In Simple Words: The colour of your ration card determines how much subsidised grain you get and at what price. Yellow and Antyodaya cards give the most benefit for the poorest families. The colour is assigned based on your annual family income — so getting the right income certificate is the most important step.
The Four Card Types
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) — No colour, separate category
Who gets it: The absolute poorest households — destitute families, widows with no support, disabled persons with no income, landless agricultural labourers.
Grain benefit: 35 kg per household per month at ₹2/kg (wheat) and ₹3/kg (rice).
How to get it: You cannot apply for this yourself — the government identifies and selects AAY beneficiaries through surveys. You can approach your Gram Panchayat or Ward Office to request inclusion.
Yellow Card — Below Poverty Line (BPL)
Who gets it: Families with annual income below ₹15,000 (rural) or ₹21,000 (urban).
Grain benefit: 5 kg per person per month under NFSA at ₹2/kg (wheat) and ₹3/kg (rice).
Documents needed: Income certificate showing income below the BPL threshold.
Orange Card — Above Poverty Line (APL)
Who gets it: Families earning between ₹15,000 and ₹1,00,000 per year.
Grain benefit: Subsidised grain at rates higher than BPL but lower than market price. Exact quantities vary by government notification.
Documents needed: Income certificate showing income in the APL range.
White Card — APL (Higher Income)
Who gets it: Families with annual income above ₹1,00,000.
Grain benefit: Entitled to purchase grain at near-market rates. Primary value of the White card is as an identity and address document — not for grain subsidy.
⚠️ Most common mistake: Many families have the wrong card type — either because they applied without an income certificate, or because their income changed but they never updated. The wrong card type can cause issues when submitting it as proof for scholarships, college admissions, or government schemes that check your ration card category.
Summary Table
| Card Type | Annual Income | Grain Per Person | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antyodaya (AAY) | Poorest — selected by govt | 35 kg per household | ₹2–3/kg |
| Yellow (BPL) | Below ₹15,000 rural / ₹21,000 urban | 5 kg | ₹2–3/kg |
| Orange (APL) | ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Varies | Subsidised |
| White (APL) | Above ₹1,00,000 | Varies | Near market rate |
How to Check Your Current Card Type
- Go to rcms.mahafood.gov.in
- Click “Ration Card Status” or “View Card Details”
- Enter your ration card number or Aadhaar number
- Your current card colour and member list will be displayed
How to Change Your Card Category
If your income has changed and you believe you are in the wrong category:
- Get a fresh income certificate from Aaple Sarkar — guide here
- Visit your taluka supply office with the income certificate + existing ration card
- Submit a written request for category revision
- The supply officer will reassess and update your category
Processing time: 15–30 working days.
Related Guides
- How to Apply for a New Ration Card
- How to Add a Family Member to Ration Card
- Income Certificate Guide — needed to determine your card type
Subsidy rates and income thresholds are revised periodically by the Government of Maharashtra and Government of India. Verify current rates at rcms.mahafood.gov.in.