Bihar Ration Card 2025

The ration card serves as a key identification document for ration cardholders in Bihar and plays a critical role in the state’s Public Distribution System (PDS). Whether a household falls Above Poverty Line (APL) or below, the card determines eligibility for subsidised food-grains and benefits under the targeted distribution scheme.

The state of Bihar issues ration cards to households based on their economic status, ensuring targeted access to subsidised food grains. Below are the three main types of ration cards and how each is defined and used in the context of Bihar:

Above Poverty Line (APL) Ration Card

This ration card category is issued by the Government of Bihar to households classified as living above the poverty line. These households do not qualify for the deepest subsidies but still participate in the public distribution system (PDS). Being an APL card-holder means you are eligible for rationed supplies, though the subsidy may be reduced or absent compared with other categories.

For example, a family whose income is above the state’s poverty threshold may hold an APL card and access food-grains at a lower subsidy (or market rates) rather than the heavy subsidy reserved for more vulnerable households.

Below Poverty Line (BPL) Ration Card

This type is meant for households identified as living below the poverty line. The Government of Bihar issues BPL ration cards to such households so they can receive subsidised rates under the PDS. A BPL cardholder typically has access to larger quantities of subsidised food-grains compared with an APL cardholder, and at substantially lower cost. 

For instance, in the context of ration card types across India, BPL households might receive 10-20 kg of food-grains per family per month at half the economic cost. In Bihar’s case, this classification ensures that those with more limited means benefit from the state’s food-security framework.

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card

The AAY category is reserved for the economically weakest segment of society. In Bihar, the AAY ration card is meant for households that are extremely poor, for whom food-security support is most critical.
Holders of an AAY ration card are entitled to the highest level of subsidised benefits under the PDS. 

For example, some sources indicate that under the scheme across India such households may receive up to 35 kg of food-grains per family per month at highly subsidised rates. Thus, in Bihar, a household identified as AAY is recognised as one of the poorest and receives priority access to subsidised supplies.

Disclaimer: The classification and eligibility for each ration card type in Bihar are determined by the state government’s guidelines and may vary based on periodic policy updates.

A ration card is a multi-purpose document that offers several benefits to residents of Bihar.

Here’s how it is useful:

• Buying Essential Food Items at Subsidised Rates

It allows eligible families to purchase rice, wheat, sugar, and other essentials at lower prices through the Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Proof of Identity and Address

It serves as an official document for verifying identity and residence when applying for government services

• Access to Government Welfare Schemes

Many state and central schemes, including pension plans and financial aid programmes, require a ration card for eligibility

• Income Classification

Families are categorised by their income level on ration cards, helping the government provide support to those in need

When applying for a ration card in Bihar, one must submit the following documents.

• Passport-sized photograph

• Proof of Address

• Income Certificate

You can apply for a new ration card in Bihar through the state-run online portal, making the process more accessible and efficient for all eligible households. Below are the step-by-step instructions to guide you through the application process:

• Go to the official portal of the Jan Vitran Ann (RC‑Online) (JVA) on the homepage of the state PDS system.

• Click the link labelled "Apply RC Online".

• In the new tab that appears, select "Login".

• If you already have a registered account, sign in using your credentials. If you are a first-time user, click “Sign up for Meri Pehchaan”, provide the required details and complete registration.

• After logging in, choose the option “Apply” followed by “New Apply”.

• Indicate whether the application is for a “Rural” or “Urban” area, fill out the application form with your household details, upload scanned copies of all required documents and include information about family members.

• Submit the completed application online and ensure you note down the registration number provided. This will help you track the status of your application.

Disclaimer: The steps provided are for general guidance only. Applicants should verify the latest process, eligibility criteria and required documents on the official RCMS Bihar or Jan Vitran Ann portal before proceeding.

