Types of Ration Cards in India — APL, BPL, AAY Explained
15 February 2025|5 min read|Updated 21 June 2026
India's Public Distribution System (PDS) issues different types of ration cards based on a household's income and economic status. The type of card you hold determines how much subsidised food you receive and at what price. This guide explains the four main types — APL, BPL, AAY, and NFSA Priority Household — and helps you understand which category applies to your family.
What is a ration card and who issues it?
A ration card is an official document issued by state governments that entitles families to purchase subsidised food grains and other essential commodities from Fair Price Shops (FPS) under the Public Distribution System.
Ration cards also serve as proof of residence and identity and are accepted for several government schemes and services.
The four types of ration cards
Ration cards in India are broadly divided into the following categories:
APL — Above Poverty Line — Issued to families whose annual household income is above the poverty line set by the state government. APL cardholders receive subsidised grains at slightly higher rates than BPL and AAY cards. The quantum of grain allocated varies by state.
BPL — Below Poverty Line — Issued to families living below the state-defined poverty line. BPL cardholders receive a higher quantum of subsidised wheat and rice at lower prices. The central government provides up to 35 kg of grain per family per month under this category.
AAY — Antyodaya Anna Yojana — Issued to the poorest of the poor — families with no stable income, including daily-wage earners, landless agricultural labourers, and destitute households. AAY cardholders receive the highest subsidy — 35 kg of grain per family per month, provided free of cost under the NFSA–PMGKAY merger (extended through December 2028).
NFSA Priority Household (PHH) — Introduced under the National Food Security Act, 2013, PHH cards cover BPL-equivalent families. Eligible cardholders receive 5 kg of grain per person per month, also provided free of cost since the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was merged into NFSA.
How is your ration card category determined?
Your category is assessed by the state government's Food and Civil Supplies department based on your household's annual income, land ownership, and other socio-economic indicators.
Income certificates issued by a gazetted officer or tahsildar are the primary basis for classification. The exact income thresholds vary by state — each state sets its own poverty line for APL/BPL categorisation.
Differences between BPL and AAY cards
While both BPL and AAY cards target low-income households, there are key differences:
Eligibility — BPL cards are for families below the poverty line. AAY cards are reserved specifically for the poorest families with no stable income — a subset of BPL families.
Grain price — Both AAY and NFSA Priority Household (the BPL-equivalent category) now receive their grain free of cost, since PMGKAY was merged into NFSA — price is no longer the distinguishing factor between them.
Quantity — AAY households get a fixed 35 kg per family per month regardless of family size. NFSA Priority Household allocation instead scales with household size, at 5 kg per person per month — this is now the main practical difference between the two categories.
Identification — AAY cards are typically yellow in colour in many states, while BPL cards are often red or pink. Card colours vary by state.
Can you change your ration card category?
Yes. If your economic circumstances have changed — for example, your income has dropped below the poverty line — you can apply to your state's FCS office to have your card reclassified from APL to BPL or AAY.
You will need to provide an updated income certificate and supporting documents. A specialist on Krakens can help you prepare and submit the reclassification application.
Frequently asked questions
APL (Above Poverty Line) cards are for families whose income exceeds the poverty threshold — they receive subsidised grains at higher rates with limited quantities. BPL (Below Poverty Line) cards are for families below the poverty line and offer higher subsidies, lower prices, and more grain per month.
AAY cards are issued to the poorest households — those with no stable income, such as daily-wage labourers, marginal farmers, and destitute or elderly persons with no family support. Eligibility is assessed by the state's Food and Civil Supplies department.
PHH cards were introduced under the National Food Security Act, 2013, for BPL-equivalent households. They entitle cardholders to 5 kg of grain per person per month, provided free of cost since PMGKAY was merged into NFSA (extended through December 2028). In most states, PHH has effectively replaced the older BPL category.
The type of ration card is printed on the card itself. You can also check online using your state government's food department portal by entering your ration card number or the head of family's Aadhaar number.
Need help with your ration card application or update?
A verified specialist on Krakens will handle your ration card application, member additions, corrections, and category changes from start to finish.
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