Ration Card in India 2025

1. The ration card holders are also eligible for various other government welfare schemes. 

1. It also serves as a proof of identity for households, especially in rural areas, for applying to other government schemes and obtaining various public services. 

1. Some ration cardholders are eligible for subsidies on LPG cylinders as part of government initiatives to ensure affordable cooking fuel for low-income families.

Overview of Ration Card Schemes in India

The Ration Card scheme is an integral part of the Public Distribution System (PDS). It enables economically vulnerable groups to purchase essential food grains at subsidized rates, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their financial situation, has access to nutritious food.

Types of Ration Cards Issued in India

The below listed are the types of ration cards issued in India: 

1. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card: This type of ration card is issued to the poorest of the poor families. This ration card is allotted to landless labourers, widows, primitive tribal families, terminally ill, senior citizens above 60 years, lepers, scrap collectors, etc. 

1. Priority Household (PHH) ration card: This type of ration card is issued to families that meet the eligibility criteria set by the government based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. As per this scheme, families with an annual income of Rs.59,000 or less in urban areas and families with an annual income of Rs.44,000 or less in rural areas are entitled to receive 5 kg of food grains per month at subsidised rates. 

1. Annapurna Yojana (AY) ration card: This type of ration card is specifically designed for senior citizens aged above 65 years, who do not have a stable source of income or pension. As per this scheme, the eligible beneficiaries receive 10 kgs of food grains free of cost every month. 

1. White ration cards: This type of ration card is issued to households above the poverty line. This category of ration card is given to families having a combined annual income of Rs. 1 lakh and above. Any family member with a four-wheeler or, in the case of a larger family, four hectares of irrigated land is eligible for this type of card. However, the specific criteria and benefits associated with white ration cards can vary across different states.

Documents Required for Ration Card

The list of required documents to apply for the ration card scheme are given below:

1. Proof of Identity such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)

1. Proof of Address such as Utility Bills, etc.)

1. BPL Certificate or income certificate

1. Passport-sized photographs

How to Apply for a Ration Card?

There are various ways through which you can apply for a ration card:

How to Apply for Ration Card Online

Visit the state-specific government website for ration card application.

Step 1: Create an account by registering yourself on the website by providing your mobile number and email address. 

Step 2: Fill in the application form by entering personal details 

Step 3: Upload required documents and chose your nearest ration shop. 

Step 4: Submit the application after reviewing your details 

Step 5: An application reference number will be provided for tracking purposes. 

Step 6: Use the reference number on the official portal to track the application status and its progress.

Offline Application Process for Ration Card

Visit your local authorized ration shop or government office handling ration card applications.

Step 1: Collect the application form and fill it out with the necessary details. 

Step 2: Attach all the required documents, including photocopies of the required documents along with your application form. 

Step 3: Submit the form at the ration shop or government office. 

Step 4: Use the reference number provided upon submission to check the application status.

How to Download a Ration Card Online

Under the state's Public Distribution System (PDS), ration cards are distributed to the public. You must go to your state's PDS official website in order to download ration card. Let's examine the detailed process for obtaining your ration card via an internet download:

Step 1 - First, go to the official website of your state's PDS, nfsa.gov.in, where your ration card was created. Each state has its own webpage where you can download ration cards.

Step 2 - Go to the ‘e-services’ and click on ‘e-ration card’.

Step 3 - Next, select the ‘Print Ration Card’ or ‘e-ration card Download’, or ‘Get e-ration card’.  

Step 4 - You will be directed to a new page where you will complete an online form with all your information. You provided your name, date of birth, email address, mobile number, Aadhaar number, ration card number, and personal information.

Step 5 - Once you have entered the details, it will be verified by the PDS authorities, and you will be redirected to another page where you can download your ration card in PDF format.

How to Get an e-Ration Card Without Your Card Number

In case, you don’t know your ration card number or you have lost your ration card, you can follow the steps given below to download an e-ration card:

Step 1 - Visit the official website of your state’s PDS.

Step 2 - Go to the ‘Ration Card Services’ and click on ‘View Your Ration Card Details’.

Step 3 - You will be redirected to a new page where you must enter your details.

Step 4 - Once you have entered your basic details in the online form, click on ‘Submit’.

Step 5 - The new page will show the details of your ration card.

Step 6 - Finally, click on the ‘Download’ button the download the soft copy of your ration card.

Step 7 - This e-ration card can also be used to get a new card from the Meeseva Office. Apart from this, you can use this card at other places as your ID or address proof.

How to Transfer a Ration Card from One State to Another?

Follow the steps given below to transfer a ration card from one state to another: 

Step 1: Visit the nearest ‘Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department’ office and submit a written application to surrender your existing ration card. 

Step 2: You will be required to provide all the necessary documents, and once that is verified, you will get a ration card surrender certificate. 

Step 3: Next, you will have to apply for a new ration card in the destination state.  

Step 4: Submit all the necessary documents along with an accurately filled form. 

Step 5: Pay the applicable processing fees. 

Step 6: Once you have submitted the application, the department may conduct a verification by visiting your residential place.  

Step 7: Once the verification is complete, a new ration card will be issued.

State-Wise PDS Portals for Ration Cards

How to Claim Ration Card Scheme Benefits?

The steps to apply for ration card scheme benefits are:

1. Visit your nearest government-authorised ration shop.
2. Provide relevant papers proving that you meet the eligibility criteria to avail yourself of the benefits.
3. Fill in your application form
4. Submit the form to the authorised ration shop so that it can be processed.

One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme

1. The ONORC scheme has been implemented nationwide across all states.

1. It allows ration cardholders to purchase food items from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) in India, which is especially beneficial for migrant workers and families.

1. Purchases require biometric authentication at FPS locations and all transactions under the scheme are digitized.

Enhanced Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a ration card have been tightened as the government has observed access of benefits of ration cards by ineligible individuals.