• Family in NFSA database (priority household OR Antyodaya)
• AAY: poorest of poor (35 kg per family/month)
• Aadhaar + ration card; ePoS at FPS
• NOT eligible if family income > state-defined ceiling

5 kg foodgrain per person per month (rice + wheat in 50:50 mix typically). Currently FREE under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) extended through December 2029. AAY families: 35 kg per family per month free.

1. Apply for ration card at Tehsildar/CSC/State portal — State-specific portal.
2. Submit Aadhaar of all family + bank passbook — Plus residence proof.
3. Field verification by Patwari — 15-30 days.
4. Approval + ration card delivered — Smart card.
5. Choose Fair Price Shop (FPS) — Mandatory; collect from this shop.
6. ePoS biometric collection — Aadhaar fingerprint at FPS.

• Aadhaar (each member)
• Income certificate
• Residence proof
• Family photo
• Bank passbook

Full document checklist: Documents required for ration card new

Card issuance: 30 days statutory (state RTPS).

• Official portal: nfsa.gov.in
• Helpline: State-specific (e.g., FCS UP, FCS Maharashtra)
• Track status: How to check status
• Step-by-step apply guide: How-to-apply walkthrough

• Existing card in another state — surrender first.
• Aadhaar of any member missing — get Aadhaar first.
• Verification stuck > 30 days — file RTI to Tehsildar + Food Inspector.
• BPL → APL category change — appeal with current income proof.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →

More schemes for you: All unorganised workers schemes

Yes through Dec 2029 under PMGKAY. Effectively Rs 0/kg vs nominal Rs 1-3.

State-specific (typically Rs 1-1.5 lakh/year for priority).

No — one per family. Members listed.

File RTI to Tehsildar + Food Inspector.

• All Sarkari Yojanas
• Status-check guides
• Helplines + grievance
• Full RTI Playbook

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.