Ration Card e-KYC Online and Offline Methods 2026

Ration Card e-KYC is mandatory for all ration card holders in India. It links your Aadhaar identity to your ration card using biometric or OTP verification to ensure subsidised food grains reach only eligible beneficiaries.

• 2 methods: online (state PDS portal/ Mera Ration app) or offline (Fair Price Shop/ CSC)
• Online method uses OTP or Face Authentication via Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Offline method uses fingerprint or iris biometric scan at an authorised centre
• e-KYC is mandatory for every member listed on the ration card, including newly added members
• Missing the deadline may result in name removal or card cancellation
• Core e-KYC at Fair Price Shops is free; CSC centres may charge for additional services
• Status can be checked on your state's PDS portal or via the Mera Ration app

Ration Card e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is a digital identity verification process under the Public Distribution System (PDS). It uses Aadhaar to authenticate the identity of each beneficiary linked to a ration card. The goal is to eliminate duplicate or fake ration cards and ensure that subsidised food grains reach only eligible households.

• Eliminates duplicate beneficiaries so each household receives benefits without misuse
• Improves transparency by ensuring subsidies reach the right people
• Enables the government to maintain accurate, updated beneficiary records for policy implementation

The government has made e-KYC mandatory for ration card holders to achieve several objectives:

• Eliminating duplicate beneficiaries: e-KYC ensures that each eligible household receives benefits without duplication or misuse.
• Improving transparency: The process ensures that subsidies reach the right beneficiaries, reducing corruption and inefficiencies in the system.
• Streamlining records: By linking Aadhaar to ration cards, the government can maintain accurate and updated beneficiary data, which is crucial for effective policy implementation.

Completing e-KYC is essential for uninterrupted access to subsidised food grains and other benefits under government schemes.

• Eliminates duplicate beneficiaries so each household receives benefits without misuse
• Improves transparency by ensuring subsidies reach the right people
• Enables the government to maintain accurate, updated beneficiary records for policy implementation

• The head of the family listed on the ration card
• All existing family members included on the ration card
• Newly added family members, such as those added after marriage or childbirth
• Migrant beneficiaries who have shifted to a different PDS jurisdiction
   

• Aadhaar card linked to your mobile number
• Ration card number
• Registered mobile number for OTP verification
• Biometric information (fingerprint or iris) for authentication at offline centres

The online method is suitable for beneficiaries with smartphone or internet access. Use the official PDS portal of your state or the Mera Ration mobile app.

1. Visit your state's official PDS portal or download the Mera Ration app.
2. Log in using your ration card number and Aadhaar number.
3. Verify your identity through an OTP sent to your registered mobile number, or use facial recognition.
4. Enter any additional details as prompted on screen.
5. Review and submit to complete the e-KYC process.

You will receive a confirmation message or receipt once the process is complete.

At a Fair Price Shop

• Visit your nearest Fair Price Shop.
• Present your Aadhaar card and ration card to the dealer
• Authenticate your identity using the biometric verification device (fingerprint scanner).
• Receive confirmation that your e-KYC has been completed.

At a CSC or Seva Kendra

• Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Seva Kendra.
• Submit your Aadhaar card, ration card, and registered mobile number to the authorised personnel.
• Complete verification using biometric authentication or OTP.
• Confirm information and receive a status update.

1. Visit your state's official PDS portal or open the Mera Ration app.
2. Enter your ration card number and Aadhaar details.
3. Navigate to the e-KYC section.
4. Check the status for each family member, completed or pending.

Failure to complete e-KYC by the deadline may result in the temporary suspension of ration distribution benefits. Your name, or the entire card, may be deactivated. You will need to complete verification to restore access to subsidised food grains under NFSA schemes like PMGKAY.