Ration Card e-KYC: Online Verification & Status Check Guide

The e-KYC for ration cards is an important step for all eligible beneficiaries to receive subsidised grains and other food items. It involves linking the Aadhaar card with the ration card and verification of details. To ensure that only eligible beneficiaries have ration cards, the Union Government has stipulated a deadline of 31 March 2025 to complete ration card e-KYC.

Continue reading this article to gain detailed insights about ration card e-KYC and more. 

What is e-KYC in Ration Card?

E-KYC stands for electronic Know Your Customer. Ration card e-KYC is a digital way to verify a person’s identity to provide benefits under the ration card. E-KYC can be completed for ration cards using safe and trustworthy Aadhaar authentication.

Ration card holders must provide Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric authentication to complete the ration card e-KYC. Once Aadhaar-based authentication is done, UIDAI will provide basic demographic data of the Aadhaar card, such as name, date of birth, address, gender, and photograph, to the State Food and Civil Supplies Departments for validation. 

The designated officers in the states will compare the data received through e-KYC with information in the Public Distribution System (PDS) database to validate and ascertain the identity of the ration card holders.

The ration card e-kyc will ensure that the Aadhaar numbers are linked with the ration cards are of the same person. Verifying Aadhaar ration card linking will help eliminate fraud and maintain transparency in food and resource distribution.

Is Ration Card e-KYC Mandatory?

Ration card e-KYC is mandatory as it helps the government identify beneficiaries and guarantees that only eligible families get subsidised food grains under the public distribution system (PDS). 

If e-KYC is not completed within the stipulated time, the beneficiaries will not be able to receive their ration, and in some cases, the ration card may become inactive. By making e-KYC compulsory, the PDS aims to be more transparent and efficient while ensuring that the benefits reach the people who need them the most.

Documents Required for Ration Card e-KYC

The documentation process required for e-KYC verification is easy. Since the ration card e-KYC is based on Aadhaar authentication, the only document required is the Aadhaar card. Beneficiaries must produce their Aadhaar card and biometrics to complete ration card e-KYC and no other document is required. 

How to Complete Ration Card e-KYC Online?

Some states provide the online option to complete ration card e-KYC, while some do not allow online e-KYC. You can complete your ration card e-KYC online only when your Aadhaar card is linked with your ration card. 

Here are the steps to follow for completing ration card e-KYC verification online:

Step 1: Go to the official Public Distribution System (PDS) portal of your state government.

Step 2: Visit the e-KYC section located specifically under the ‘Ration Card Services’, ‘e-Services’ or ‘Update Details’ section on the homepage.

Step 3: Enter the ration card number. Make sure to check that the mobile number linked with Aadhaar is active.

Step 4: You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP on the registered portal to further verify your Aadhaar.

Step 5: Once verified successfully, your e-KYC will be updated.

How to Complete Ration Card e-KYC Offline?

If the respective state government website does not provide the complete ration card e-KYC online, you can complete the e-KYC offline. However, ensure that your Aadhaar is linked to your ration card before proceeding with the e-KYC process. If it is not linked, you can initiate the linking of the Aadhaar ration card at the Fair Price Shop (FPS) and then process to complete the e-KYC process.

Here are the steps to complete e-KYC process offline:

Step 1: Visit the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS).

Step 2: Request the FPS dealers to initiate the e-KYC process through e-POS. 

Step 3: Give your biometrics, such as fingerprint and Iris, through e-POS.

Step 4: Once the biometrics details are verified, the e-KYC process will be complete.

How to Check e-KYC Status for Ration Card Online?

Most state governments provide for checking the e-KYC status of ration cards online. However, if the state website does not provide this service online, you can check the status by visiting the nearest fair price shop. 

Here are the steps to check the e-KYC status of your ration card online:

Step 1: Go to the official public distribution system (PDS) portal of your state government.

Step 2: Search for ‘Ration card e-KYC status’ and click on it.

Step 3: Provide your Aadhaar card number or ration card number in the necessary field.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Check Status’ button. The screen will display the e-KYC status and confirm whether the process has been completed.

To continue receiving government benefits using the ration card, it is essential to complete the ration card e-KYC within the deadline. The online process is more user-friendly and saves time. However, if the PDS website of the state does not provide online service, beneficiaries can easily complete the ration card e-KYC process by visiting the nearest fair price shop.

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3. How to Check Ration Card Status Online?
4. Link Aadhaar Card to Ration Card