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Food security (ration) card

Who can get a new food security (ration) card in Telangana, or add a family member to a card, and which form and documents to take where.

About this guidePending verification

Published on 12-11-2026. Not every fact has been checked against its official source yet: confirm at the office.

Where:By phoneAt a MeeSeva centreOnline

For whom: Families living in Telangana who need a food security card, and families with a child or a newly married member who is not yet on their card.

1Your situation

We show only what your answers need.

Which of these is the person you are asking about? If you want to add someone to a card, answer for that person.

Not confirmed: The rules and the application form we read do not mention nationality, NRIs, OCI cardholders or foreigners, or how long you must have lived here. But the form does require a residence address (with district, mandal and ration shop number) and proof of address, and the department's April 2026 presentation says the inspector verifies that proof. We ask so that people in those groups can check first. If anyone in a family applying for a new card is in one of those groups, ask about them too.

What do you need?
Is your family in either of these groups?

Why we ask: The income figure in the rules is for other families; no income figure is given for these two groups.

Not confirmed: A person aged 65 or more with no means of living or support can fit both groups: Antyodaya by rule 3(1)(a)(iii), Annapurna by the department's April 2026 presentation. No source says which applies then. If both fit, choose either, and ask at a MeeSeva centre or call 1967 which applies.

Counting income from land too, is your family's total income ₹1,50,000 a year or less in a village, or ₹2,00,000 a year or less in a town or city?

Not confirmed: The rules set this limit for priority households, under state guidelines with "Exclusion and Inclusion Criteria" that we could not find, so other conditions may apply. They also set a land limit of 3.5 acres of wet land and 7.5 acres of dry land, and say owning land does not alone decide: if the income from the land is less than the income limit, the family is entitled. They do not plainly say what happens with more land than that. Ask at a MeeSeva centre or call 1967.

Your answers stay on this phone.

2Documents you need

Tick the ones you have. They are kept in this browser.

  • Get it on the official page ↗
    Details

    If you don't have it: Ask at the MeeSeva centre. It is also on the MeeSeva portal under Downloads, Application Forms, Civil Supplies.

    Not confirmed: The 2022 charter says "No specific form" for this service, but MeeSeva's form (undated) lists itself as required and the "How to Apply" sheet asks for it. If the centre tells you otherwise, ask them why.

    Sources: 4, 19, 6, 8, 7

  • Get it on the official page ↗
    Details

    If you don't have it: Ask at the MeeSeva centre. It is also on the MeeSeva portal under Downloads, Application Forms, Civil Supplies.

    Not confirmed: The 2022 charter says "No specific form" for adding members, but MeeSeva's form (undated) lists itself as required. If the centre tells you otherwise, ask them why.

    Sources: 5, 19, 6, 7

  • Details

    Not confirmed: The form asks only for the number, and its documents list does not name the card. Ask at the MeeSeva centre whether to bring the card too.

    Sources: 5

  • If you don't have it: → Getting a new Aadhaar
    Details

    A copy of Aadhaar, as identity proof. The Aadhaar number of each family member, including the head, goes on the form.

    Not confirmed: The form lists one "Aadhaar Proof Document", and the "How to Apply" sheet asks for a copy of Aadhaar. Neither says whether copies are needed for every member. Ask at the MeeSeva centre whose copies they need.

    Sources: 4, 8, 7

  • Details

    Not confirmed: The form, the "How to Apply" sheet and the charter do not say which documents count as proof of address for a new card. For a change of address, the 2022 charter says "Any proof like" an electricity bill, municipal bill, bank passbook, telephone bill or Aadhaar card. Ask at the MeeSeva centre.

    Sources: 4, 7, 8

  • Details

    Not confirmed: Only the 2022 charter asks for this number; the form's documents list and the "How to Apply" sheet do not, and the charter does not say what a family that never had a card should do. The same line also says "proof of transfer if on official purpose", without saying who that means. If your old card is from another state, no source says what you need; the charter speaks only of a surrender certificate for people moving to other states. Ask at the MeeSeva centre or call 1967.

    Sources: 7

  • Details

    Not confirmed: Only the Civil Supplies sheet "How to Apply for a New Ration Card" (undated) asks for a photo; the documents list on MeeSeva's new-card application form has none. Take one with you, and ask at the MeeSeva centre whether it is needed.

