How To Download Ration Card

Most government schemes require the potential beneficiary to show the ration card at the time of application or receipt of benefit. Therefore, it is important to download the Ration card online and keep a copy with you at all times. Many governments have also adopted the electronic PDS, or EPDS for short. E-ration card download can also be done for the same.

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 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.

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.

 

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.