To download your Bihar ration card, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the EPDS Bihar portal https://epds.bihar.gov.in/

2. Place the cursor on the ‘RCMS’ tab and select the ‘RCMS Report’ option from the drop-down menu

3. You will be redirected to the ‘Report on Category Wise Number of Ration Card in District’ page

4. From the drop down menu, select your district and click on ‘Show’

5. Next select from the rural or urban options 

6. Next select the ‘Block' option

7. Click on the ‘Panchayat’ option and then select the ‘Village’ option

8. Find your name under the ‘FPS Dealer’ column

9. Click on the corresponding ration card link next to your name

10. Your ration card will appear on the screen

11. Scroll down and click on ‘Print Page’ option

You can easily track your ration card application or verify its current status online through two official Bihar government portals, namely RCMS and AePDS (Automated Electronic PDS) Bihar. Follow the steps below to check your ration card details and application progress.

Through the RCMS Bihar Portal

1. Visit the official Jan Vitran Ann or RCMS Bihar website.

2. Click on ‘Login’ and sign in using your registered username or mobile number and password.

3. From the dashboard, select ‘Apply’ and then click on ‘Track Application Status’.

4. Choose your district and subdivision, enter your RTPS number, and click ‘Show’ to view your ration card status.

Through the AePDS Bihar Portal

1. Go to the official AePDS Bihar portal.

2. From the homepage menu, select the ‘RC Details’ option.

3. Enter the month, year, and your ration card number in the respective fields.

4. The system will display your ration card details, including its current validity status.

Disclaimer: The process to check ration card status may vary based on portal updates or regional configurations. Applicants are advised to verify the latest procedure on the official Bihar government websites before proceeding.

To verify if your name is on the Bihar ration card list:

1. Visit the official website of the EPDS Bihar portal https://epds.bihar.gov.in/

2. Place the cursor on the ‘RCMS’ tab and select the ‘RCMS Report’ option

3. You should get redirected to the ‘Report on Category Wise Number of Ration Card in District’ page

4. Choose your district, block, panchayat, and village accordingly

5. A list of ration cardholders in your selected area will be displayed

If you wish to update the members listed on your existing ration card in Bihar, like adding or removing a name, you can do so online through the official RCMS portal at www.rconline.bihar.gov.in. The process is simple and requires logging in via the Meri Pehchaan platform. The steps are as follows:

Steps to Add or Remove a Member

1. Login to the Portal
   Visit the official RCMS Bihar website and click on ‘Login’. You will be redirected to the ‘Meri Pehchaan’ page, where you can sign in using your registered mobile number and password. New users must first register on this portal before proceeding.

2. Access the Correction Section
   Once logged in, open the dashboard and select ‘Apply for Correction’ from the application menu. This option allows you to modify existing ration card details, including member information.

3. Search Your Ration Card
   Enter your existing ration card number to fetch your card details. Ensure that your registered Aadhaar number is linked to the card before performing this step.

4. Edit or Delete Member Details

   • To remove a member, click on the ‘Delete’ button next to their name.

   • To undo a deletion before final submission, use the ‘Undo Delete’ option.

   • To edit a member’s details, click on the ‘Edit’ button and update the required information, such as name, age, or Aadhaar number. Once done, click ‘Update’ to save the changes.

5. Add a New Member
   To include a new family member, click on ‘Add Member’, fill in their personal details accurately, and submit the information. This will create a request to include the new member in your ration card record.

6. Upload Supporting Documents
   After making the necessary changes, you must upload relevant documents such as self-attested copies of Aadhaar cards for all family members, address proof, and bank details. Ensure that all documents are merged into a single PDF file before uploading.

7. Final Submission
   Review all entered details carefully, confirm your submission, and download the acknowledgement slip with your application ID for future reference.

Disclaimer: The process for adding or removing members from the Bihar ration card is managed by the Food and Consumer Protection Department, Government of Bihar. Applicants must ensure that the information provided is accurate and supported by valid documents to avoid rejection or delays.

If your ration card contains incorrect information such as name, age, address, or Aadhaar details, you can easily request corrections online through the official RCMS Bihar portal at www.rconline.bihar.gov.in. The correction process is entirely digital and accessible through the Meri Pehchaan login system, ensuring security and transparency for all applicants.