    Sources: 8, 4

  • Details

    Whichever you have of: electricity bill, telephone bill, Aadhaar card, birth certificate, school register extract. If you have none of them, a self-declaration.

    Not confirmed: This list is from the 2022 charter; the corrections form says only "Proof for Member addition". No source says whether a person already on another card (such as a parent's card before marriage) must first be removed from it; the charter's row on removing members names a marriage invitation card. Ask at the MeeSeva centre.

    Sources: 7, 5

  • Details

    Not confirmed: MeeSeva's service page asks for "ID AND ADDRESS PROOF", and the form asks for the informant's address proof document. Neither says which documents count, or whose. Ask at the MeeSeva centre.

    Sources: 14, 5

    3Your steps

    · Do them in order. Tick each one when it is done.

    If something goes wrong
    1. Do this now

      Ask at a MeeSeva centre, or call 1967, whether applications for new cards are being taken now.

      Where
      Food security helpline 1967
      Not confirmed

      This first step is our own advice; no source gives it as a stage. The department's April 2026 presentation shows a new card starting with an application at a MeeSeva centre, the Civil Supplies charter (2022) and the "How to Apply" sheet say the same, and the form is still on the MeeSeva portal. But the portal's list of Civil Supplies services has no new-card service (read on 30 October 2026), and we found no official notice saying whether applications are being taken now, or whether another channel (a special drive) is in use.

      Sources: 4, 7, 8, 3, 1, 12, 17

    2. Do this now

      Ask at a MeeSeva centre, or call 1967, how to apply for an Antyodaya card (AFSC) and whether it is being given now.

      This card gives 35 kg of rice a month per family.

      Where
      Food security helpline 1967
      Not confirmed

      Rule 3 says the State Government identifies the households in these groups. We could not find which officer decides the type of card on an application, or at what stage. The new-card form shows only "FSC" under Card Type, and we found no separate form or service for this card. Whether income is checked for these groups is also not confirmed. Ask about all of this. If you are told to use the new-card form, follow the next steps.

      Sources: 1, 3, 4

    3. Do this now

      Ask at a MeeSeva centre, or call 1967, how to apply for an Annapurna card and whether it is being given now.

      This card gives 10 kg of rice a month.

      Where
      Food security helpline 1967
      Not confirmed

      The Annapurna conditions are from the department's April 2026 presentation; the 10 kg is also in the 2022 charter; the 2017 rules do not name this card. We could not find which officer decides the type of card on an application, or at what stage. The new-card form shows only "FSC" under Card Type, and we found no separate form or service for this card. Ask about all of this. If you are told to use the new-card form, follow the next steps.

      Sources: 3, 7, 1, 4

    4. Do this now

      Your family would be applying for the food security card (FSC) for priority households: 6 kg of rice per person a month.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Not confirmed

      Rule 3 says the State Government identifies which households fall in each group. We could not find which officer decides the type of card on an application, or at what stage. The new-card form shows only "FSC" under Card Type. Ask at the MeeSeva centre.

      Sources: 1, 3, 4

    5. Do this now

      Fill in the new-card form: the head of the family's details, your gas connection (if you have one), your address and ration shop number, and each family member's name, Aadhaar number, age, gender and relation to the head.

      Also write the informant's name, relation and mobile number, choose the Delivery Type (Manual, Local post or Non Local post), and sign. Under the National Food Security Act, the head of the family is the eldest woman aged 18 or more. If there is no woman of 18 or more but there is a girl under 18, the eldest man is the head until she turns 18.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Not confirmed

      The form has a column headed "EID" next to the Aadhaar number, and does not explain it or who the "informant" is. If someone has no Aadhaar number, ask at the MeeSeva centre what to write. The Act does not say who is the head in a family with no woman or girl at all; ask that too. The "How to Apply" sheet also names qualification and the family's total income among what to fill in; the form we read has no box for them.

      Sources: 4, 2, 8

    6. Do this now

      Fill in the corrections form: write your card number and tick "Member Addition".

      Write your district, mandal, and village or ward, and the card's details (mobile number, house number, locality, religion, social status, and the name of the head's father or spouse). Write the new member's Aadhaar number, name exactly as in Aadhaar, age and gender. Write the informant's name, choose the Delivery Type (the form offers only Manual), and sign.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Not confirmed

      The new member's table has a column headed "EID" next to the Aadhaar number, and the form does not explain it or who the "informant" is. If the new member has no Aadhaar number, ask at the MeeSeva centre what to write.

