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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 or a small card fee |
| 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
- Aadhaar of every family member
- Proof of address, e.g. electricity bill or rent agreement
- Income certificate or self declaration (for PHH or AAY)
- Passport size photo of the head of family (usually the eldest woman)
- Bank passbook
- Surrender or deletion certificate if you had a card in another state or area
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
Fees and portals differ by state. These are the official portals for the states we cover.
| State | Fee | Time | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Free | Not published | nfs.delhi.gov.inNew NFSA cards are issued only when slots are free under the state quota |
| Maharashtra | Small card fee by type (Yellow, Orange, White) | 30 days | rcms.mahafood.gov.in30 day limit notified under the Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act |
| West Bengal | Free | Not published | food.wb.gov.inDigital ration cards under NFSA and the state Khadya Sathi scheme |
| Tamil Nadu | Free | Not published | tnpds.gov.inSmart card types include PHH, PHH-AAY, NPHH and NPHH-S |
| Karnataka | Free to apply; kiosk charges may apply | Not published | ahara.kar.nic.inNew BPL (PHH) applications open only in certain windows |
| Telangana | Free to apply | Not published | epds.telangana.gov.in / MeeSevaCalled a Food Security Card (FSC); apply through MeeSeva |
| Gujarat | AAY free, BPL ₹5, APL 1 ₹10, APL 2 ₹20 | 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 mahesana.nic.in g.indiacustomercare.com (secondary) g.indiacustomercare.com (secondary)
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