Ration Card New Guidelines- Important Changes Every Beneficiary Must Know

Ration Card New Rules: If you’re considering a new ration card or already have one, the government has decided to implement stricter and more stringent rules effective April 1, 2026. These rules aim to remove ineligible individuals from the ration card list and ensure that benefits reach those truly in need. Therefore, the central and state governments have issued new rules for 2026 to bring transparency to the ration card system. In states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, the registration process has now become completely digital.

e-KYC mandatory

The government has made it clear that e-KYC is mandatory for every family member listed on the ration card. This means that if KYC is not completed by February 28, 2026, rations may be discontinued from March 1. You can complete your KYC by visiting a nearby ration shop (PDS shop) and providing your fingerprint (biometric) or by face authentication using the Mera Ration app.

Income limit of Rs 1.20 lakh for registration

In many states, such as Delhi, the annual income limit has now been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.20 lakh. Furthermore, only the eldest woman in the family (above 18 years of age) will be considered the head of the family. If there is no woman, only a man can become the head of the family.

Only online registration will be valid

Now there is no need to visit any office. Only online applications will be accepted for a new ration card. Documents such as Aadhaar card (for all members), income certificate (issued by the Revenue Department), electricity bill, or residence certificate will be required. After online application, a Food Supply Officer (FSO) will visit the home for verification, only after which the card will be issued. A major change in the new 2026 rules is that in many states, beneficiaries are now being given the option to receive 3 months’ worth of ration at once. This eliminates the need to repeatedly queue at the store.

Ration cards of these people may be cancelled

1. If any member of the family pays income tax.
2. If you have a four-wheeler (except tractor).
3. If you have not taken ration for the last 3 months, the government can delete your name.
4. If the member has died or has got married and moved somewhere else and the name has not been removed.