A ration card is not just a document for cheap food grains — it is also identity and address proof, useful across government schemes. But every state has its own ration portal, its own list-check method, and in 2026 Aadhaar e-KYC became mandatory for every member.
This Complete Hub answers every question about ration cards — how to check your name in the list, how to download the e-Ration Card, how to apply for a new card, how to do e-KYC, what One Nation One Ration Card means, and which official portals each state uses.
This hub is based on NFSA (National Food Security Act) rules and state food department portals — with 2026 updates.
Ration Card 2026: Key Information at a Glance
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Law | NFSA (National Food Security Act, 2013) |
| Central portal | nfsa.gov.in |
| Helplines | 1967 (state) / 14445 (ONORC) |
| Mobile apps | Mera Ration 2.0 / Mera eKYC |
| e-KYC | Mandatory for every member (Aadhaar biometric) |
| Portability | ONORC — ration from any state’s shop |
| Head of household | Eldest female member aged 18+ |
⚠️ Most Important UpdateAadhaar e-KYC is mandatory for EVERY member printed on the ration card (not just the head). Ration can stop without e-KYC. Do it at the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS) on the e-PoS machine with biometrics, or via the Mera eKYC app with face authentication.
Types of Ration Cards
| Card | For Whom | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) | Poorest families | 35 kg grain/month (wheat ₹2, rice ₹3/kg) |
| PHH (Priority Household) | NFSA-eligible families | 5 kg/person/month at subsidised rates |
| APL/BPL (state cards) | As per state criteria | Benefits as per state rules |
Note: In 2026, under PMGKAY, NFSA beneficiaries get free food grains — 35 kg/month for AAY and 5 kg/person/month for PHH.
How to Check Your Name in the Ration Card List (2026)
The easiest method — via the NFSA central portal:
- Go to nfsa.gov.in → “Citizen Corner” → “Know Your Ration Card Status”.
- Enter your ration card number or Aadhaar number + captcha.
- Details of all family members appear on screen.
💡 ShortcutDirect link: nfsa.gov.in/public/frmPublicGetMyRCDetails.aspx — enter your ration card or Aadhaar number to see card details instantly.
District-Wise Lists on State Portals
On your state’s food department portal, select district → block → panchayat → FPS to view the full list:
| State | Official Portal |
|---|---|
| Bihar | epds.bihar.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | fcs.up.gov.in |
| Delhi | nfs.delhigovt.nic.in |
| West Bengal | wbpds.gov.in |
| All other states | “State/UT Ration Card Portals” section on nfsa.gov.in |
How to Download e-Ration Card
The e-Ration Card (digital ration card) is as valid as the physical card — accepted at FPS.
Method 1: From the State PDS Portal
- Open the “e-Services” / “e-Ration Card” section on your state’s PDS portal.
- Choose “Print Ration Card” or “e-Ration Card Download”.
- Enter name, date of birth, mobile, Aadhaar and ration card number.
- After verification, the PDF downloads.
Method 2: From DigiLocker
- Log in to the DigiLocker app or digilocker.gov.in.
- Search “Ration Card” → select your state’s Food & Civil Supplies Department.
- Enter ration card number and district, then press “Get Document”.
- Saved under Issued Documents — download the PDF anytime.
How to Do Aadhaar e-KYC (Mandatory)
To stop duplicate and fake cards, the government made Aadhaar e-KYC mandatory for every member.
Method 1: At the Fair Price Shop (FPS)
- Visit the nearest FPS with your Aadhaar card and ration card.
- The dealer enters your ration card number in the e-PoS machine.
- Each member gives a fingerprint or iris/face scan.
- Once matched with UIDAI, the member becomes “e-KYC Verified”.
Method 2: Mera eKYC App (From Home)
NIC’s Mera eKYC mobile app enables e-KYC from home via Aadhaar face authentication — especially for migrant workers who can’t return to their home state.
🎉 Relief for MigrantsPer the food department, NFSA beneficiaries can complete e-KYC at any FPS in India of their choice — no need to visit the home state.
