APL vs BPL Ration Card – Complete Guide to Differences and Benefits

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) provides subsidised food grains through ration cards. The two main categories are APL (Above Poverty Line) and BPL (Below Poverty Line). After the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, the system was reorganised into Priority and Non-Priority households, but the APL/BPL terminology is still widely used. This guide explains all the differences.

Quick Comparison Table

Key Differences

1. Eligibility Criteria

BPL Ration Card is issued to families whose annual income falls below the poverty line set by the state government. The criteria include:

• Annual household income below the state threshold (₹27,000 in rural areas to ₹1 lakh in urban areas, varies by state)
• Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) criteria
• No ownership of motorised vehicles, AC, or refrigerator (in some states)
• No government employee in the family
• No income tax payer in the family

APL Ration Card is for families above the poverty line who do not qualify for BPL or AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) categories but still want a ration card for identity/address proof and limited food grain access.

2. Food Grain Entitlement

Under NFSA 2013:

BPL/Priority households get 5 kg per person per month. AAY families get 35 kg per family per month. APL families get limited or no subsidised grains under NFSA.

3. Access to Government Schemes

BPL card holders get access to numerous welfare schemes:

• PM Awas Yojana (housing for all)
• Ayushman Bharat (₹5 lakh health insurance)
• Free ration under PMGKAY (during emergencies)
• Scholarship schemes for children
• Subsidised LPG connections (Ujjwala Yojana)
• E-Shram registration benefits
• Old age/widow/disability pensions priority

APL card holders have limited access to these schemes. The ration card primarily serves as identity and address proof.

4. Card Colours (State-wise)

Colours vary by state. Under One Nation One Ration Card, portability is enabled regardless of card colour.

5. Current Status: NFSA Categories

After NFSA 2013, the government reclassified ration cards into:

Many states have effectively phased out APL ration cards for food distribution, though the card still serves as ID proof.

How to Check Your Ration Card Category

1. Visit your state's food and civil supplies portal
2. Enter your ration card number
3. Check the category (PHH/NPHH/AAY)
4. Or check on One Nation One Ration Card portal

You can also check ration card status and download online in most states.

How to Convert APL to BPL Card

If your family's income has decreased or circumstances have changed, you can apply for conversion:

1. Obtain income certificate from Tehsildar/Revenue office
2. Apply at your local PDS office or through state food portal
3. Submit documents: Income certificate, existing ration card, Aadhaar, family details
4. Verification by food inspector (may include home visit)
5. Approval by designated authority
6. New BPL card issued (or category updated)

Processing time varies from 15–60 days depending on the state.

Which Category Do You Fall Under?

You likely qualify for BPL if:

• Annual family income is below your state's poverty line threshold
• No family member is a government employee
• No family member pays income tax
• You don't own a motorised four-wheeler
• You don't own a pucca house in urban areas (varies by state)
• You are a daily wage labourer, farmer with small landholding, or unorganised worker

You likely fall under APL if:

• Family income is above the poverty line
• Family owns a house, vehicle, or other assets
• A family member is employed in government or private sector with regular income
• A family member files income tax returns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AAY ration card?

AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) is for the poorest of poor families — those with no regular income, destitute, elderly, disabled, or tribal households. They get 35 kg grain per family per month at the lowest prices.

Can APL card holders get free ration?

Generally no. Free ration schemes like PMGKAY are for PHH/BPL and AAY card holders. APL families may get grains at state-determined (non-subsidised or less subsidised) rates.

Is APL ration card useful?

Yes, even without food subsidies. APL ration card serves as valid government ID proof and address proof, useful for school admissions, bank accounts, and other official purposes.

How to apply for a BPL ration card?

Apply through your state's food department portal or visit the local ration card office. You need income certificate, Aadhaar, and family details.

Can I use my ration card in another state?

Yes, under One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, BPL/PHH card holders can buy subsidised rations from any fair price shop across India.

What documents are needed for BPL card?

• Income certificate from revenue authority
• Aadhaar card of all family members
• Existing ration card (if any)
• Address proof
• Bank account details (for DBT)

Can I add or remove members from my ration card?

Yes. You can add or remove members by applying through your state's food portal or local PDS office.

Related Guides

• Ration Card Apply Online
• BPL Card Apply – Eligibility Guide
• Ration Card Types and Priorities
• One Nation One Ration Card
• Ration Card Add/Remove Member
• Ration Card Status Download
• E-Shram Card Registration