How to Apply for Ration Card Online ā Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to apply for new ration card online. State-wise process, documents, eligibility for APL/BPL/AAY categories.
Official Links
What is a Ration Card?
A Ration Card is a government document that entitles households to purchase subsidized food grains (rice, wheat, sugar, kerosene) from Fair Price Shops under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). It also serves as an important identity and address proof.
Types of Ration Cards
| Type | Colour | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) | Yellow | Poorest of the poor | 35 kg food grains/month at ā¹2-3/kg |
| PHH (Priority Household) | Pink/Saffron | Below Poverty Line families | 5 kg/person/month at ā¹1-3/kg |
| NPHH (Non-Priority) | White | Above Poverty Line families | Limited quota at subsidized rates |
Card colours may vary by state. The category matters more than colour.
Who is Eligible?
- Any household in India
- Must not have a ration card from another state
- APL (Above Poverty Line): Any household
- BPL (Below Poverty Line): Annual household income below state-defined threshold
- AAY: Identified by state government (destitute, elderly, widows, disabled, etc.)
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card of all family members (mandatory in most states)
- Proof of Address (electricity bill, rent agreement, voter ID)
- Income Certificate (for BPL/AAY category)
- Family photograph (all members together, in some states)
- Passport-size photographs of head of household
- Existing ration card (if transferring or making changes)
Requirements vary by state. Check your state food & civil supplies department website.
Step-by-Step Process ā Online
Important: Ration card issuance is a state subject. Each state has its own portal. Below is the general process.
Step 1: Visit Your State Portal
Find your state's ration card portal:
- Tamil Nadu: tnpds.gov.in
- Uttar Pradesh: fcs.up.gov.in
- Maharashtra: mahafood.gov.in
- Karnataka: ahara.kar.nic.in
- Rajasthan: food.rajasthan.gov.in
- Bihar: epds.bihar.gov.in
- Other states: Search "[your state] ration card apply online"
Step 2: Register / Create Account
Register with mobile number and Aadhaar OTP verification.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Head of family details
- All family member details (name, age, Aadhaar, relationship)
- Address
- Income details
- Category selection (APL/BPL/AAY)
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Aadhaar of all members
- Address proof
- Income certificate (if applying for BPL/AAY)
- Family photograph
- Gas connection details (LPG number, if any)
Step 5: Submit and Note Application Number
Save the application/reference number for tracking.
Step 6: Verification
- Field officer visits for household verification
- Checks if family is genuine and eligible
- May cross-verify with neighbour or local body
Step 7: Approval and Card Issuance
- After verification, card is approved by Taluk/Block Supply Officer
- Digital ration card issued
- Physical card dispatched or available for collection
Offline Process
- Visit nearest Taluk / Block / Revenue Office or Fair Price Shop office
- Collect ration card application form
- Fill and attach required documents
- Submit at the office
- Verification by field inspector
- Card issued after approval
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Ration Card | Free to ā¹45 (varies by state) |
| Correction/Update | Free to ā¹25 |
| Duplicate Card | ā¹25 to ā¹50 |
Most states issue ration cards for free or a nominal fee.
Processing Time
- Online application: 15-30 days after verification
- Offline: 30-60 days
- Verification visit: Usually within 7-15 days of application
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
Under the ONORC scheme:
- You can buy ration from any Fair Price Shop in India
- Uses Aadhaar-based biometric authentication
- Especially useful for migrant workers
- All states now covered under ONORC
How to Track Application Status
Visit your state's portal and enter the application/reference number. Most states also provide SMS-based tracking.
Important Tips
- Ensure all family members have Aadhaar ā Mandatory for NFSA benefits
- Link mobile number to Aadhaar ā Required for e-KYC verification
- Update ration card when family changes ā Add newborn, remove deceased members
- Use ONORC if you travel ā Buy ration anywhere in India with your existing card
- Surrender old card when moving states ā Get a new card in the new state
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for ration card online? A: Yes, most states have online portals. Visit your state's food & civil supplies department website to apply.
Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory for ration card? A: Yes, in most states Aadhaar is mandatory for all family members to receive NFSA benefits.
Q: How long does it take to get a ration card? A: Typically 15-30 days for online applications, 30-60 days for offline, depending on verification speed.
Q: Can I use my ration card in another state? A: Yes, under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, you can buy subsidized food grains from any Fair Price Shop across India.
Q: What if my ration card application is rejected? A: You can appeal to the District Supply Officer or file a grievance on the state portal. Common reasons for rejection: incomplete documents, ineligible income level, or existing card in another location.
Q: How to add a new family member to ration card? A: Apply online on your state portal or visit the local food & civil supplies office with birth certificate and Aadhaar of the new member.