Free Ration Yojana 2026: PMGKAY Till 2028, Ration Card, ONORC
📌Quick Facts & Summary
Key Benefit
PHH: 5 kg foodgrains per person per month, free.
Who Can Apply
NFSA ration card holders: Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. About 81.35 crore people.
Status / Deadline
Includes One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) portability. State helpline numbers vary.
Official Portal
Helpline
1967 or 1800-180-2087 (State food helplines vary); 14445 for ONORC
Last Verified
15 October 2026
🔗 Important Action Links (Official Portals):
🌐 Official Portal ↗📝 Apply Online ↗🔎 Check Status ↗
📞 Helpline: 1967 or 1800-180-2087 (State food helplines vary); 14445 for ONORC
What is the Scheme?
Free foodgrains every month to ration card holders under the National Food Security Act. You can take your ration from any ration shop in India.
Also known as: free ration yojana, ration card
Who is it for?
NFSA ration card holders: Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. About 81.35 crore people.
Benefits and Financial Assistance
| # | Key Benefit / Entitlement Details | Category / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHH: 5 kg foodgrains per person per month, free. | Primary Benefit (DBT/Subsidy) |
| 2 | AAY: 35 kg per family per month, free. | Direct Support |
| 3 | Free till December 2028. | Direct Support |
| 4 | Portability under ONORC: draw ration anywhere with Aadhaar biometrics. Use the Mera Ration app. | Direct Support |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Must have an NFSA ration card (PHH or AAY). States decide who gets a card based on their criteria.
Documents Needed
Keep the following documents ready before submitting your application:
- ✓ Ration card
- ✓ Aadhaar of all members (seeded with ration card)
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for a new ration card on your State food department portal (links at nfsa.gov.in).
- Check your card and entitlement on the Mera Ration app.
How to Apply Offline
- Apply at the block / tehsil supply office or CSC.
- Collect ration at the fair price shop with biometric authentication.
How to Check Application / Payment Status
- Check application status on the State food portal.
- See monthly transactions in the Mera Ration app.
Official Website and Helpline Numbers
| Official Portal | https://nfsa.gov.in ↗ |
|---|---|
| Helpline / Contact | 1967 or 1800-180-2087 (State food helplines vary); 14445 for ONORC |
| Nodal Ministry | Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution |
Important Dates & Milestones
Free foodgrains from 1 Jan 2024 for five years (to Dec 2028). Checked 15 Oct 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Till when is ration free?
Up to December 2028.
❓ How much ration per person?
5 kg per person for PHH; 35 kg per family for AAY.
❓ Can I take ration in another State?
Yes, under One Nation One Ration Card.
❓ How do I get a new ration card?
Apply on your State food portal or the supply office. Criteria are set by the State.
Sources & Official References
All facts on this page were verified on 15 October 2026 from the following official government sources:
- NFSA portal entitlements: https://www.nfsa.gov.in/portal/Coverage_Entitlements_NFSA_AA [resolves (HTTP 200)] ↗
- Cabinet: free foodgrains for 5 years from 1 Jan 2024: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/free-foodgrains-for-81-35-crore-beneficiaries-for-five-years-cabinet-decision/ [resolves (HTTP 200)] ↗
- Fortified rice to Dec 2028: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/cabinet-approves-continuation-of-supply-of-free-fortified-rice-under-pradhan-mantri-garib-kalyan-yojana-pmgkay-and-other-welfare-schemes-from-july-2024-to-december-2028/ [resolves (HTTP 200)] ↗
Fact-Check Verification: This scheme entry was reviewed and fact-checked by Abhishek (govtschemes.net) using official PIB releases, ministry guidelines, and gazette records.
If you notice any outdated rule or change, please report a correction.
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