How to Apply for a Ration Card Online: A Complete Guide

You can now apply for your government ration card online and download it yourself, or have it delivered directly to your home. Once your application is successful, your name will be added to the ration list, and you will be connected with the ration distribution system. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of filling out the form online using your mobile phone.

The New Centralized Ration Card System

The Modi government has now centralized the entire ration card process through the “One Nation, One Ration Card” initiative. Previously, applicants had to navigate different portals for each state. Now, the central government has launched a single, official portal for all ration card services, as they are providing the ration and the benefits. This makes the application process uniform across the country.

Step 1: Accessing the Official NFSA Portal

The first step is to navigate to the official government website. This process can be done easily on a mobile phone.

1. Open the Google search engine on your device.
2. Type “NFSA” and search.
3. The result will be the official ration card portal of the Government of India.
4. You can use the portal in its mobile view or switch to “Desktop site” mode on your phone for a wider view.

Step 2: Navigating to the State Portal Link

Once you are on the NFSA homepage, you need to find the application section.

1. Click on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) on the screen.
2. In the menu that appears, click on the three lines again.
3. Select the third option, labeled “Ration Card.”
4. From the new options that appear, click on “Ration Card Detail on State Portal.”

Step 3: Selecting Your State

You will now be presented with a list of all the states in India.

1. Find and click on the name of your state.
2. This action will redirect you to the ration card application section on your specific state’s portal.
3. The central government has ensured that the application process and the links provided are the same for all states to maintain a uniform procedure.

Step 4: Filling Out the Application Form

After being redirected to your state’s portal, click on the “Apply for New Ration Card” option. The application form will open, which is divided into several sections.

Address Details

1. Location: Choose your District and Block. If you live in a rural area, select your Gram Panchayat and Village. If you are in an urban area, select your City and Ward.
2. Address: Enter your Plot Number and complete residential address.
3. Pincode: Provide your area’s Pincode.
4. Permanent Address: If your present address is the same as your permanent address (the one on your official documents), check the box “Click if permanent address is same as present address.” If you are living in a different state from your native one (e.g., from Bihar living in Haryana), you must fill in both your present and permanent addresses separately.
5. Duration: Mention how long you have been residing at the current address.
6. Click Next.

Ration Card & FPS Details

1. Previous Card: If you had a ration card that was cancelled, you can mention it here. If you have never had a ration card, select “No.”
2. FPS Details: Enter the name of your FPS (Fair Price Shop), which is your local ration depot holder. You will also need to provide the FPS Code.
3. Click Next.

Family Members Detail

1. Add Members: Add all family members you wish to include on the ration card. You need to enter each name in English and then in Hindi.
2. Select Head of Family: After adding all the members, you must select one person from the list to be the head of the family (Mukhiya).
3. Click Next.

Other Information and Bank Details

This is the final section of the form. It is important to note that you only need to fill in the fields marked with a star (*), as they are compulsory.

1. Utilities: You can provide details of your electricity or LPG gas connection if you have them, but this is not mandatory.
2. Mobile Number: This is a required field.
3. Bank Details: This section is crucial. Carefully enter your Bank Name, IFSC Code, Account Number, and the Account Holder’s Name. Any financial benefits associated with the BPL ration card will be transferred directly into this account.

Step 5: Final Submission and What Happens Next

After filling in all the required information, your application process is nearly complete.

1. Click the Save button.
2. A preview of your entire filled form will be displayed. Review all the details carefully to ensure there are no mistakes.
3. Once you have confirmed all the information is correct, click the Final Submit button.
4. Upon submission, you will be given an SRN (Registration Number). Keep this number safe.
5. After about seven days, you can use this SRN to check your status and download your ration card directly from the same state portal where you applied.
6. Alternatively, your name will be added to the official ration list, and the physical ration card will be delivered to the address you provided.