Ration Card BPL to APL or APL to BPL: How to Change Category

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, ration cards are categorised based on the economic status of the family. If your financial situation has changed, you may need to upgrade or downgrade your ration card category. This guide explains how to apply for a category change — from BPL to APL or APL to BPL.

Understanding Ration Card Categories

Under NFSA, ration cards are classified as:

Note: The exact income limits vary significantly by state. Check your state's Food & Civil Supplies department for current thresholds. See our Ration Card Types guide for detailed comparison.

When Do You Need a Category Change?

APL to BPL (Upgrade to Priority)

• Family income has dropped below the state-defined BPL limit
• Loss of earning member (death, disability, job loss)
• Family falls under vulnerable categories (widow-headed, disabled, elderly)

BPL to APL (Downgrade)

• Family income has risen above the BPL threshold
• Government verification/survey identifies the family as non-eligible
• Voluntary surrender of BPL status
• Family member gets government employment

Documents Required

For APL to BPL Change

• Application form (available at Food & Civil Supplies office or state portal)
• Current ration card (original and photocopy)
• Income certificate from Tehsildar/SDM showing income below BPL limit
• Aadhaar card of all family members
• BPL survey form (if applicable in your state)
• Supporting evidence — job loss letter, death certificate of earning member, disability certificate, etc.
• Bank passbook copy (to verify income level)
• Passport-size photographs (2)

For BPL to APL Change

• Application form
• Current ration card (original and photocopy)
• Income certificate showing income above BPL threshold
• Aadhaar card of head of family
• Self-declaration (if voluntarily requesting change)

Step-by-Step Process

Online Process

1. Visit your state's PDS portal (e.g., nfsa.gov.in for central, or state-specific portals)
2. Log in or register using ration card number, Aadhaar, or mobile number
3. Go to "Services" → "Category Change" or "Card Modification"
4. Select the change type — APL to BPL or BPL to APL
5. Fill in the application form with family details, income details, and reason for change
6. Upload documents — income certificate, Aadhaar, supporting proof
7. Submit the application and save the reference number
8. Track status on the same portal

Offline Process

1. Obtain the application form from the local Food & Civil Supplies office or Taluk Supply Office
2. Fill the form with complete details — ration card number, family members, current category, requested category, reason
3. Attach all required documents (photocopies)
4. Submit at the Food & Civil Supplies office or to the local Food Inspector
5. Collect acknowledgement receipt
6. Await verification — a food inspector or designated officer will visit your home for verification
7. Attend the survey/verification if called upon

Verification and Survey Process

After you submit your application for a category change (especially APL to BPL), the government conducts a verification process:

1. Document verification — the Food Inspector verifies submitted documents
2. Field visit — an inspector may visit your home to assess living conditions
3. Income assessment — cross-verification with income certificate and bank records
4. Socio-Economic Survey — in some states, your application is processed only during periodic BPL surveys (SECC data is used)
5. Committee approval — a district-level committee reviews and approves/rejects the application
6. Notification — you receive an SMS or letter about the decision

Important: BPL inclusion is not automatic upon application. Many states have a fixed number of BPL slots based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, and new additions happen only during periodic reviews.

Fees

Processing Time

Important Tips

1. Income certificate is key — for APL to BPL change, the income certificate from the Tehsildar/SDM is the most important document. Get it issued before applying
2. Don't rely on agents/middlemen — the process is free; avoid paying anyone for "guaranteed BPL card"
3. Keep all receipts — save the acknowledgement receipt and track your application regularly
4. State surveys matter — in many states, BPL status is determined by periodic government surveys (like SECC). Individual applications may only be processed during survey periods
5. Appeal if rejected — if your application is rejected, you can appeal to the District Supply Officer or the District Collector within 30 days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply online to change from APL to BPL?

A: Yes, most states offer online applications through their PDS portals. However, verification and field visit will still happen offline. Some states still require offline applications only.

Q2: What is the income limit for BPL ration card?

A: The income limit varies by state. Generally, it ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year. For example, in UP it is around ₹56,460/year for rural and ₹67,000/year for urban. Check your state's Food Department for exact limits.

Q3: How long does it take to change from APL to BPL?

A: Typically 1-3 months, depending on the state and number of pending applications. The verification process can take additional time.

Q4: Can the government change my card from BPL to APL without my consent?

A: Yes. During periodic surveys and verification drives, if the government finds your income has increased above the BPL threshold, your card can be reclassified. You will be notified and can appeal the decision.

Q5: What is the difference between BPL and AAY ration card?

A: AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) is for the poorest families and provides 35 kg of grains per family per month. BPL/PHH provides 5 kg per person per month. AAY families are identified from among BPL households. See our Ration Card Types guide for details.

Q6: I lost my job recently. Can I immediately get a BPL card?

A: You can apply immediately, but processing takes time. Get an income certificate reflecting your current income and submit the application with supporting proof (termination letter, etc.). Meanwhile, you can access other welfare schemes.

Q7: Is BPL category change available in all states?

A: Yes, all states and UTs allow category change applications. However, the process, timeline, and criteria vary by state.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information is compiled from official government sources and may change. Always verify current income limits and criteria on your state's official Food & Civil Supplies portal.