The Bihar Ration Card is a vital document issued by the State Government, providing both identity verification and access to subsidized essential goods. The application and status-tracking processes have been streamlined through online platforms, making it easier for residents to obtain and manage their ration cards. The card serves as proof of identity and residency and is often required for obtaining key documents like a Domicile Certificate, Birth Certificate, or Voter ID card. In addition to its role in administrative processes, the Bihar Ration Card ensures access to subsidized food items such as wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene, distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
This subsidy system helps reduce the financial burden on households, ensuring food security for the state’s economically weaker sections. The application process is specific to Bihar’s regulations, and residents must meet eligibility criteria set by the state to benefit from this scheme.
About Bihar Ration Card
The Bihar Ration Card is an official document issued by the Food and Consumer Protection Department of Bihar, allowing eligible households to purchase essential commodities like food grains, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized rates through the Public Distribution System (PDS). It plays an important role in ensuring food security and fair distribution of basic necessities among the citizens of the state. To simplify the process, the Government of Bihar has introduced the EPDS Bihar portal, which is a dedicated platform for the Ration Card Management System.
This system, also known as Jan Vitran Ann (JVA), which facilitates the creation, modification, and surrendering of ration cards. It also manages family splits, card type changes, and updates to the head of the family. The online system improves accessibility and transparency, allowing citizens to apply for and manage their ration cards efficiently, in line with the National Food Security Act.
Also Read: nfsa.gov.in Ration Card List
Helpful Summary of Bihar Ration Card
| Name of the Article | Bihar Ration Card (EPDS) |
| Launched By | Government of Bihar |
| Issued By | Food and Consumer Protection Department |
| Subsidy Source | Public Distribution System (PDS), a government-run system |
| Objective | To provide subsidized essential commodities like food grains, sugar, and kerosene to eligible households |
| Commodities Provided | WheatRiceSugarKerosene |
| Benefits | Ensures food security for economically weaker sections by providing affordable access to main food items and other essentials |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on income and household status. Residents must be permanent citizens of Bihar. Specific guidelines apply for AAY, BPL, APL and PHH cardholders |
| Uses of Ration Card | Identity and residency proof, and required for obtaining documents like Domicile Certificate, Voter ID, and Birth Certificate |
| Accessibility | Users can access the portal from anywhere without visiting government offices, saving time and money |
| Types of Ration Cards | Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)Priority Household (PHH)Above Poverty Line (APL)Below Poverty Line (BPL) |
| Mode of Application | Online through the EPDS portal |
| Official Website | EPDS Bihar Portal |
The objective of Bihar Ration Card
The objectives of this Ration Card are as follows:
- The primary objective of introducing this Ration Card is to provide access to essential commodities like food grains, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized rates.
- Aim of the government of introducing this Ration Card is to ensure food security for economically weaker sections of society.
- The aim is to enable equitable distribution of essential items through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- To serve as an official document for identity and residency verification.
- To support the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in Bihar.
Types of Ration Card
There are various types of Ration Cards which are as follows:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Designed for the poorest families, providing 35 kg of food grains per month at highly subsidized rates.
- Below Poverty Line (BPL): Targeted at low-income families, ensuring access to subsidized food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Above Poverty Line (APL): For families above the poverty line, offering limited or no subsidies on food grains.
- Priority Household (PHH): Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), households receive 5 kg of food grains per person per month.
Also Read: Ration Card Status
List of Subsidized Commodities
Here we have provided a list of commonly subsidized commodities offered under various government schemes, including the National Food Security Act (NFSA):
- Rice
- Salt
- Sugar
- Wheat
- Kerosene
- Edible oil
- Pulses (such as lentils and chickpeas)
- Coarse cereals (like millet and jowar)
- Fortified food items (like fortified rice or wheat)
How to Apply for Bihar Ration Card Online
To apply for this Ration Card Online, please follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official EPDS website.
Step 2: On the homepage click on the “Apply for Online RC” option under the “Important Links” section.
Step 3: Now click on the “Login” option.
Step 4: On another page use your username and password to access “Meri Pehchaan” for login. If you haven’t registered yet, click on “Sign up for Meri Pehchaan,” create an account, and then log in.
Step 5: Click on “Apply” and select “New Apply” for either a “Rural” or “Urban” Ration Card.
Step 6: Fill in the Bihar Ration Card form with the applicant’s details and submit the information.
Step 7: To add additional family members, choose the “Add Member” option.
Step 8: Attach all the relevant documents.
Step 9: After uploading the documents, click on “Go For Final Submission” to review your application, then proceed by clicking “Final Submit”.
Search Ration Card Details
To search for Ration Card Details, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official website.
Step 2: Click on the “RC Details” option available on the left side of the homepage.
Step 3: Select either a Rural or Urban area based on your preference.
Step 4: Then select District and enter the Ration Card Number.
Step 5: Click on the “Search” button.
Step 6: Ration Card Details will appear on your screen.
Check Application Status
To check the application status, please follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official RCMS website.
Step 2: On the homepage click on the “Application Status” option.
Step 3: Select your District and Subdivision then enter your RTPS Number.
Step 4: Click the “Show” button.
Step 5: Application Status will appear on your screen.
Download the Ration Card List
To download the ration card list, here we have provided the step-by-step procedure:
Step 1: Visit the official website.
Step 2: Click on the “RCMS Report” option available on the left side of the homepage.
Step 3: Select your District from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Click the “Show” button.
Step 5: The Ration Card List will appear on your screen.
Detail Mentioned Under Ration Card List
Here are the details mentioned under the Ration Card List:
- S.NO.
- District
- Rural
- Urban
- PHH Cards
- PHH Members
- AAY Cards
- AAY Members
- Total Cards
- Total Members
Contact Details
- Help Line Services: 1800-3456-194, 1967
FAQs
What is a Bihar Ration Card?
A Bihar Ration Card is an official document that allows households to purchase subsidized essential commodities from government-operated ration shops.
How can I apply for a Bihar Ration Card?
You can apply online through the EPDS Bihar portal by filling out the required form and uploading necessary documents.
What documents are required for applying?
Required documents include Aadhaar card, bank details, residential proof, family photo, signature, and income proof.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check your application status on the official RCMS Bihar website by entering your RTPS number.
Can I download the ration card list?
Yes, the ration card list can be downloaded from the EPDS Bihar website under the RCMS Report section.
What types of ration cards are available in Bihar?
The types of ration cards include Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Below Poverty Line (BPL), Above Poverty Line (APL), and Priority Household (PHH).
How are subsidized commodities distributed?
Subsidized commodities are distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) at government-run fair price shops.