How to Download Ration Card Online in India
A ration card is an official document issued by the state governments in India that enables eligible households to purchase subsidized food grains and other essential commodities from the Public Distribution System (PDS) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). It also serves as a common form of identification and address proof for many Indians. In this article, we will explain what a ration card is, why you need it, what are the different types of ration cards, how to apply for a ration card online, and how to download a ration card online.
What is a Ration Card and Why Do You Need It?
Definition and Purpose of Ration Card
A ration card is a document that identifies a household as eligible for receiving subsidized food grains and other essential commodities from the PDS. The PDS is a network of fair price shops (FPS) that distribute food grains and other items at affordable prices to the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. The PDS aims to ensure food security and prevent hunger and malnutrition in the country.
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Benefits of Ration Card
Some of the benefits of having a ration card are:
It helps you to buy food grains and other items at subsidized rates from the PDS. For example, under the NFSA, each priority household is entitled to 5 kg of food grains per person per month at Rs. 3 per kg for rice, Rs. 2 per kg for wheat, and Rs. 1 per kg for coarse grains. Similarly, each AAY household is entitled to 35 kg of food grains per month at the same rates.
It serves as a proof of identity and address and can be used to apply for other documents such as voter ID, Aadhaar card, passport, etc.
It helps you to avail various government schemes and benefits such as LPG subsidy, scholarships, pensions, etc.
It helps you to access various welfare programs and services such as mid-day meals, ICDS, MGNREGA, etc.
Types of Ration Cards in India
Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card
This type of ration card is issued to households that meet the eligibility criteria set by the respective state governments. Each household is entitled to 5 kg of food grains per person per month at subsidized rates under the NFSA. The color of this card may vary from state to state.
How to download ration card online
Download ration card application form
Download ration card status check
Download ration card details on state portals
Download ration card beneficiary list
Download ration card correction form
Download ration card Aadhaar link
Download ration card e-services
Download ration card NFSA portal
Download ration card PDS portal
Download ration card PDF format
Download ration card print out
Download ration card duplicate copy
Download ration card new registration
Download ration card renewal form
Download ration card transfer form
Download ration card deletion form
Download ration card addition form
Download ration card change of address
Download ration card change of name
Download ration card change of category
Download ration card verification process
Download ration card helpline number
Download ration card grievance redressal
Download ration card complaint form
Download ration card eligibility criteria
Download ration card documents required
Download ration card fees and charges
Download ration card subsidy amount
Download ration card food grains distribution
Download ration card types and benefits
Download ration card BPL list
Download ration card APL list
Download ration card AAY list
Download ration card PHH list
Download ration card NPHH list
Download ration card state-wise list
Download ration card district-wise list
Download ration card block-wise list
Download ration card village-wise list
Download ration card ward-wise list
Download ration card shop-wise list
Download ration card family member details
Download ration card income certificate
Download ration card caste certificate
Download ration card mobile number update
Download ration card email id update
Download ration card bank account update
Download ration card gas connection update
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card
This type of ration card is issued to households that are identified as the "poorest of the poor" by the state governments. Each household is entitled to 35 kg of food grains per month at subsidized rates under the NFSA. This card is usually yellow or orange in color.
Other Types of Ration Cards (APL, BPL, AY)
Before the NFSA was enacted in 2013, there were three other types of ration cards issued by the state governments:
Above Poverty Line (APL) ration card that was issued to households living above the poverty line (as estimated by the Planning Commission). These households received 15 kg of food grains per month at market prices.
Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card that was issued to households living below the poverty line (as estimated by the Planning Commission). These households received 25 kg of food grains per month at subsidized rates.
Annapurna Yojana (AY) ration card that was issued to senior citizens who were not covered by any other scheme. These households received 10 kg of food grains per month free of cost.
However, after the NFSA was implemented, these types of ration cards were replaced by PHH and AAY ration cards. Some states may still issue these cards for non-NFSA beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria for Ration Card
General Eligibility Criteria
The general eligibility criteria for obtaining a ration card in India are:
The applicant must be a citizen of India and a resident of the state where he/she is applying.
The applicant must not possess any other ration card in the same or any other state.
The applicant must belong to the eligible category of household as defined by the state government.
Specific Eligibility Criteria for Different Types of Ration Cards
The specific eligibility criteria for different types of ration cards may vary from state to state. However, some common criteria are:
For PHH ration card, the household must have an annual income below a certain limit as specified by the state government. The household must also meet other socio-economic indicators such as landholding, occupation, housing, etc.
For AAY ration card, the household must be identified as the "poorest of the poor" by the state government based on certain parameters such as destitution, disability, age, etc.
