Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between APL, BPL, and AAY ration cards?
AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) is for the poorest households and gets the highest subsidy; BPL (Below Poverty Line) gets a moderate subsidy; APL (Above Poverty Line) gets a smaller entitlement. The right category depends on your family's documented income.
Can I add family members to an existing card instead?
Yes — if your family already has a ration card, adding a new member (like a newborn or a bride who has moved in) is a separate, simpler update rather than a fresh new-card application.
Is Aadhaar linking mandatory?
Yes, Aadhaar seeding for every family member is mandatory for a ration card to remain active and to receive PDS benefits.