Know how to apply, download, and check your ration card in Karnataka online in 2025.
The Karnataka Ration Card is an important document issued by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Karnataka. It enables eligible households to buy essential commodities at subsidised rates under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Apart from serving as a means to access subsidised food grains, the ration card also acts as valid proof of identity and residence and can be used while applying for official documents such as a PAN card, driver's licence, or voter identity card.
If you are wondering how to apply for a ration card in Karnataka, check your application status, or download it online, here's a complete 2025 guide covering all the details you need to know.
The Karnataka Government issues ration cards to residents of the state to ensure fair access to food security benefits. Every ration cardholder is entitled to receive food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS) at subsidised rates. You can easily apply for a new ration card online through the official Ahara Karnataka portal, which is managed by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies.
In addition to ration distribution, the online system allows residents to check the ration card status in Karnataka, verify eligibility, view the Karnataka ration card list village wise, and even download their digital copy through the e-Services section of the portal.
The state issues four main types of ration cards based on the household's income level and eligibility.
Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card
These are issued to families in rural areas. PHH cardholders receive food grains every month at subsidised prices.
| Commodity | Price per kg |
|---|---|
Rice |
₹3 |
Wheat |
₹2 |
Coarse grains |
₹1 |
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card
This category covers the poorest families with an annual household income below ₹15,000. AAY beneficiaries receive food grains at highly subsidised prices.
| Commodity | Price per kg |
|---|---|
Rice |
₹3 |
Wheat |
₹2 |
Annapurna Yojana (AY) Ration Card
Under the Annapurna Yojana, citizens above 65 years of age who are not covered under the National Old Age Pension Scheme can get up to 10 kg of food grains per month free of cost.
Non-Priority Household (NPHH) Ration Card / APL Card
Families with stable and sufficient annual income above ₹15,000 fall under the NPHH or APL category. These households are not eligible for subsidised food grains but can use the ration card as proof of domicile and identification.
A ration card in Karnataka offers several benefits beyond food subsidy access:
Purchase essential commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene at subsidised rates through Fair Price Shops (FPS).
Use as a valid identity and residence proof for government applications such as voter ID, PAN card, driver's licence, and income certificate.
Facilitate inclusion under welfare schemes such as the Annapurna Yojana and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
Simplify verification for Aadhaar linkage and other e-governance services through the state"s e-Services portal.
Help track ration card details and ration distribution online, ensuring transparency under the Food and Civil Supplies Department.
You must fulfil the following statutory criteria in order to be eligible for a ration card in the state of Karnataka:
| Ration Card Type | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card |
You must be a resident of a rural area in the state. |
Annapurna Yojna Ration Card |
You must be above 65 years of age. |
Antyodaya Anna Yojna Ration Card |
Your total annual household income must be less than ₹15,000. |
Non-Priority Household (NPHH) Ration Card |
Your annual household income must be above ₹15,000. |
To apply for a ration card online in Karnataka, you have to furnish the below-mentioned documents:
Identity proof (Aadhaar card for all family members)
Address proof (Rental agreement, electricity bill, etc.)
Age proof
Income proof
Passport size photographs of all family members
Certificate from the Ward Councillor or Pradhan
Tenancy agreement (if applicable)
You need to follow the steps mentioned below to apply for a ration card in Karnataka:
Visit the official “Ahara” website and click on the "e-services" tab on the home page
Click on “New Ration Card” in the menu under the “e-Ration Card” option
Select your preferred language and then, on the following page, click on “New Ration Card Request” to apply for a new ration card
Now, you have to select the ration card type you want to apply for
Enter your Aadhaar number for verification
You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated space
After successful verification, your Aadhaar details will be displayed on the screen
Now, click on the “Add” to generate an application number
Enter your contact details on being prompted
Finally, click on “Save” to submit your application successfully
Once your Karnataka ration card application is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement slip with your application number for future reference.
Follow these steps to download Karnataka ration card online:
You can also download APL or BPL card in Karnataka from the same portal using the same process.
