How To Download Ration Card

A ration card is an essential document required to access various government schemes and subsidies. You should download your ration card online and keep a copy for verification when applying for benefits. With the introduction of electronic Public Distribution Systems (e-PDS), you can now easily download an e-ration card as well.

An e-ration card is a digital ration card that can help you get the required subsidies on food supplies at ration shops. The card is offered in select states and union territories of India. It is made available through the Electronic Public Distribution System (EPDS). 

It is a part of the Indian government’s initiative to move towards digitisation, making affordable food supplies easily available to citizens across the country. The ease of access and online updates of changes in card status make it a great choice.

Ration cards are issued under the Public Distribution System (PDS) of the state in which you reside. In order to download ration cards, you can visit the official website of your state’s PDS. Below we detail the steps involved in downloading e-ration cards online for those in need, whether to show them as ID proof or to receive benefits under a government scheme.

• Visit the official website of the PDS of the state - nfsa.gov.in in which your ration card was made. These are different for all states.
  

• There is usually a highlighted section that lists all services related to ration cards. Find the section on the homepage and click on it. It can also be a link on the “Citizen’s Corner” of the homepage or a similar panel.

You will find a list of all the services provided by the PDS in that section. You can proceed to select the “Print Ration Card” or “e-ration card Download” or “Get e-ration card” section or tab on the panel.

• Next, you will be prompted to enter details in a form. These details usually involve your ration card number, Aadhar number, and personal details of the head of the family, like name, year of birth, and finally, the mobile number that you used at the time of registration to the scheme.
  

• These details are then verified by the PDS authorities and you are redirected to another page
  where your Ration card is available for download. You can download the PDF of the ration card.

In some cases, people do not know their ration card number either because they've lost the card or they've forgotten the number. In that case, you can follow the following steps to download the ration card.

• Head over to the official website of the PDS in your state.
  

• Go over the section with Ration card services.
  

• Find the service marked "View Your Ration Card details." You will then be prompted to fill in some details on the next page.
  

• Finally, click on Submit. You will be redirected to another page. There you will find all the details related to your ration card. You can make a note of these details and then follow the steps stated in the previous section to download your new ration card.
  

• You can use this duplicate copy to obtain the new card from the MeeSeva office. You can also use this duplicate copy at other places in lieu of the original ration card.

You can access and download your ration card online using your Aadhaar details. Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Civil Supplies Department website of your respective state
   

2. Go to the ‘Ration Card Services’ or ‘Download Ration Card’ section
   

3. Enter your Aadhaar number in the designated field
   

4. Complete the captcha verification to confirm your identity
   

5. Once validated, you can download the ration card linked to your Aadhaar number

If your mobile number is registered with your ration card, you can also download it online by following these steps:

1. Visit your state’s Public Distribution System (PDS) portal
   

2. Open the ‘e-Services’ menu and choose the ‘e-Ration Card’ option
   

3. Provide your ration card number and registered mobile number
   

4. Enter the OTP received on your mobile and fill in the captcha code for verification

After successful verification, you will be able to download your ration card digitally using your mobile number.

Here are the steps to download your ration card through Mera Ration app:

1. Install the ‘Mera Ration 2.0’ app and install it
   

2. Tap on the login option on the home screen
   

3. Select ‘Beneficiaries Users’ and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and enter the captcha
   

4. Click on ‘Login with OTP’. You’ll receive an OTP on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
   

5. Enter the OTP you received to verify your identity
   

6. You may be asked to create a 4-digit MPIN for easier future logins. You can skip this step if you prefer.
   

7. After logging in, go to the home screen where your digital ration card will be shown
   

8. Click on the download icon on the card’s display
   

9. Your ration card will be downloaded in a PDF format, containing details of your family members and ration entitlements

You can easily access and download your ration card through the DigiLocker app or website by following these steps:

1. Visit the DigiLocker website or install the DigiLocker app on your smartphone
   

2. Create an account by entering your name, mobile number, and date of birth
   

3. Verify your account by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
   

4. Once logged in, search for the ‘Ration Card’ option
   

5. Choose your state’s ‘Food and Civil Supplies Department’ from the list
   

6. Enter your ration card number and select your district
   

7. Click on ‘Get Document’ to retrieve your card details
   

8. Your ration card will appear under the ‘Issued Documents’ section, where you can download it as a PDF file

Downloading a ration card offline actually means requesting a physical ration card copy through local offices and submitting paperwork rather than instant digital download.

here is how you can proceed:

1. Visit the nearest authorised ration shop or the local civil supplies office
   

2. Request a physical copy of your ration card or apply for a duplicate if it is lost or damaged
   

3. Submit the required documents, including identity proof, address proof, and a filled application form
   

4. If your ration card is lost, you may need to file an FIR and attach a copy with your application
   

5. The officials will verify your documents and process your request
   

6. After verification, you can collect your ration card in person or receive it by post, depending on the state’s procedures
   

7. In some regions, a manual form submission is required, which can be done at the designated office

Before you start, check for the following pointers to ensure a smooth process:

• Keep your ration card details handy. These include the card number, card type, name of your family members, and so on.
  

• Utilise the two-step verification process. Herein, you usually receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. This ensures the security of your sensitive information and helps prevent fraud.
  

• Ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Disruptions in connectivity can lead to difficulties in completing the process.

In some cases, you might have a need or interest in taking a hard copy printout of your ration card. The ration card PDF download is also possible on the website. Below are the steps to print ration cards online.

• This can be done easily. You just have to download a PDF ration card which is a duplicate copy and then click on the Print tab. Or use the CTRL+P option.
  

• That's all and you'll have a duplicate copy of your ration card that can be used to verify your identity at different places.
  

• It can be used to obtain an original copy as well, which can then be used as identity and address proof required to avail government schemes and benefits.

While downloading your ration card online, you may face a few common technical or verification-related issues. Here are some of them:

• Incorrect Details: If the information entered, such as your Aadhaar or ration card number, does not match government records, the download may fail.
  

• Unlinked Mobile Number: If your mobile number is not registered with your ration card, OTP verification cannot be completed.
  

• Website Downtime: State government portals may experience heavy traffic or maintenance, temporarily affecting access.
  

• Incomplete Application: If your ration card application is still under process, the document might not be available for download.
  

• Server Errors: Technical glitches or poor internet connection can interrupt the download process.

In such cases, verify your details and try again later. If the issue continues, contact your state’s Civil Supplies Department or visit the nearest ration office for assistance.

Each state and union territory in India has its own official portal for ration card services under the Public Distribution System (PDS). You can visit your respective state’s website to check, download, or update your ration card details.

Below are the official portals for ration card download across major states:

For future reference, you can make a note of your ration card number so that it's easier for you to download the PDF ration card and get it printed. Otherwise, you'll have to go through an additional step of finding out your ration card number first. Keep your ration card safe and hold on to an e-ration download copy.  

By now, you must have understood how convenient it is to download your ration card from the National Food Security Portal, once it is ready. It is advisable to keep your personal information handy, as you will be required to enter it to download the card.

Once a ration card number is generated and after having downloaded it, you can not only avail all the facilities provided by the Public Distribution System, you can also seek a home loan online from top lenders.  Your ration card acts as an official proof of ID and address, which is an important requirement for loan application.