Ration card & NFSA: subsidised food grain, simply explained
Last updated: 1 July 2026
A ration card lets eligible households buy subsidised food grain from the Public Distribution System (PDS) under the NFSA. Rules and application are handled by your State's food department; this is general guidance.
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Card categories
- Priority Households (PHH) — eligible for a monthly quota of subsidised grain per member.
- Antyodaya (AAY) — for the poorest households, with a larger fixed monthly quota.
- Exact quotas and rates are notified by the government.
How to apply / check
- Apply through your State's food & civil supplies (PDS) portal or a local office/CSC.
- Provide family details, Aadhaar, and address proof.
- Track your application on the State portal or nfsa.gov.in.
- Once issued, use it at your linked fair-price (ration) shop.
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How do I apply for a ration card?
Apply through your State's food & civil supplies portal or a local office/CSC with family details, Aadhaar and address proof; NFSA info is at nfsa.gov.in.
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