IndiaFilingsIndiaFilings

Sivaramakrishnan

Expert

Published on: Jun 24, 2026

Andaman And Nicobar Ration Card

Ration card is an important multi-purpose legal document issued by State Governments/Union Territories. All residents of a State should hold ration card to avail subsidised food commodities. The administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory is implementing PDS (Public Distribution System) across the union territory to ensure food security to the region's population. This article seeks the guidelines to obtain the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Ration Card in detail.

Purpose of Obtaining Ration Card

The following are the purpose of obtaining a ration card in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

  • Ration card can be used as a primary identity proof for citizenship.
  • Ration card is necessary to apply for a loan from the banks.
  • Ration card acts as a proof of residence while selling or buying of property/land.
  • It is required to avail several government services which are granted to the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • It also supports as an identity proof for the entire family, which contains details about the number of family members, income levels, number of children, gender, photographs, etc.

Types of Ration Card in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Essential food commodities such as wheat, rice, kerosene, sugar, and kerosene oil are provided at the subsidised rates approved by the Government to the eligible beneficiaries and their families as per the classification of the Government of India as the APL (Above Poverty Line), AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana Cards), and Below Poverty Line (BPL).

APL Ration Cards: Any families with income above the poverty line index can apply for APL cards. BPL Ration Cards: Any families with annual income less than that specified in the poverty index can apply for BPL ration cards. AAY Ration Cards: Antyodaya Anna Yojana Cards are provided to families those who meet special conditions. This card allows the family to have the highest level of subsidy rates.

Eligibility Criteria

The resident of Andaman and Nicobar Islands The applicant and his/her family member should be a permanent resident of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the applicant should be the head of the family. New applicant The resident of the State must not already have a ration card. Applicant has a ration card at the previous place If an individual transferred from one place to another. In this case, it requires a surrender certificate from the concerned authority of the respective area where the person was residing previously. Marriage In the case of marriage, if the entry is to be recorded in the ration card Birth of a Child For adding the name of the child in the ration card the birth certificate of the child is needed along with the ration card in which the addition has to be made, and the application addressed to the concerned office.

Link Aadhaar with Ration Card

Aadhaar linking with Ration card would support in securing transparency in the Public Distribution System (PDS) network. The primary objective of linking Aadhar with Ration card is to avoid the issuance of duplicate and multiple identities by digitising it and also to streamline the benefits attached to it. Linking of Ration Cards with Aadhaar of all the beneficiaries would facilitate in ensuring the accurate targeting of the beneficiaries for distribution of subsidised food grains or cash transfer of food subsidies under NFSA ( National Food Security Act, 2013)

Required Documents

To obtain a ration card in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, submit the following document along with the application:

  • Address Proof
  • Passport size photograph of family members
  • Deletion Certificate
  • An affidavit to prove that the applicant was not holding any ration card previously.
  • Aadhar Card
  • Voter ID
  • Income Certificate
  • Driving License
  • Bank passbook details

Ration Card Issuing Authority in Andaman Nicobar Islands

The applicant has to submit an application form to the Directorate of Civil Supplies, Supply Lane, Port Blair, in respect of Port Blair and South Andaman.

Application Procedure for Andaman Nicobar Islands Ration Card

Step 1: Official Website

Please visit the home page of the Department of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Andaman Nicobar Islands.

Andaman-and-Nicobar-Ration-Card-Home-Page Andaman And Nicobar Ration Card-Home-Page

Step 2: Download Application Form

Click on "Download" option which is available on the home page of the portal, and it will redirect you to the next page where all types of application forms for ration card is listed out.

Andaman-and-Nicobar-Ration-Card-Download-Form Andaman And Nicobar Ration Card-Download-Form Application Form for New Ration Card
Application Form for Separate Ration Card
Application Form for Change of The Head of the Family
Application Form for Change of FPS
Application Form for Addition
Application Form for Surrender or Deletion
Step 3: Complete the Details Fill out the ration card application form with the appropriate information like
  • Application name
  • Card type
  • Total family annual income
  • Address details
Step 4: Submit the Application After filling the details in the application form, submit it to the concerned authority along with the required documents.
Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Andaman and Nicobar Ration Card Application Process.

A ration card is an important legal document issued by the administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to avail subsidized food commodities under the Public Distribution System (PDS). It ensures food security for the region's population and serves as a valid identity and residence proof.
The three main types of ration cards available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are APL (Above Poverty Line), BPL (Below Poverty Line), and AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) cards. Each card type offers varying levels of subsidies on essential food items based on the family's income level.
Any permanent resident of Andaman and Nicobar Islands can apply for a ration card, provided they do not already possess one. The applicant must be the head of the family and fulfill the income criteria for the respective card type.
The necessary documents include address proof, passport-size photographs of family members, deletion certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar card, voter ID, income certificate, driving license, and bank passbook details.
To apply for a ration card, visit the official website of the Department of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Download the appropriate application form, fill in the details, and submit it to the Directorate of Civil Supplies along with the required documents.
Yes, linking the Aadhaar card with the ration card is mandatory in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It helps in ensuring accurate targeting of beneficiaries and streamlining the distribution of subsidized food grains or cash transfers under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Yes, you can apply for a separate ration card in case of marriage or the birth of a child. The process involves submitting the appropriate application form along with the necessary documents, such as the marriage certificate or birth certificate of the child.
There are separate application forms available on the official website for changing the head of the family or the Fair Price Shop (FPS) on your ration card. You need to fill out the respective form and submit it with the required documents.
You can add or delete members from your existing ration card by submitting the 'Application for Addition' or 'Application for Surrender or Deletion' form, respectively. These forms can be downloaded from the official website and must be submitted along with supporting documents.
Surrendering or deleting a ration card is necessary when an individual or family is no longer eligible for the benefits or has shifted their residence outside Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It ensures the accurate distribution of subsidized food items to eligible beneficiaries.