Ration Card Guide: How to Apply for New Ration Card in Your State

Ration Card Guide: How to Apply for New Ration Card in Your State

Last Updated: January 2026

Source: National Food Security Portal (NFSA) & State Depts. of Food & Civil Supplies

1. Who Needs This Service? (Eligibility)

You should apply for a new Ration Card only if you do not currently have one and belong to an eligible household under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

• Priority Households (PHH): Families with an annual income below state-defined limits (typically ₹1.5 Lakh – ₹2 Lakh) and no “exclusion” assets (like a 4-wheeler, pucca house with 3+ rooms, or paying income tax).

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Poorest of the poor families, widows, terminally ill persons, or those with no stable income source.

• Newly Married/Separated: Individuals who want to delete their name from a parent’s card and apply for a separate card.

❌ Who is NOT eligible? Families owning a car/tractor, government employees, income tax payers, or those earning above the exclusion limit are not eligible for PHH/AAY cards.

2. Required Documents

Keep these scanned (JPG/PDF, under 200KB) before you start.

• Aadhaar Cards: Mandatory for all family members (ensure mobile number is linked to Head of Family’s Aadhaar).

• Address Proof: Electricity Bill / Water Bill / Gas Connection Book / Rent Agreement.

• Passport Size Photo: Recent photo of the Head of Family (usually the eldest female member).

• Income Certificate: Issued by the local Tehsildar/Revenue Department (required in states like UP, Bihar, Maharashtra).

• Bank Passbook: Front page copy containing IFSC code and Account Number.

• Caste Certificate: (If applying under SC/ST/OBC category).

• Surrender/Deletion Certificate: Required only if you are shifting from another state or removing your name from a parent’s card.

3. Online Application Process (Step-by-Step)

There are two ways to apply online: via the Central NFSA Common Facility (for participating states) or State-Specific Portals.

Method A: Using NFSA Common Registration Facility (Try this first)

1. Go to Official Portal: nfsa.gov.in

2. Navigate: Click on “Public Login” (Top Right Corner) → Select “Common Registration Facility”.

3. Register/Login:

   • Click “New User! Sign up here”.

   • Screenshot Description: You will see a form asking for First Name, Last Name, DOB, and Login ID.

   • Enter your Aadhaar Number and verify via OTP.

4. Fill Application:

   • Once logged in, select “New Registration” from the left menu.

   • Select your State and District.

   • Fill in details: Head of Family info, Address, and Bank details.

5. Add Members: Click “Add Member” for spouse/children. You must enter their Aadhaar numbers exactly.

6. Upload Docs: Upload the scanned ID and Address proofs.

7. Submit: Click “Final Submit”. You will get a Reference ID. Save this number.

Method B: State-Wise Direct Links (If Method A doesn’t list your state)

General Steps for State Portals:

1. Visit the state link.

2. Look for “Citizen Corner”, “E-Services”, or “Apply New Ration Card”.

3. Login using Aadhaar OTP or create a user ID.

4. Fill the “Form A” (New Application).

5. Upload documents and submit.

4. Offline Process (If Online is Unavailable)

If you cannot apply online, follow this traditional method:

1. Visit Office: Go to your local Food & Civil Supplies Department office or the nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) / E-Seva Kendra.

2. Get Form: Ask for the “Application Form for New Ration Card” (Form D-1 usually).

3. Fill & Attach: Fill the form physically. Attach photocopies of Aadhaar, Bank Passbook, and Income Proof.

4. Verification: The officer will check your documents.

5. Receipt: Submit the form and insist on an Acknowledgement Slip. This slip contains your Application Number for tracking.

Note: A Supply Inspector usually visits your home physically to verify that you actually live there and meet the income criteria before the card is approved.

5. How to Check Application Status

1. Go to your State’s PDS portal (links in section 3).

2. Look for a button saying “Check Application Status” or “Track Food Security Application”.

3. Enter your Reference ID or Aadhaar Number.

4. Status Meanings:

   • Pending at DSO: Application is with the District Supply Officer.

   • Pending for Field Verification: Inspector will visit soon.

   • Approved/Generated: Card is ready. You can often download an e-Ration Card PDF immediately.

   • Rejected: Reason will be mentioned (usually document mismatch).

6. Common Problems and Solutions

7. Official Helpline Numbers

If you face corruption, delays, or technical issues, call these official toll-free numbers:

• National NFSA Helpline: 1967 (Works across India)

• One Nation One Ration Card Helpline: 14445

State Specific Helplines:

• Bihar: 1800-345-6194

• Uttar Pradesh: 1800-180-0150

• Maharashtra: 1800-22-4950

• Delhi: 1800-11-0841

• West Bengal: 1800-345-5505

• Tamil Nadu: 1800-425-5901

• Karnataka: 1967 or 1800-425-9339

This information is gathered from official government sources (NFSA & State Food Depts) as of January 2026. Always verify details on your specific state portal.

👉 Next Step for You:

Do you want me to find the specific “Member Deletion” or “Name Correction” form link for your particular state? Just type your State Name.