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How to Apply for Ex-Servicemen Pension and ECHS 2026
Ex-Servicemen Pension + ECHS - defence retirees. SPARSH portal. ECHS card. Free healthcare.
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About This Guide
Ex-Servicemen Pension via SPARSH (System for Pension Administration RAksha). ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) for free healthcare. Defence pensioners + dependents. 50+ lakh beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian Defence Services retiree
- Aadhaar mandatory
- PPO Number
- Bank account (Aadhaar-seeded)
- Service certificate
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.
- PPO Number
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Service certificate
- Discharge certificate
- Bank passbook
- Photo
- Spouse Aadhaar (ECHS)
- Marriage certificate
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.
SPARSH Login
sparsh.defencepension.gov.in.
PPO + Mobile OTP
Authentication.
Pension Status
Monthly + DA visible.
Life Certificate
Annual via Jeevan Pramaan.
ECHS Card Apply
Through ECHS portal.
ECHS Smart Card
For self + dependents.
Free Treatment
ECHS empanelled hospitals.
Annual Top-Up
For high-value treatments.
Key Benefits
- Defence-specific
- SPARSH online
- ECHS healthcare
- Cashless treatment
- Family included
- Pan-India ECHS
- PPO transparency
- DA increases auto
What Happens After Application?
30-60 days for ECHS card.
Frequently Asked Questions
OROP impact?
OROP (One Rank One Pension) auto-applies. SPARSH shows revised pension.