How to Apply for the Bihar Ration Card: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

A Ration Card is one of the most important government documents for families in Bihar. It not only helps eligible households access subsidised food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) but also works as a proof of identity, address, and family composition for many government schemes.

The Government of Bihar has made it easier to apply for a Bihar Ration Card online through its official Food & Civil Supplies portal. Whether you belong to a rural village or an urban ward, you can now submit your application digitally or through the offline process.

Official Bihar Ration Card Portal: https://epds.bihar.gov.in

What is a Bihar Ration Card?

The Bihar Ration Card is an official document issued by the Food & Consumer Protection Department, Government of Bihar under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Purpose of Bihar Ration Card

• Supply of subsidised rice, wheat, and other essentials

• Identification of eligible households under NFSA

• Proof for availing state and central welfare schemes

• Required document for scholarships, pensions, and housing schemes

Types of Ration Cards in Bihar

• Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card

• Non-Priority / APL (Limited cases)

Food & Consumer Protection Department, Bihar: https://state.bihar.gov.in/food

Eligibility Criteria for Bihar Ration Card

Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions to apply for a ration card in Bihar:

• Age Requirement

  • Applicant must be 18 years or above

  • Head of family should apply

• Residential Requirement

  • Must be a permanent resident of Bihar

  • Residence proof is mandatory

• Income / BPL Requirement

  • Families covered under NFSA Priority Household norms

  • AAY category for the poorest households

• Special Eligible Categories

  • SC/ST households

  • Landless agricultural labourers

  • Widows, senior citizens, disabled persons

  • Daily wage earners

Verification Note: Final eligibility is decided after Aadhaar-based verification and local field inspection.

Documents Required for Bihar Ration Card

How to Apply for Bihar Ration Card Online

Applicants can apply for a Bihar Ration Card online through the official e-PDS portal.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to https://epds.bihar.gov.in

Step 2: Register / Login

• Register using Aadhaar and mobile number

• Login using OTP authentication

Step 3: Select Ration Card Service

• Click on “Apply for New Ration Card”

• Choose PHH / AAY category

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

• Enter head of family details

• Add all family members carefully

• Fill address and income details

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

• Upload documents in PDF/JPEG format

• File size should be 200–300 KB

Step 6: Submit & Track

• Submit the application

• Note down the Application Reference Number

How to Apply for Bihar Ration Card Offline

Applicants without internet access can use the offline method.

Offline Application Steps

1. Visit Gram Panchayat Office / Ward Office

2. Collect Ration Card Application Form

3. Fill all details clearly

4. Attach self-attested document copies

5. Submit the form to the concerned officer

6. Collect the acknowledgment slip

 Always keep the acknowledgment slip for tracking.

Track Bihar Ration Card Application Status

Online Tracking

1. Visit https://epds.bihar.gov.in

2. Click on Track Application Status

3. Enter Aadhaar or Application Number

4. Check status (Pending / Approved / Rejected)

Offline Tracking

• Visit the same Panchayat or Ward Office

Renewal / Re-Verification Process

Is Renewal Required?

• Ration cards are generally valid long-term

• Periodic verification may be required under NFSA

Documents for Re-Verification

• Aadhaar authentication

• Updated income details (if required)

Renewal Instructions: https://epds.bihar.gov.in

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Aadhaar mismatch

Solution:
Update Aadhaar details via UIDAI before applying.

Problem: Application pending for long time

Solution:
Contact Panchayat Secretary or Supply Inspector.

Problem: Document upload error

Solution:
Upload documents within 200–300 KB size limit.

Problem: Duplicate ration card detected

Solution:
Submit surrender proof of old ration card.

Important Government Links

• Bihar Ration Card Portal: https://epds.bihar.gov.in

• Food & Consumer Protection Dept, Bihar: https://state.bihar.gov.in/food

• MyScheme Portal (Bihar): https://www.myscheme.gov.in

FAQ

Q. How to apply Bihar Ration Card online?

A. Apply through the official e-PDS Bihar portal using Aadhaar.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for Bihar Ration Card?

A. Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for all family members.

Q. How long does it take to get a ration card in Bihar?

A. Usually 15–30 days, subject to verification.

Q. Can I apply without income certificate?

A. Income details are required for NFSA eligibility.

Q. What is PHH ration card in Bihar?

A. Priority Household card for eligible low-income families.

Q. Can I add a newborn child later?

A. Yes, through the ration card correction service.

Q. Is there any application fee?

A. No government fee is charged.

Q. How to download Bihar ration card PDF?

A. From the e-PDS portal after approval.

Q. Can urban residents apply online?

A. Yes, both rural and urban residents can apply.

Q. What if my application is rejected?

A. Re-apply after correcting errors.

Conclusion

The Bihar Ration Card is a vital document that ensures food security and access to welfare schemes for eligible families. With online services now available, the application process has become simpler, faster, and more transparent.

Applicants are advised to always check the official Bihar Ration Card portal for the latest updates, eligibility rules, and verification guidelines.