For other types of ration cards (APL, BPL, AY), the household must have an annual income above or below a certain limit as specified by the state government. The household may also have to meet other criteria such as family size, number of dependents, etc.
How to Apply for Ration Card Online
Steps to Apply for Ration Card Online
The steps to apply for a ration card online are:
Visit the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state or the National Food Security Portal (
Select your state and district from the drop-down menu and click on "Apply Online" or "Citizen Services" or "e-Services" or any other relevant option.
Register yourself on the portal by providing your name, mobile number, email ID, etc. and create a user ID and password.
Login with your user ID and password and fill in the online application form with your personal details, family details, address details, bank details, etc.
Upload the scanned copies of the required documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, income certificate, caste certificate, electricity bill, etc. and submit the form.
Pay the application fee (if applicable) online through debit card, credit card, net banking, etc.
Take a printout of the application form and acknowledgement slip for future reference.
Track the status of your application online by entering your application number or reference number on the portal.
Documents Required for Ration Card Application
The documents required for ration card application may vary from state to state. However, some common documents are:
Aadhaar card or any other proof of identity such as voter ID, passport, driving license, etc.
PAN card or any other proof of income such as income certificate, tax return, salary slip, etc.
Caste certificate or any other proof of category such as SC/ST/OBC certificate, minority certificate, etc.
Electricity bill or any other proof of address such as water bill, telephone bill, rent agreement, etc.
Bank passbook or any other proof of bank account such as cheque book, bank statement, etc.
Passport size photographs of all family members.
Self-declaration form or affidavit stating that you do not possess any other ration card in the same or any other state.
How to Download Ration Card Online
Steps to Download Ration Card Online
The steps to download a ration card online are:
Visit the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state or the National Food Security Portal (
Select your state and district from the drop-down menu and click on "Download Ration Card" or "e-Ration Card" or any other relevant option.
Enter your ration card number or application number or reference number or Aadhaar number or any other details as required and click on "Search" or "Submit" or any other relevant option.
Verify your details and download your ration card in PDF format.
Save the file on your device and take a printout if needed.
How to Use E-Ration Card or Print Ration Card
An e-ration card or a print ration card is a digital copy of your ration card that can be used for availing the benefits of the PDS. However, you may have to verify your identity and eligibility by using your Aadhaar card or biometric authentication at the FPS. Some of the advantages of using an e-ration card or a print ration card are:
You can access your ration card anytime and anywhere without carrying a physical copy.
You can avoid the risk of losing or damaging your ration card.
You can update your details online without visiting the office.
You can check your entitlements and transactions online without visiting the FPS.
Conclusion
A ration card is an important document that enables you to buy subsidized food grains and other essential commodities from the PDS. It also serves as a proof of identity and address and helps you to access various government schemes and benefits. You can apply for a ration card online by following the steps mentioned above. You can also download a ration card online and use it as an e-ration card or a print ration card. However, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and submit the required documents for obtaining a ration card. You must also keep your ration card updated and report any changes in your household details to the authorities.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to get a ration card after applying online?
A1. The time taken to get a ration card after applying online may vary from state to state. However, generally, it takes about 15 to 30 days for processing and verification of your application. You can track the status of your application online by using your application number or reference number.
Q2. How can I check my name in the ration card list?
A2. You can check your name in the ration card list by visiting the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state or the National Food Security Portal ( You can search your name by using your ration card number, Aadhaar number, mobile number, or any other details as required.
Q3. How can I make changes in my ration card online?
A3. You can make changes in your ration card online by visiting the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state or the National Food Security Portal ( You can select the option of "Edit Ration Card" or "Update Ration Card" or any other relevant option and enter your details. You can make changes such as adding or deleting members, changing address, changing category, etc. You may have to upload supporting documents and pay a fee (if applicable) for making changes in your ration card.
Q4. How can I renew my ration card online?
A4. You can renew your ration card online by visiting the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state or the National Food Security Portal ( You can select the option of "Renew Ration Card" or "Revalidate Ration Card" or any other relevant option and enter your details. You may have to upload supporting documents and pay a fee (if applicable) for renewing your ration card.
Q5. How can I lodge a complaint or grievance regarding my ration card online?
A5. You can lodge a complaint or grievance regarding your ration card online by visiting the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state or the National Food Security Portal ( You can select the option of "Complaint/Grievance" or "Feedback/Suggestion" or any other relevant option and enter your details. You can also call the toll-free number or email the helpline of your state or the central government for registering your complaint or grievance. You can track the status of your complaint or grievance online by using your complaint number or reference number.
I hope this article has helped you to understand how to download a ration card online in India. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading! 44f88ac181
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