What is Ration Card?
Ration Card is an official document issued by state governments to households for purchasing subsidized food grains and other essential commodities from Fair Price Shops under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
It serves as proof of identity and address, and is essential for availing government subsidies and welfare schemes. The card contains family details including names, ages, and photographs of all family members.
Types of Ration Cards
APL Card (White)
For Above Poverty Line families. Provides food grains at subsidized rates but not free.
- Income above poverty line
- Subsidized rates
- Identity proof
- Annual income above state limit
BPL Card (Yellow)
For Below Poverty Line families. Provides highly subsidized food grains and essential items.
- Income below poverty line
- Highly subsidized rates
- Additional benefits
- Priority household category
AAY Card (Pink)
For Antyodaya Anna Yojana families (poorest of poor). Provides free food grains and maximum benefits.
- Poorest families
- Free food grains
- Maximum subsidies
- Landless laborers, artisans
Important Information
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), states are moving towards a single color-coded ration card system. The eligibility is determined based on socio-economic census data and state-specific criteria.
Benefits & Uses of Ration Card
Subsidized Food Grains
Purchase wheat, rice, sugar, pulses, and other essential commodities at subsidized rates from Fair Price Shops under PDS.
Identity Proof
Widely accepted as valid proof of identity for banking, SIM card, and other official purposes across government and private institutions.
Address Proof
Accepted as valid address proof for various government and private services including voter ID, Aadhaar, and bank account opening.
Government Schemes
Essential for availing various government welfare schemes, scholarships, and subsidies including housing schemes and employment programs.
LPG Subsidy
Required for availing LPG cylinder subsidies under government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
Family Identity
Serves as comprehensive family identity document containing details of all family members with their photographs.
Documents Required for Ration Card
Essential Documents
Additional Documents
Document Tips
All documents must be self-attested. For family applications, include documents of all members. Ensure Aadhaar is linked with mobile number for OTP verification during online application.
Ration Card Application Process
Document Collection
We help you collect all required documents including Aadhaar cards, address proof, income certificates, and photographs of all family members.
Form Filling
Our experts fill the ration card application form with accurate family details, income information, and required documents as per state guidelines.
Online/Offline Submission
We submit your application online through state food department portal or offline at Food & Civil Supplies office with complete documentation.
Verification Process
Food department officials conduct physical verification at your residential address to confirm family details, residence, and eligibility criteria.
Approval & Printing
After successful verification, your application is approved and the ration card is printed with unique ration card number and family details.
Card Delivery
The ration card is delivered to your registered address within 30-45 days through postal service or can be collected from the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
It usually takes 30-45 days from the date of application submission to receive your ration card, depending on verification process and state government procedures.
Yes, most states provide online application facility through their food department websites. However, physical verification is still required for most cases.
You can apply for duplicate ration card by submitting application form with FIR copy (in some states), affidavit, and required documents. A nominal fee may be charged.
Yes, you can transfer your ration card to new address by applying for address change with new address proof documents and surrendering the old ration card.
Ration card is valid only in the issuing state for PDS benefits. If you move to another state, you need to apply for new ration card in that state and surrender the old one.
Yes, tenants can apply for ration card with proper rent agreement, landlord NOC, and valid address proof. The process may vary by state.
Need Ration Card Assistance?
Our experts are ready to help you with new ration card application, correction, transfer, and duplicate ration card services