Employment Type | Must be an unorganized worker (e.g., daily wager, carpenter, plumber, domestic worker, gig worker). |
| EPFO / ESIC | The applicant must NOT be a member of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) or the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). |
| Income Tax | The applicant must NOT be an Income Tax payee. |
| Farmers | Only landless agricultural laborers are eligible. Farmers who own their own agricultural land are not eligible (they are covered under PM Kisan). |
Documents Required
| Document | Required / Optional | Purpose/Notes |
| Aadhaar Card | Required | Mandatory for identity verification. |
| Mobile Number | Required | Preferably linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification during self-registration). |
| Bank Account Details | Required | Active Bank Account Number and IFSC code (for receiving future financial benefits/DBT). |
| Education / Income Proof | Optional | Details must be entered in the form, but uploading physical certificates is not mandatory. |
Application Fee & Processing Time
| Application Type | Application Fee | Processing Time |
| Self Registration (Online) | Free | Instant UAN Generation |
| New Registration via CSC | Free | Instant (CSC operators cannot charge for new card creation) |
| Profile Update via CSC | ₹20 (Tax Included) | Instant update on the portal |
Apply / Access / Track / Download
| User Need | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply / Access | e-Shram Portal |
| Track Application | Not clearly specified on the official source. |
| Download UAN Card | e-Shram Portal |
| Verify / Update Details | e-Shram Portal |
| Renewal | No renewal required; keep details updated. |
Key Benefits of the e-Shram Card
Registering on the e-Shram portal provides workers with several direct and indirect benefits:
- Free Accidental Insurance: Registered workers are automatically enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). They receive a free accidental insurance cover for the first year, which provides ₹2,000,000 (Two Lakh Rupees) in case of accidental death or permanent total disability, and ₹1,000,000 (One Lakh Rupees) for permanent partial disability.
- National Portability: The 12-digit UAN is recognized nationwide. Migrant workers who move from one state to another for employment will have their data securely stored, ensuring they do not lose access to social security benefits.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): In the event of future national emergencies or pandemics, the government can utilize the e-Shram database to transfer financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of affected workers.
How to Apply for an e-Shram Card (Online Registration)
If your mobile number is actively linked to your Aadhaar card, you can easily self-register using a smartphone or computer for free:
- Visit the Official Portal: Open the official e-Shram website at eshram.gov.in.
- Click on Registration: On the homepage, click on the “Register on eShram” link.
- Enter Mobile Number: Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, fill in the CAPTCHA, and select ‘No’ for both the EPFO and ESIC member options.
- OTP Verification: Click on “Send OTP” and enter the 6-digit code received on your mobile.
- Aadhaar Authentication: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, select the ‘OTP’ option, and verify it.
- Fill the Application Form: You will need to complete five distinct sections:
- Personal Information
- Residential Address (Current & Permanent)
- Education & Income Details
- Occupation & Skills (Must match the official NCO Code)
- Bank Account Details
- Preview & Submit: Carefully review all entered details in the preview screen and click ‘Submit’.
- Download UAN Card: Immediately upon submission, your 12-digit e-Shram (UAN) Card will be generated on the screen. Click “Download UAN Card” to save the PDF.
Instructions for CSC / VLE Operators (Biometric Process)
If an unorganized worker’s mobile number is not linked to their Aadhaar, they cannot self-register. They must visit their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). A CSC Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) can log into the Digital Seva Portal and authenticate the worker using a Biometric Fingerprint Scanner or Iris Scanner to complete the registration process.
How to Update / Correct e-Shram Details
If you have changed your profession, moved to a new city, or acquired a new mobile number, you must keep your e-Shram profile updated:
- Visit the e-Shram portal and click on the “Update” button.
- Enter your 12-digit UAN number, Date of Birth, and the CAPTCHA code.
- Validate the login using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Click on “Update Profile” and select the specific section you wish to change (e.g., Address, Education, Occupation, Bank Details).
- Once updated, you can click on “Download UAN Card” to generate the updated version of your card.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
- Difficulty Finding NCO Code: The portal uses a National Classification of Occupations (NCO) list. Download the NCO Code PDF from the official site, find the category that closest matches your work (e.g., tailoring, construction, agriculture), and type that exact phrase into the occupation field.
- Aadhaar-Linked Mobile Number is Inactive: If you have lost the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, you must first visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center to update your phone number. Alternatively, visit a CSC for biometric authentication.
- Server Errors / OTP Delays: The e-Shram portal often experiences heavy traffic. If OTPs are delayed or the page crashes, try registering during off-peak hours (early morning or late night).
- Bank Account Update Errors: Always ensure you provide a bank account that is NPCI-mapped (DBT enabled) with your Aadhaar to ensure seamless receipt of government funds.
Services for VLEs / CSC Operators
Official e-Shram guidance confirms CSCs and State Seva Kendras (SSKs) as assisted registration and update channels.
- Assisted e-Shram registration
- Worker profile updates
- Mobile number updates through assisted authentication, where required
- UAN card printing after successful registration
Help & Grievance
- Helpdesk: 14434 / 18008896811, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM daily, including Sundays.
- Online grievance: e-Shram Grievance Portal
Other Important Links:
Important Note
- Eligible workers generally must be aged 16 or above and meet e-Shram registration conditions.
- Registration is free. Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked mobile authentication are required for self-registration; CSC/SSK biometric assistance is available where applicable.
- The e-Shram card does not expire and does not require renewal.