Before applying for an E-Shram Card, the most common question workers ask is:
“Am I eligible for E-Shram registration?”
The good news is that most unorganised workers in India are eligible. The government designed this scheme to cover workers who do not receive formal job benefits like PF, ESIC, or pension.
This article explains E-Shram Card eligibility criteria in detail, including age limit, worker category, documents required, and who is not eligible.
What Does “Unorganised Worker” Mean?
An unorganised worker is someone who:
Does not have a permanent employer
Does not receive fixed monthly salary
Is not covered under EPFO or ESIC
Works on daily wages, contract, or self-employment
The E-Shram Yojana mainly focuses on such workers.
E-Shram Card Eligibility Criteria (All Conditions)
✅ 1. Age Limit
To apply for an E-Shram Card:
Minimum age: 16 years
Maximum age: 59 years
👉 Workers above 60 years are not eligible because they are already covered under senior citizen schemes.
✅ 2. Worker Must Be From Unorganised Sector
Only unorganised workers can register.
This includes:
Daily wage workers
Self-employed individuals
Contract-based workers
Gig & platform workers
✅ 3. Aadhaar Card Is Mandatory
Aadhaar card is compulsory
Mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar
OTP verification is required during registration
Without Aadhaar authentication, E-Shram registration is not possible.
✅ 4. Active Bank Account Required
Bank account is needed for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Account must be active
Correct IFSC code is important
This ensures workers receive government benefits directly without delay.
✅ 5. Indian Citizenship
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the E-Shram Card.
Categories of Workers Eligible for E-Shram Card
Below is a detailed list of eligible worker categories:
🔹 Labour & Construction Workers
Masons
Helpers
Painters
Road & bridge workers
🔹 Agricultural Workers
Farm labourers
Seasonal agricultural workers
Landless farmers
🔹 Domestic Workers
Housemaids
Cooks
Babysitters
Elder care workers
🔹 Gig & Platform Workers
Food delivery partners
Cab & auto drivers
Courier riders
🔹 Street & Self-Employed Workers
Street vendors
Hawkers
Small shop helpers
Rickshaw pullers
Who Is NOT Eligible for E-Shram Card?
Some people are not allowed to apply under this scheme.
❌ Not Eligible Categories:
Income tax payers
Government employees
EPFO members
ESIC members
Organised sector employees
These individuals already receive social security benefits under other systems.
Can Students Apply for E-Shram Card?
❌ Students without work: Not eligible
✅ Students doing part-time unorganised work: Eligible, if they meet age and Aadhaar requirements
Can Housewives Apply for E-Shram Card?
Housewives without income are not eligible
Housewives working as paid domestic workers are eligible
Eligibility for Migrant Workers
Migrant workers are fully eligible for E-Shram registration.
Benefits include:
Pan-India validity
No need to re-register after migration
Same UAN works across states
This is one of the strongest features of the scheme.
Eligibility Checklist (Quick Summary)
You can apply if:
✔ You are between 16–59 years
✔ You work in the unorganised sector
✔ You have Aadhaar & linked mobile number
✔ You have an active bank account
✔ You are not an income tax payer
Why Eligibility Matters
Registering eligible workers helps the government:
Design better welfare schemes
Provide insurance & pension
Transfer emergency benefits quickly
For workers, eligibility means security, recognition, and future support.
Conclusion
If you work without formal job benefits, there is a very high chance you are eligible for the E-Shram Card. The eligibility criteria are simple and inclusive, ensuring that no genuine unorganised worker is left out.
Checking your eligibility is the first step toward social security and government protection.