How to Apply for a New Ration Card
Documents Required
- Head’s identity proof: Aadhaar card / Voter ID / PAN
- Aadhaar cards of all members
- Address proof: electricity/water bill or rent agreement
- Income certificate (issued by Tehsildar/SDM)
- Bank passbook (of the female head’s account)
- Family passport-size photograph
💡 Good to KnowUnder NFSA rules, the eldest female member aged 18+ is registered as the head of the household on the ration card.
Application Process
- Online: On the state PDS portal, click “Apply New Ration Card” → fill the form → upload documents → save the application number.
- Offline: Submit the form at the panchayat / food supply office / municipal office / CSC centre.
- After verification, the new card is issued — track status on the state portal.
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
ONORC lets you collect ration from any Fair Price Shop in any state — full portability of the ration card. A blessing for migrant workers.
- Download the Mera Ration 2.0 app — log in with your Aadhaar number.
- See the nearest ration shop, last 6 months’ grain transactions and ONORC eligibility.
- Complaints/helpline: 14445 (ONORC) or state helpline 1967.
Adding/Removing Names and Card Transfer
- New member (birth/marriage): Apply at the FPS/office with birth certificate or marriage certificate — the name gets added.
- Removing a name (death/marriage): Apply with the death certificate.
- Shifting to another state: Surrender the card in the old state and get a certificate → apply fresh in the new state. (Not needed for temporary migration, thanks to ONORC.)
- Card lost: Apply for a duplicate card on the state portal/office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
nfsa.gov.in → Citizen Corner → “Know Your Ration Card Status” → enter ration card number or Aadhaar number. Or check the district-wise list on your state’s PDS portal (Bihar: epds.bihar.gov.in, UP: fcs.up.gov.in, Delhi: nfs.delhigovt.nic.in, West Bengal: wbpds.gov.in).
From the “e-Ration Card Download” section of your state PDS portal, or via the DigiLocker app — search “Ration Card”, select your state’s Food Department, and the PDF lands in Issued Documents. The e-Ration Card is as valid as the physical card.
Two ways: (1) e-PoS machine at the FPS with Aadhaar + fingerprint/face scan; (2) Mera eKYC app with face authentication from home. e-KYC is mandatory for every member — pending e-KYC can stop your ration. Migrants can do it at any state’s FPS.
Head’s Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN, Aadhaar of all members, address proof (electricity bill/rent agreement), income certificate, bank passbook and a family photograph. The head is the eldest female member aged 18+.
ONORC lets you take ration from any Fair Price Shop in any state. Check eligibility and the nearest shop in the Mera Ration 2.0 app. Helpline: 14445.
For a newborn, apply with the birth certificate; after marriage, with the marriage certificate — at the FPS or food office. For a death, apply with the death certificate to remove the name.
AAY is for the poorest families (35 kg/month), PHH for NFSA-eligible families (5 kg/person/month). APL/BPL are state-level categories. Under PMGKAY, NFSA beneficiaries currently get free food grains.
Apply for a duplicate ration card on the state PDS portal or at the nearest food office. Meanwhile, you can use the e-Ration Card downloaded from DigiLocker or the portal.
Call the state helpline 1967 or the ONORC helpline 14445. First check your e-KYC status — pending e-KYC is the most common reason ration stops.
The food ministry’s official app — log in with your Aadhaar number to see the nearest shop, last 6 months’ grain transactions, member details and ONORC eligibility. Download from Google Play Store.
For temporary migration, nothing — ONORC lets you take ration from any state’s FPS. For a permanent shift, surrender the card in the old state and apply fresh in the new one.
The government has extended the e-KYC date multiple times — check the latest status on nfsa.gov.in or your state portal. Advice: don’t wait; complete e-KYC today at the FPS or via the Mera eKYC app so your ration never stops.
Important Links
- NFSA central portal: nfsa.gov.in (list check, state portal directory)
- Bihar: epds.bihar.gov.in
- Uttar Pradesh: fcs.up.gov.in
- Delhi: nfs.delhigovt.nic.in
- West Bengal: wbpds.gov.in
- Helplines: 1967 (state) / 14445 (ONORC)
A private information portal (not a government website). This hub is for information only — always check nfsa.gov.in or your state’s food department portal for the latest rules. GramSuvidha is not affiliated with any government body.