Ration Card Types Explained — APL, BPL, AAY & PHH Cards in India

A ration card is one of the most important documents for Indian households. It allows families to buy subsidised food grains (rice, wheat, sugar, kerosene) from Fair Price Shops (FPS) under the Public Distribution System (PDS). It also serves as a valid identity and address proof for many government services.

Since the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 came into effect, the ration card system has been restructured. Understanding which type of ration card you hold — or are eligible for — directly affects what food grains you receive and at what price.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform. We are not affiliated with any government department. Always verify details on the official NFSA portal at nfsa.gov.in.

Types of Ration Cards in India

There are four main types of ration cards issued in India. After NFSA 2013, the classification shifted towards PHH and AAY, but many states still use APL/BPL terminology.

1. APL (Above Poverty Line) Ration Card

• For: Families whose annual income is above the poverty line defined by the state government.
• Card colour: Varies by state (often orange or white).
• Entitlements: Under NFSA, APL cardholders are not entitled to subsidised food grains. Some states may provide limited grains at a higher price under their own state schemes.
• Key point: After NFSA 2013, APL cards have been largely phased out in most states. However, they still serve as identity/address proof.

2. BPL (Below Poverty Line) Ration Card

• For: Families whose annual income is below the poverty line (typically ₹15,000–₹1,00,000 per year depending on state and urban/rural classification).
• Card colour: Varies by state (often blue or green).
• Entitlements: Under NFSA, BPL families generally fall under the PHH category and receive subsidised food grains. States that still issue BPL cards provide grains at reduced prices.
• Key point: BPL is being merged into the PHH category under NFSA in most states.

3. AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) Ration Card

• For: The poorest of the poor families — those in extreme poverty, destitution, or vulnerability.
• Card colour: Typically yellow in most states.
• Entitlements under NFSA:
  • 35 kg of food grains per family per month (not per person)
  • Rice at ₹3/kg, Wheat at ₹2/kg, Coarse grains at ₹1/kg
• Eligible groups include:
  • Landless agricultural labourers
  • Marginal farmers
  • Households headed by widows, terminally ill persons, or disabled persons
  • Primitive tribal households
  • Households with no regular income or shelter
• Key point: AAY provides the highest subsidy among all ration card types.

4. PHH (Priority Household) Ration Card

• For: Families that do not fall under AAY but are still economically weaker and covered under NFSA.
• Card colour: Varies by state (often pink or saffron).
• Entitlements under NFSA:
  • 5 kg of food grains per person per month
  • Rice at ₹3/kg, Wheat at ₹2/kg, Coarse grains at ₹1/kg
• Key point: PHH is the most common ration card type under NFSA. The identification of PHH households is done by state governments based on their own criteria.

Quick Comparison Table

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility criteria vary by state, but the general guidelines are:

APL Card

• Family annual income above the state-defined poverty line
• No specific income cap (anyone not qualifying for BPL/PHH/AAY)

BPL / PHH Card

• Family annual income below the poverty line as per state norms
• Identified through Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data or state surveys
• Typically covers families earning less than ₹1,00,000 per year (varies by state)

AAY Card

• Landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers
• Rural artisans/craftsmen (potters, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters)
• Slum dwellers and pavement dwellers
• Households headed by widows, terminally ill, disabled, or aged persons (60+) with no income
• Primitive tribal households
• All destitute households

Documents Required

To apply for a new ration card, keep these documents ready:

1. Filled application form (available at the Food & Civil Supplies office or state PDS portal)
2. Aadhaar card of the head of the family and all family members
3. Passport-size photographs of the head of the family
4. Address proof — Voter ID, electricity bill, rent agreement, or gas connection
5. Income certificate — issued by Tehsildar or competent authority (for BPL/PHH/AAY)
6. Family details — name, age, gender, relationship of all members
7. Bank account details (for Direct Benefit Transfer)
8. Surrender certificate — if you previously held a ration card in another state or district
9. Gas connection details (LPG number, if available)

Note: Some states may require additional documents. Check your state's Food & Civil Supplies department website.