Once you have applied for the ration card, you can check its status online. Simply follow the steps mentioned below:
Visit the official website of the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department
Click on the “e-Services” tab and scroll down to "e-Status"
From that menu, choose “Status of New/Defending Ration Card”
Next, click on the appropriate division and select the “Status of Ration card”
Select the “Verification Type” from the menu and enter the RC number
Click on “Go”
Your Karnataka ration card details and application status will be displayed on the screen. You can also check the ration card status in Karnataka by mobile number if it"s linked with your application.
To check the Karnataka ration card list, follow the steps mentioned below:
Visit the “Ahara” website - ahara.karnataka.gov.in and click on the "e-services" tab
Now, click on “e-Ration” and select “Villages List”.
Choose your district, taluk, gram panchayat, and village.
Click “Go” to view the updated Karnataka ration card list for your area.
This list shows active ration cardholders, card numbers, and distribution eligibility.
In order to get a complete list of suspended and cancelled ration cards in Karnataka, follow these steps:
Visit the official website of the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department, Government of Karnataka
Navigate to the ‘e- Services’ option.
Click on the ‘Show Cancelled/ Suspended List’ option provided under ‘e-Ration Card’
Provide the required information as requested
Select the ‘Go’ option
Following this, a list of rejected applicants with the reason for rejection will be displayed on the screen.
Here are some charges you must pay when applying for a ration card in Karnataka:
*Disclaimer: The mentioned rates are subject to change at the government’s discretion.
If you need to add or remove a family member, follow these steps:
Visit the Ahara Karnataka e-Services portal.
Select the "Add/Remove Member" service.
Log in with your ration card number or Aadhaar number.
Upload relevant documents (birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage certificate).
Submit the request and note the application number for tracking.
To correct spelling errors or update address and family details:
Go to the Ahara Karnataka website.
Select "Correction in Ration Card" under the e-Services tab.
Enter your existing ration card number.
Provide supporting documents for verification.
Submit the correction request and save the acknowledgement for future reference.
You can lodge a grievance regarding ration distribution or card issues through the state"s online grievance system:
Visit the Food and Civil Supplies Department portal.
Select "e-Services" and then "Public Grievance & Rewards".
Choose the "Lodge the Grievance" option.
Fill in your details such as name, address, mobile number, complaint category, and subject.
Provide a short description (up to 400 words) and upload relevant documents.
As per a mandate passed by the government of Karnataka, it is compulsory to link your ration card with your Aadhaar. Follow these simple steps to seamlessly link your Aadhaar and ration card:
Head over to the official website of the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department, Government of Karnataka
Select the ‘e- Services’ option.
Go to the ‘e-Ration Card’ option
Now, choose the ‘LINKING UID’ option
Click on the required link
Select the ‘UID Linking for RC members’ option
Provide your Aadhar number, then select the ‘Go’ option
Enter the OTP you will receive on your mobile number
Next, provide the required details of your ration card
Post-verification, your Aadhaar and ration card will be linked
For assistance or updates on your Karnataka ration card:
The Karnataka ration card plays a vital role in ensuring food security for families across the state. Whether you’re applying for a new ration card, checking your name in the list, or updating your details, the process has become simpler with the Department of Food and Civil Supplies’ online services. Keeping your ration card details up to date helps you continue availing benefits under the National Food Security Act and other welfare schemes.
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You will typically receive your ration card within 15 days from the date of successful application.
There is no separate government application fee, but small service charges apply depending on the submission method.
Send an SMS in this format: RCREN <Space> <Your Ration Card Number> to 9212357123 from your registered mobile number. Visit your nearest Ration Card Seva Kendra for biometric verification.
Yes, newly married couples who are residents of Karnataka can apply for a new ration card by submitting marriage and address proof.
If your application is rejected, review the reason displayed on the portal and re-apply with correct documents or updated income details.
Visit the Ahara Karnataka portal, click on ‘e-Services,’ and select ‘Ration Stock Availability’ to view the latest stock report for your FPS or depot.
Submitting false information or holding multiple ration cards may result in card cancellation, penalty, or legal action under the Food Security Act.
On the Ahara Karnataka website, go to ‘FPS Details,’ select your district and taluk to locate your nearest Fair Price Shop.
If you shift districts, you must surrender your existing ration card and apply for a new one in your current area with updated address proof.