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Ration Card
A family card issued by the state food department for buying subsidised or free foodgrains from fair price (ration) shops. It is also widely used as proof of address and family details.
Official fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| NFSA card (PHH or AAY), most states | Free in most states; ₹60 at TN e-Sevai centres |
| Gujarat: AAY / BPL / APL 1 / APL 2 | Free / ₹5 / ₹10 / ₹20 |
To confirm Some figures are from secondary sources. Confirm on the official portal before paying.
Documents to keep ready
Tick what you already have. The shared list shows each one as ready or pending.
How to apply
- Open your state food department portal or visit a service centre
- Choose the card type and fill in family details
- Upload Aadhaar, address and income proofs
- Submit and note the application number
- Attend field verification by the inspector
- Download the e-ration card or collect the card once approved
By state
This fee is set by each state, so it differs. Each row shows whether we matched it to the official government site.
| State | Fee | Time | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | FreeTo confirm Source | Not published online | nfs.delhi.gov.inNew NFSA cards issued only when slots are free under the state quota; food dept site did not load |
| Maharashtra | Not published onlineTo confirm Source | 30 days | rcms.mahafood.gov.inYellow, Orange and White cards; 30 day limit notified on Aaple Sarkar (Demand for new ration card) and by the Controller of Rationing, Mumbai; fee not stated on either |
| West Bengal | FreeTo confirm Source | 30 days | food.wb.gov.in30 day limit per Food and Supplies notification 2950-FS of 25.10.2013; fee not stated officially |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹60 at e-Sevai centreChecked on official site Source | 15 days | tnpds.gov.inCan also apply on tnpds.gov.in; card types PHH, PHH-AAY, NPHH, NPHH-S |
| Karnataka | PHH and AAY free, APL ₹100To confirm Source | Not published online | ahara.kar.nic.inAPL cards via Seva Sindhu; new BPL (PHH) applications open only in certain windows |
| Telangana | Free to applyTo confirm Source | Not published online | epds.telangana.gov.in / MeeSevaCalled a Food Security Card (FSC); apply through MeeSeva, centre charges may apply |
| Gujarat | AAY free, BPL ₹5, APL 1 ₹10, APL 2 ₹20Checked on official site Source | 7 days | digitalgujarat.gov.inFee and 7 day limit as listed by the Mehsana district office |
Good to know
- Under NFSA, AAY families get 35 kg grain a month and PHH members get 5 kg each, free of cost under PMGKAY
- With One Nation One Ration Card you can draw ration at any fair price shop in India using Aadhaar biometrics
- Keep e-KYC done for every member, or names may be removed
- Use only the official state portal; agents who promise a BPL card for money are not authorised
Common questions
Can I get ration in another state with my card?
Yes. Under One Nation One Ration Card, NFSA beneficiaries can take ration at any fair price shop in India after Aadhaar authentication. The Mera Ration app shows nearby shops.
What is the difference between PHH and AAY?
AAY (Antyodaya) is for the poorest households and gives 35 kg per family per month. PHH (Priority Household) gives 5 kg per person per month. States decide who qualifies.
Can I have ration cards in two places?
No. A family can hold only one ration card. Surrender the old card before applying in a new place.
Sources: nfsa.gov.in controllerofrationing-mumbai.gov.in aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in mahesana.nic.in g.indiacustomercare.com (secondary)
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