Steps to Correct Details in Bihar Ration Card

Follow the simple online process below to update or correct any inaccurate information on your Bihar ration card through the official RCMS portal:

1. Login to the Online Portal

Visit the RCMS Bihar website and click ‘Login’. You will be redirected to the Meri Pehchaan platform, where existing users can sign in using their registered credentials. If you are new, you must first register using your mobile number and Aadhaar details.

2. Open the Correction Section

Once logged in, access your dashboard and select ‘Apply for Correction’ from the application menu. This feature allows you to modify any errors found in your existing ration card.

3. Locate Your Ration Card

Enter your ration card number to retrieve your current record. Ensure that your Aadhaar number is already linked, as it is required for verification before making any changes.

4. Update Incorrect Information

After the system displays your card details, select the member or field that requires correction. Click ‘Edit’ and enter the accurate information (for example, updating a spelling error in a name or modifying an incorrect date of birth). Review the entry and click ‘Update’ to save it.

5. Add or Remove Information if Necessary

Alongside corrections, you can also add or remove household members using the available options. The system lets you undo any accidental deletions before final submission.

6. Submit Documents for Verification

Upload scanned, self-attested copies of supporting documents, such as Aadhaar cards, proof of address, and income details. Combine all documents into one PDF file before uploading for smooth processing.

7. Confirm and Submit the Application

Review your corrected information carefully, then click on ‘Submit and Upload Documents’. After successful submission, you’ll receive an Application ID and acknowledgement slip, which should be kept for tracking your correction status later.

Disclaimer: The Bihar ration card correction process is administered by the Department of Food and Consumer Protection, Government of Bihar. Applicants must provide accurate and verifiable information; false or incomplete details may result in application rejection.

You can follow the paper-based route to request changes on your Public Distribution System (PDS) ration card in Bihar if online services are not accessible:

1. Visit your nearest ration-card or Public Distribution System (PDS) office and request the appropriate form for the required corrections.

2. In the form’s section for updated details, clearly write the new information (for example, changed address, corrected name or date of birth).

3. Collect and attach the supporting documents that validate the correction (such as updated address proof or identity proof).

4. Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents at the counter; ensure you obtain an acknowledgement receipt or tracking number.

5. Keep the receipt safe and check back after the assumed processing period to confirm the correction has been applied.

Disclaimer: Offline procedures may vary by district or local office within Bihar; applicants should confirm specific instructions and requirements with the relevant ration-card office or official portal before proceeding. 

If you have concerns or issues related to the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Bihar, you can register a complaint as follows:

1. Visit the official website of the EPDS Bihar portal https://epds.bihar.gov.in/

2. Click on the ‘Login’ option and enter your credentials and captcha code

3. After logging in, go to the ‘Customer Info’ section

4. Click on ‘Submit Grievance’

5. Provide all relevant details about your complaint

6. Click on the ‘Submit’ button

7. You will receive a Panjikaran ID

Keep this ID safe, as it will be required to track the status of your complaint.

To track the status of a complaint you've registered:

1. Visit the official website of the EPDS Bihar portal https://epds.bihar.gov.in/

2. Login with your credentials

3. Click on the ‘Know Grievance Status’ option

4. Provide the required information, such as your Panjikaran ID

5. Click on the ‘Get Status’ button

The current status of your complaint will be displayed.

For any queries related to ration cards, subsidy schemes or grievances under the public distribution system in Bihar, you can contact the toll-free helpline number 1800-3456-194 or 1967. You may also reach the Food & Consumer Protection Department, Government of Bihar via email at sfcpgrms@gmail.com for written support.

While it is not mandatory to apply for a ration card in Bihar, it certainly helps if you apply for it in case you are eligible. So, if you are eligible for any of the ration cards offered by the state government of Bihar, apply for the card online with the documents required. You can then benefit from the food grain schemes available in the state. 

Furthermore, your Bihar ration card is a proof of your identity and address. In case you plan to buy your own house, you can get a housing loan on Bajaj Markets, at attractive interest rates and use your ration card as an ID/address proof.