Ration Card — All States
A ration card is an official document issued by state governments that entitles households to subsidised food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013. It also serves as a valid proof of identity and address. Select your state below for the complete application guide, official portal link, and all ration card services.
Most people I speak to don't realise that since 2023, grain under PMGKAY has been completely free for PHH and AAY families — not subsidised, free — and yet lakhs of eligible families are still not on the ration card list because no one told them to apply, or their application got stuck at the local food office with a minor document mismatch. For families earning under ₹10,000 a month, this card is not a convenience — it is 5 kilos of rice or wheat per person that determines whether the month ends with something on the plate.
— Sibin O, Founder, NagrikIQ · Last verified June 2026
🃏 Ration Card Types
Who: Poorest of poor — landless labourers, rural artisans, primitive tribal groups
Entitlement: 35 kg grain per family per month (free under PMGKAY)
Who: Families below poverty line as per state government identification
Entitlement: 5 kg per person per month (free under PMGKAY)
Who: Households identified under BPL surveys (pre-NFSA legacy cards in some states)
Entitlement: Legacy card in some states — being phased into PHH. Grain is FREE under PMGKAY where NFSA applies.
Who: Households above the poverty line — not entitled to subsidised grain under NFSA
Entitlement: Some states issue APL cards for identity / address purposes only
📍 Select Your State or UT
Get state-specific eligibility, official portal links, documents, and the exact application process for ration card services.
⚡ Common Ration Card Services
- ▸New Ration Card Application
- ▸Add Member to Ration Card(state guide)
- ▸Check Ration Card Status(state guide)
- ▸Download / Print Ration Card
- ▸Surrender / Cancel Ration Card
- ▸Name / Address Correction
- ▸Aadhaar Seeding with Ration Card
Common Ration Card Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Mistake: Applying on the central NFSA portal instead of the state portal
✅ Fix: Ration card applications are processed by state governments, not the central NFSA portal. Use your specific state's Food Department portal — linked in the state guides below.
❌ Mistake: Not seeding Aadhaar before applying for a new card
✅ Fix: Most states now require Aadhaar seeding (linking Aadhaar to ration card) as a condition of new card issuance. Do this first via your state portal or Fair Price Shop.
❌ Mistake: Applying for AAY card when the family doesn't qualify
✅ Fix: AAY (yellow card) is only for the poorest households — landless labourers, primitive tribal groups, destitute. If you have regular income, apply for PHH instead. Wrong applications get rejected and delay the process by months.
❌ Mistake: Forgetting to update the card after a family member's death or marriage
✅ Fix: A deceased member's name left on the ration card creates legal complications and can get the card cancelled during verification drives. File a deletion request at the nearest food office within 3 months.
❌ Mistake: Assuming the card is transferable when moving states
✅ Fix: Ration cards are state-specific. If you move from Kerala to Karnataka, you must surrender the Kerala card and apply fresh in Karnataka. One national portability system (ONORC) exists for taking rations while travelling, but it doesn't transfer the card.
Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.