New Ration Card 2025: In India, the ration card is a very important document, especially for those who are living below the poverty line. This document is issued by the state governments so that families can buy food at a low price every month from government subsidized shops. This system is operated under the ‘National Food Security Act’, which aims to provide food grains at a reasonable price to the poor and needy people of the country.
What is a Ration Card?
Ration card is a document issued by the Government of India which is used to buy subsidized food grains and other essential commodities under the Public Distribution System (PDS). It not only provides proof of identity and address of the people, but is also required to avail many government schemes. Such as health, housing, and employment related schemes.
Table of required information
| Information | Details |
| Ration Card Types | APL, BPL, AAY, AY, PHH |
| Application Process | Online application through the NFSA portal |
| Download Process | E-Ration Card download via DigiLocker |
| Eligibility | Indian citizen, 18+ years of age, head of the family |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Income Certificate, Residence Proof |
| Status Check | Ration card status check through the NFSA portal |
| One Nation One Ration Card | Single ration card system for availing benefits in any state |
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Types of Ration Card
Ration cards in India are divided into different categories, so that people of different income groups can be provided benefits according to their needs.
There are mainly five types of ration cards:
APL (Above Poverty Line)
- This is for those people who are living above the poverty line, i.e. middle class people. The quantity and price of ration is fixed according to the state for these card holders.
BPL (Below Poverty Line)
- This card is for those people who are living below the poverty line. They get ration for free or at a very low price, especially those who do not have any means of permanent income.
AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana)
- This card is given to those people whose income is very low or unstable, such as street vendors, unemployed youth, women and elderly who are financially weak.
AY (Annapurna Yojana)
- This card is especially for poor elderly people. Needy elderly people above 65 years of age are given ration every month.
PHH (Priority Household)
- This card is given to those families who are most deprived under the public distribution system. These families are given 5 kg ration per person per month on priority basis.
Ration Card Eligibility
If you want to apply for a ration card, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
| Indian Citizenship | Only Indian citizens can apply. |
| Head of the Family | The ration card will be issued in the name of the head of the family. |
| Age Limit | The head of the family must be at least 18 years of age. |
| Family Members | The names of all the family members will be included in the ration card. |
| No Multiple Ration Cards | The applicant should not already have a ration card in any other state. |
| Income Based Issuance | The ration card is issued based on the annual income of the family. |
Required Documents
To apply for a ration card, you need some documents:
| Aadhaar Card (of the head of the family and members) | PAN Card |
| Income Certificate | Residence Certificate |
| Samagra ID (for citizens of Madhya Pradesh) | Permanent Address etc. |
How to Download Ration Card?
Now you can download your ration card online and use it just like the original card. This online version is called e-ration card.
- First of all, go to the DigiLocker website.
- Sign up or log in. Enter your name, mobile number and date of birth to sign up and verify with OTP.
- After logging in, search for “Ration Card” and select your state option.
- Fill in the details of your ration card number, district, etc. and click on “Get Document”.
- After this, your ration card will appear in the “Issued Documents” section, from where you can download it as a PDF.
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Registration Process for Ration Card
Registering for a ration card is quite simple. Follow the process given below:
- Visit the official website of NFSA: nfsa.gov.in/portal.
- Click on “Ration Cards” in the navigation menu.
- Select “Ration Card Details on State Portals”.
- Select your state (for example, if you are from Uttar Pradesh, select Uttar Pradesh).
- You will be redirected to the website of your state’s Food and Supplies Department.
- Click on “Download Form” and download the appropriate form, such as “Ration Card Application/Verification Form” for rural or urban areas.
Print the form, attach the required documents, and submit it to the Food Supplies Department. You will get a receipt to track the status of the application. If the application is approved, your name will be included in the ration card list within 30 days.
How to check status?
Follow the following instructions to know the status of new or existing ration card:
- Visit the official website nfsa.gov.in.
- Click on “Know Your Ration Card Status” in “Citizen Corner”.
- Enter your ration card number and captcha on the “My RC Details” page.
- Click on “Get RC Details” and view your card status.
‘One Nation One Ration Card’ Scheme
The government has launched the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme. Under this scheme, food grains can be obtained using ration cards anywhere across the country. This scheme has been launched under the ‘Integrated Public Distribution System (IM-PDS)’ program. Initially it will be implemented in some states and will gradually be expanded to other states as well. This new system will make it easier for more than 81 crore people of the country to get their food benefits.