The free ration card is a helpful scheme by the central government aimed at supporting poor people across India. If you belong to an APL (Above Poverty Line) or BPL (Below Poverty Line) family but do not have a ration card yet, you are eligible to apply for a free ration card under government plans.
Many state governments also provide free ration to poor people even if they don’t have a ration card. In this article, you will find updated and easy-to-understand information about free ration card benefits, how to apply online, and state wise details for 2025. Please read till the end to learn all you need.
How to Apply for Free Ration Card Online in 2025
Due to the ongoing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and economic disruptions, many people, especially daily wage workers and poor families, face difficulties in buying food items. To support them, central and state governments have started to distribute free ration through the Public Distribution System (PDS). To get free ration in your state, you need to apply for a Free Ration Card online.
Know About Mera Ration App
The Government of India has launched the Mera Ration App to make ration services easier for all citizens. This app, available in Hindi and English, helps you get ration information without visiting ration shops repeatedly. It shows details like ration availability, last 6 months transactions, and allows you to link your ration card with your Aadhaar number.
The app is especially useful for migrant workers or people who change their residence frequently. You can carry digital ration cards in your mobile and get ration from any dealer authorized by the app.
Categories of Ration Cards
- APL Ration Card: For people living above the poverty line but have a moderate income.
- BPL Ration Card: For families living below the poverty line.
- AAY Ration Card: For extremely poor families who need maximum support.
- Annapurna Card: For helpless and very poor people without any income sources who also get pensions through this scheme.
Free Ration Card Scheme Highlights
| Scheme Name | Free Ration Card |
| Beneficiaries | Poor People of India |
| Applicable States | All States |
| Department | Food and Civil Supplies |
| Ration Provided | For three months: April, May, June |
Benefits of Mera Ration App
You can use the Mera Ration App to check if your ration card is linked to your Aadhaar. It provides information about your ration dealer, allows you to change your ration dealer, and shows every transaction for your ration supply. The app helps you save time and money while bringing transparency to the system.
How to Register on Mera Ration App
- Download the Mera Ration App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and enter your ration card number.
- The app will display all ration card details, including members and transaction history.
- You can also check if your card is under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme.
Goal of Free Ration Card Online Application
This scheme’s main purpose is to make ration card applications easier by enabling online registrations. You no longer have to visit government offices physically. Applying online saves your time and ensures a transparent and fair process.
With a ration card, you can get ration items at subsidized rates and also use it to avail other government schemes.
How to Apply for Duplicate Ration Card Online
If your original ration card is lost or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate copy through the official state portal. You will need the old ration card number, passport size photo of the head of the family, Aadhaar cards of family members, and a written application explaining the reason. If your card was stolen, attach a copy of the FIR.
Free Ration Card Scheme 2025 Updates
Many state governments are issuing e-coupons and free ration to eligible families even without ration cards. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) and National Food Security Act (NFSA), beneficiaries get free wheat and dals for three months.
Temporary Ration Cards in Delhi
Delhi government has started a temporary ration card system for those without ration cards to receive free ration. Economically weaker sections can benefit from this scheme through the state’s PDS system.
Uses of Ration Card
- Get cooking gas connection.
- Buy food items at subsidized prices.
- Proof of identity for passport application.
- Open bank accounts.
- Apply for life insurance.
- Get driving license.
- Obtain voter ID cards.
- Purchase SIM cards.
- For school and college admissions.
- Access government services and scholarships.
Eligibility for Free Ration Card
- You must provide proof that you live in the area.
- The applicant should belong to a BPL family.
- Eligibility criteria may vary for rural and urban areas.
- Ration card will be issued only in the family head’s name.
Documents Required for Ration Card Registration
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Passport size photo of family head
- Income certificate
- Gas connection details
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Bank passbook
- Mobile number
Adding New Family Members to Ration Card
For Newborn Child
- Original ration card
- Birth certificate of the child
- Aadhaar cards of parents
For New Family Member (Spouse)
- Marriage certificate
- Original ration card of the husband
- Proof of name removal from parent’s ration card
- Aadhaar card
Steps to Apply for Free Ration Card Online
- Visit your state’s official food and civil supplies department website.
- Find and click the link for e-coupon or temporary ration card application.
- Enter your mobile number and verify OTP.
