Quick take: eShram is the Government of India’s National Database of Unorganised Workers. Eligible workers can register free at eShram.gov.in and receive a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) that remains permanent. The database is intended to help connect workers with social-security and welfare schemes and improve portability for migrant and construction workers. (e-Shram)
Register on the official eShram portal
Who can register?
The official eShram criteria include:
- 16 years or older
- Working as an unorganised worker
- Not a member of EPFO or ESIC
- Not a government employee / otherwise excluded under the applicable criteria
- The eShram FAQ says there is no income criterion, but the worker should not be an income-tax payee. (e-Shram)
Examples of workers covered by the database include:
- Construction workers
- Domestic workers
- Street vendors
- Agriculture workers
- Migrant workers
- Self-employed workers
- Home-based workers
- Gig and platform workers
- Wage workers in the unorganised sector (e-Shram)
Agricultural labourers and landless farmers can also register, subject to the other eligibility conditions. (e-Shram)
What is the UAN?
Your Universal Account Number (UAN) on eShram is a 12-digit permanent number assigned after registration.
It is different from an EPFO UAN. Don't confuse the two simply because both use the abbreviation UAN.
The eShram UAN stays with the worker and the eShram card itself does not expire. (e-Shram)
Documents you actually need
For normal online registration, the core requirements are:
Aadhaar number + Aadhaar-linked mobile number. (e-Shram)
The official FAQ says you generally do not need to submit documents at a CSC. Carry your Aadhaar number and mobile number for registration. (e-Shram)
You currently don't need separate proof of:
- Date of birth
- Income
for eShram registration. (e-Shram)
What if Aadhaar mobile isn't linked?
You don't have to abandon registration.
Visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) or State Seva Kendra (SSK), where assisted registration can be completed using biometric authentication. (e-Shram)
You can also use the official CSC locator for an assisted-registration centre.
How to register online
Step 1 — Open eShram
Go to the official portal and select Register on eShram.
Step 2 — Authenticate Aadhaar
Enter the requested Aadhaar details and complete the authentication flow using your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
Step 3 — Enter worker details
Review the information requested about:
- Personal details
- Current address
- Occupation
- Education
- Skills
- Other employment-related information
The database is designed to capture these details to support welfare delivery and employability-related services. (e-Shram)
Step 4 — Check occupation carefully
Choose the occupation that actually represents your work.
If you have changed occupations since registration, update the profile rather than continuing with obsolete information. The current eShram portal specifically advises registrants to update their occupation for continued benefits. (e-Shram)
Step 5 — Submit
Complete registration and save your 12-digit eShram UAN.
Step 6 — Download / save the card
Keep a digital copy of the eShram card and, for workers who prefer paper, keep a printed copy with other important documents.
Registration is FREE
There is no registration charge.
The official FAQ specifically says workers are not required to pay any registering entity for eShram registration. (e-Shram)
If a CSC operator or agent asks for money, ask what official service fee is being charged and request a receipt. Do not pay someone merely because they claim they can “activate” an eShram card.
What benefits do you automatically get?
This is the important distinction:
eShram registration itself is not a universal cash-benefit scheme.
The government's FAQ currently states that registration is being done through eShram; eligibility for individual benefits depends on the relevant government scheme. (e-Shram)
eShram's purpose is to create a centralised database that can help governments deliver social-security and welfare programmes to eligible workers. (e-Shram)
The platform has also been integrated with services including National Career Service (NCS) and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM). (Labour Government of India)
So don't believe a message saying:
“Register eShram today and ₹___ will automatically be deposited.”
Check the specific scheme's eligibility and application rules.
eShram + National Career Service
The government has integrated eShram with NCS, allowing an unorganised worker to use the eShram UAN to connect with job-search services. (Labour Government of India)
That makes the UAN useful beyond simply downloading a card.
eShram + pension schemes
eShram is also integrated with PM-SYM, a separate pension scheme for eligible unorganised workers.
The important point:
eShram registration ≠ automatic PM-SYM enrolment.
The pension has its own eligibility and contribution rules. (Labour Government of India)
Migrant workers: keep your profile updated
One of eShram's stated objectives is to improve portability of social-security and welfare benefits for migrant and construction workers. (e-Shram)
If you move for work, don't leave an old address or occupation sitting in the profile forever.
Update relevant details through the portal or an authorised CSC. (e-Shram)
Changed your mobile number?
You can update the registered mobile through the eShram profile using Aadhaar authentication.
If you don't have access to an Aadhaar-registered mobile, the official FAQ says you can use a CSC/SSK for the update. (e-Shram)
Does eShram expire?
No.
The eShram card has no validity period and doesn't require annual renewal.
However, the government recommends keeping your profile updated. (e-Shram)
Common mistakes
1. Paying an agent
Registration is free.
2. Assuming eShram guarantees money
It doesn't. Individual schemes have separate eligibility rules.
3. Creating multiple registrations
Your UAN is intended to be permanent. Don't create another registration because you forgot where you saved the first card.
4. Leaving an old occupation
Update your occupation when your work changes.
5. Sharing Aadhaar OTP
Complete authentication yourself whenever possible. Don't hand your phone to an unknown agent.
6. Using a fake website
Type the official address yourself:
eshram.gov.in
Family registration clinic
For a household with several eligible workers:
Worker 1 → Aadhaar + mobile → register → save UAN
Worker 2 → Aadhaar + mobile → register → save UAN
Worker 3 → check eligibility → register separately
Don't treat one person's eShram UAN as a family account.
What to keep in the document pouch
For each registered worker:
☐ Aadhaar number
☐ Aadhaar-linked mobile
☐ eShram UAN
☐ eShram card copy
☐ Current address
☐ Current occupation
☐ Skill information
☐ Important scheme/application references
If the portal doesn't work
The official eShram helpdesk currently lists:
14434 / 18008896811
9 AM–6 PM, daily including Sundays. (e-Shram)
For unresolved issues, the official FAQ also points workers to the eShram grievance portal. (e-Shram)
The 10-minute worker checklist
☐ Check whether you qualify
☐ Keep Aadhaar ready
☐ Keep Aadhaar-linked mobile ready
☐ Register only through official eShram
☐ Record your 12-digit UAN
☐ Download/save the card
☐ Record your occupation accurately
☐ Update your profile when circumstances change
☐ Check relevant schemes separately
☐ Never pay someone for a promised “automatic benefit”
How NetaSampark helps
eShram is a national worker database; the actual delivery of many welfare schemes still involves state departments, CSCs, banks and local service desks. Use NetaSampark to explore practical scheme guides and identify the appropriate civic channel when a local service problem needs escalation.
Be Informed. Be Heard.