What is a Ration Card?

Ration card is a government document. It helps poor and middle-class families to get food items like rice, wheat, sugar, and oil at a low price from government shops. It is also used as an identity proof in many government works.

Who Gives Ration Card?

Ration card is given by the State Government. Every state in India has its own Food and Civil Supplies Department. People have to apply in their state to get the card.

Types of Ration Card in India (2025)

There are mainly 4 types of ration cards in India. Some states may have more categories, but these 4 are common across India.

1. AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) Ration Card

This card is for the poorest of the poor families. These families usually have no regular source of income. They are dependent on daily wages or have no work at all. This card aims to give them full support for basic food.

• Eligibility:

  • Families with no stable job or income.

  • Street vendors, rag pickers, slum dwellers, and daily wage labourers.

  • Family income must be below ₹15,000 per year (varies by state).

• Inclusions:

  • 35 kg of food grains per family per month.

  • Rice at ₹3/kg and wheat at ₹2/kg.

• Exclusions:

  • Any family earning above poverty level.

  • Government employees, people with a regular job.

  • Families owning vehicles, land, or permanent homes.

2. Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card

PHH cards are for low-income families who need food support but are not extremely poor. These families qualify under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

• Eligibility:

  • Monthly income should be below ₹25,000 (may change by state).

  • Must not own a 4-wheeler vehicle or large agricultural land.

  • Family members should not be in government jobs.

• Inclusions:

  • 5 kg of food grains per person every month.

  • Rice at ₹3/kg, wheat at ₹2/kg.

• Exclusions:

  • Families already having AAY card.

  • Families with higher income, own a business, or luxury items.

Open Demat Account and Start Trading!

3. State BPL (Below Poverty Line) Ration Card

BPL cards are given by state governments. They decide who is below the poverty line based on state rules. This is different from PHH.

• Eligibility:

  • Total family income below ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month (varies by state).

  • Should not own a car, a big house, or have high-value property.

  • Not eligible for AAY or PHH.

• Inclusions:

  • Subsidised food grains, oil, pulses, and sugar, depending on the state.

• Exclusions:

  • Income is higher than the limit.

  • Already holding a PHH or AAY card.

4. APL (Above Poverty Line) Ration Card

APL cards are for families who do not fall under any poverty line. These families are economically stable but still want to use a ration card for identity or limited benefits.

• Eligibility:

  • Families with income above the poverty line.

  • People with jobs, small businesses, or farming.

• Inclusions:

  • Can buy food grains at regular or slightly subsidised rates.

  • Can use a ration card as identity proof.

• Exclusions:

  • No access to low-price food like AAY or PHH cards.

Some States Have Extra Types:

Some states also issue Temporary Ration Cards or Seasonal Cards for:

• Migrant workers

• Disaster-affected families

• Seasonal laborers

These are usually valid for a short time (3 to 6 months) and help during an emergency or migration.

Other Less Popular Ration Card Types in India

Apart from the 4 main types, some states also issue these special ration cards:

• Pink Ration Card: Issued in some states like Telangana for women-headed households or special categories.

• White Ration Card: In some states, this is given to people who are not eligible for subsidised food but need it as identity proof.

• Blue/Orange Card: Used in a few states to show eligibility for certain state food schemes. Colour may indicate the level of benefit.

• Special State Scheme Cards: Some states have their own food programs with unique cards. These cards work only under that state’s scheme.

These cards may not be valid across India, and their benefits differ from state to state.

Colour of Ration Cards (May Change by State)

Different states give different coloured cards:

(Note: Colour may be different in each state.)

How to Apply for Ration Card in 2025?

You can apply online or offline in your state.

Online Steps:

1. Go to your state’s food supply website.

2. Fill the form with correct details.

3. Upload documents like Aadhaar card, electricity bill, income proof.

4. Submit the form.

5. You will get an SMS or an update when it is approved.

Offline Steps:

1. Go to your nearby ration office.

2. Take the form and fill in all details.

3. Attach required documents.

4. Submit to the officer.

5. They will give a receipt and check your documents.

Documents Needed for Ration Card

• Aadhaar Card (for all family members)

• Proof of Address (like electricity bill, rent agreement)

• Income Certificate

• Passport Size Photos

Why Ration Card is Important?

• To get subsidised food grains

• Used as identity proof

• Needed for school admission, gas connection, and government schemes

One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme

• This scheme was started by the Central government.

• Now people can use a ration card anywhere in India, not just in home state.

• Helps migrant workers and people who travel for work.

Ration card is a very helpful document for Indian families. It helps people to buy food at a low price and also acts as an identity proof. In 2025, there are mainly 4 types of ration cards – AAY, PHH, BPL, and APL. Some states may also give temporary or seasonal cards. There are also other special or less common cards like Pink, Blue, or State-specific cards, that are used for different local schemes. You can apply online or offline, and with the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, it is now more useful than before.

Related Blogs - How to link Aadhaar with Ration Card?