- Fill the application form with details like family head name, age, Aadhaar number, and member count.
- Submit address and election area information.
- Upload documents including scanned Aadhaar card photos of family members and head.
- After submission, you will get an authorization message on your mobile with a link.
- Click the link to download your temporary ration card.
- Use this card to get free ration from the nearest dealer.
How to Download and Register on Mera Ration App
- Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your phone.
- Search for “Mera Ration App”.
- Select the official app from the search results and install it.
- Open the app and enter your ration card number to access your card details.
Process to Add New Members in Ration Card
Offline Method
- Visit your nearest food supply department.
- Take the form to add new member and fill it carefully.
- Attach all required documents.
- Submit the form with application fee.
- Keep the reference number received for tracking status.
- After document verification, your updated ration card will be issued.
Online Method
- Go to your state’s food supply official website.
- Log in and select the option to add member.
- Fill up the online form and upload documents as required.
- Submit and note your reference number.
- Track your application status online until your card is updated.
How to Re-add Name to Ration Card if Removed
If your name was removed during verification but you are eligible, you can reapply to add your name back by submitting a form with important documents at your local food department office or online through the official portal.
Steps to Apply for Duplicate Ration Card Online
- Visit your state’s official food and civil supplies website.
- Click on the duplicate ration card apply online link.
- Fill out the application form with required information.
- Upload required documents and submit.
Offline Process for Duplicate Ration Card
- Visit your Gram Panchayat or Block office.
- Collect and fill the duplicate ration card application form.
- Attach all necessary documents.
- Submit with application fees.
- After document verification, you will receive your ration card.
Procedure to Amend Errors in Ration Card
- Visit official state ration department website.
- Download the ration card correction form.
- Fill the form stating required corrections.
- Attach proper documents supporting corrections.
- Submit the form offline or online depending on your state.
- Track application status using provided reference number.
How to Download Free Ration App
- Open Google Play Store on your phone.
- Search for “Free Ration App”.
- Select the app and tap install.
- The app will download and install on your phone.
Free Ration Card State Wise List for 2025
You can check your ration card status and apply online from official portals of your state’s food department. Below is a list of states with links to apply or check ration card details:
| State | Official Website / Apply Link |
| Assam | Apply Here |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Apply Here |
| Andhra Pradesh | Apply Here |
| Bihar | Apply Here |
| Delhi | Apply Here |
| Chattisgarh | Apply Here |
| Chandigarh | Apply Here |
| Himachal Pradesh | Apply Here |
| Haryana | Apply Here |
| Gujarat | Apply Here |
| Jharkhand | Apply Here |
| Jammu Kashmir | Apply Here |
| Karnataka | Apply Here |
| Kerala | Apply Here |
| Madhya Pradesh | Apply Here |
| Manipur | Apply Here |
| Maharashtra | Apply Here |
| Mizoram | Apply Here |
| Odisha | Apply Here |
| Punjab | Apply Here |
| Rajasthan | Apply Here |
| Tamil Nadu | Apply Here |
| Sikkim | Apply Here |
| Uttarakhand | Apply Here |
| Uttar Pradesh | Apply Here |
How to Link Ration Card with Aadhaar Card
The government has extended the deadline to link ration cards with Aadhaar card until September to ensure everyone gets their rightful ration. To link your ration card to your Aadhaar, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/
- Click “Start Now” on the home page.
- Enter details like your district and state, select “Ration Card” benefit type.
- Fill your ration card number, Aadhaar number, email, and mobile number.
- Enter the OTP sent to your phone.
- Submit your request to complete the linking process.
Ration Card Helpline Numbers
Each state has its own complaint and help support for ration card related issues. You can contact your state’s helpline numbers if you face issues with your ration card or dealer.
| State | Helpline Numbers | Landline / Email |
| West Bengal | 1967, 1800-345-5505 | 03322535293, ica-dept@wb.gov.in |
| Uttarakhand | 1800-180-2000, 1800-180-4188 | 01352780765, comm-fcs-uk@nic.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1967, 1800-180-0150 | 05512239296, up.fncs@gmail.com |
Please visit your state’s official food department website for the full helpline list.
This refreshed information should help you easily apply for and manage your free ration card in 2025. Stay informed and use the available resources to access your right to food and other benefits.