How to Apply for a Ration Card

Online Process

1. Visit your state's PDS or Food & Civil Supplies portal. You can find state-wise links at nfsa.gov.in or epds.nic.in.
2. Register or log in using your mobile number or Aadhaar.
3. Select "Apply for New Ration Card" or equivalent option.
4. Fill in the application form with family details, income, and address.
5. Upload scanned copies of required documents (Aadhaar, photo, address proof, income certificate).
6. Submit the application and note down the application/reference number.
7. Track your application status online using the reference number.

Offline Process

1. Visit your nearest Food & Civil Supplies Office (Taluk or District level).
2. Collect the application form (or download from the state portal).
3. Fill in the form and attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
4. Submit the form at the office and collect the acknowledgement receipt.
5. A field verification may be conducted by the concerned officer.
6. Once approved, collect your ration card from the same office.

Tip: Many states now support applications through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and e-District portals. Check if your state offers this option.

Also read: How to Apply for a New Ration Card — Complete Guide

Fees

• In most states, ration card application is free of charge or involves a nominal fee of ₹5 to ₹45 depending on the state.
• There is no fee for AAY and PHH cards in many states.
• Check your state's official portal for the exact fee applicable.

Processing Time

• Typical processing time is 15 to 30 days from the date of application submission.
• Some states may take up to 45 days depending on verification requirements.
• You can track your application status online on the respective state portal.

Important Tips

1. One card per family — Only one ration card is issued per household. Duplicate applications are rejected.
2. Link Aadhaar — Aadhaar seeding is mandatory for ration cards under NFSA. Link all family members' Aadhaar to the ration card.
3. Portability under ONORC — Under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, you can buy subsidised grains from any Fair Price Shop across India. This is especially useful for migrant workers.
4. Update when needed — If a family member is added (birth, marriage) or removed (death, separation), update your ration card promptly at the Food & Civil Supplies office.
5. Report issues — If a Fair Price Shop denies you grains or charges more than the NFSA price, complain on the state grievance portal or call the national toll-free helpline: 1967 / 1800-233-0071.
6. Check your entitlement — Verify your monthly entitlement at nfsa.gov.in or through the Mera Ration mobile app.
7. eKYC verification — Some states require periodic eKYC (biometric/OTP) at the FPS. Carry your Aadhaar when collecting grains.

Related guide: One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) — How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the difference between BPL and PHH ration cards?

A: BPL (Below Poverty Line) was the older classification. Under NFSA 2013, eligible BPL families are now categorised as PHH (Priority Household). Both receive the same entitlement — 5 kg of food grains per person per month at subsidised rates. Many states have already migrated BPL cards to PHH.

Q2. How much food grain does an AAY card holder get?

A: An AAY family receives 35 kg of food grains per month per household — rice at ₹3/kg, wheat at ₹2/kg, and coarse grains at ₹1/kg.

Q3. Can I use my ration card in another state?

A: Yes. Under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, you can purchase your entitled food grains from any Fair Price Shop in India using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication.

Q4. How do I check if my name is in the ration card list?

A: Visit nfsa.gov.in and click on "Know Your Eligibility" or check the ration card beneficiary list on your state's PDS portal.

Q5. What should I do if my ration card application is rejected?

A: You can file an appeal with the District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGRO) within 30 days of rejection. You can also file a complaint on the state Food & Civil Supplies portal or call the NFSA helpline.

Q6. Can I apply for a ration card online?

A: Yes, most states allow online applications through their Food & Civil Supplies or e-District portals. You can also apply through Common Service Centres (CSCs). Visit epds.nic.in for state-wise links.

Q7. Is Aadhaar mandatory for getting a ration card?

A: Aadhaar linkage is mandatory for receiving subsidised food grains under NFSA. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that no one can be denied food grains solely for not having Aadhaar — alternative identification methods must be accepted.

Related Guides

• How to Apply for a Ration Card Online
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) — How It Works
• How to Check Ration Card Status Online
• Income Certificate — How to Apply

Last updated: February 2026. Information is based on NFSA guidelines and may vary by state. Always verify with your state's Food & Civil Supplies department.