      Sources: 5

    7. Do this now

      Hand in the form and documents at a MeeSeva centre and pay the charge.

      Keep the receipt or acknowledgement slip.

      Where
      At a MeeSeva centre
      Fee
      A MeeSeva charge applies; we could not confirm the amount.
      Time limit
      By the 2022 charter, 30 days for the enquiry and the approval by the Tahsildar or Assistant Civil Supply Officer. We found no time limit for the card itself.
      Not confirmed

      The new-card service is not in the MeeSeva portal's list of services (read on 30 October 2026), though its form is still among the application forms. No source gives today's charge for it: the April 2026 order sets ₹62 or ₹80 by a service's category, plus ₹2.50 for each page beyond the first four, and we could not find this service's category. The 2022 charter's ₹35 no longer applies. Ask the centre what it costs before you pay, and check your receipt. No source we read asks for an income certificate (the form's list, the "How to Apply" sheet, the charter). Ask at the MeeSeva centre or call 1967 whether one is needed.

      Sources: 4, 7, 8, 3, 17, 13, 15

    8. Do this now

      At a MeeSeva centre, ask for the "Corrections in Food Security Card" service.

      Hand in the form and documents, pay, and keep the receipt.

      Where
      At a MeeSeva centre
      Fee
      ₹80 · MeeSeva user charge, including GST. Each page scanned or printed beyond the first four costs ₹2.50 more.
      Time limit
      30 working days, by the MeeSeva portal.
      Not confirmed

      The service is on the MeeSeva portal, but ask at the centre whether these applications are being taken now. The service page also lists an online channel (net banking, card, Paytm) beside the centres (cash); it does not say whether citizens can use it themselves. Ask that too.

      Sources: 5, 7, 14, 13, 15

    9. Do this now

      Wait for the check.

      An inspector makes a field enquiry, checks your address proof and other conditions, and uploads a report. The Tahsildar (MRO) then reviews it and sends it to the District Civil Supply Officer (DCSO). If the DCSO approves, the card is generated. An application can be rejected at any of these stages, or sent back for another check.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Not confirmed

      These stages are from the department's April 2026 presentation, which names only the MRO. The 2022 charter names the Tahsildar in rural areas and the Assistant Supply Officer in the urban areas of Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri; it does not say who it is in towns of other districts. No source says how the card reaches you; the form only has Delivery Type. Ask at the MeeSeva centre or call 1967.

      Sources: 3, 7, 4

    10. Do this now

      Wait for the check.

      After an enquiry, the Tahsildar (in rural areas) or the Assistant Supply Officer (in the urban areas of Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri) approves it, and it is then delivered to you.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Not confirmed

      These officers are from the 2022 charter. It does not say who it is in towns of other districts, or how it is delivered. Ask at the MeeSeva centre or call 1967.

      Sources: 7

    11. Do this now

      Check the status on the MeeSeva portal under "Know Your Application Status", with your application number.

      Where
      Online
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      The portal does not say whether this box covers these applications. If it does not work, ask at the MeeSeva centre.

      Sources: 6

    12. Do this now

      After approval, look up your card and the names on it with "FSC Search" on the Civil Supplies Department's ePDS website.

      Where
      ePDS (Civil Supplies Department)
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      We could not see what the "FSC Search" page asks for or what it shows (its link changes every visit). Call 1967 and ask.

      Sources: 10, 9

    13. Do this now

      Collect your ration at your fair price (ration) shop between the 1st and 15th of each month.

      You give the card number and confirm with your Aadhaar fingerprint or iris.

      Where
      Your fair price (ration) shop
      Not confirmed

      The 1st-to-15th dates are from the 2022 charter; ask your shop for its dates. The department's April 2026 presentation speaks of One Nation One Ration Card, "Portability" and "Anywhere Ration", says Aadhaar seeding is mandatory, and shows an e-KYC process, but gives no steps for citizens. Ask your shop whether you can collect from another shop, and whether you need to do anything for Aadhaar or e-KYC.

      Sources: 3, 7

    If something goes wrong

    If it is rejectedWe found no rule saying where to ask the reason for a rejection.

    We found no rule saying where to ask the reason for a rejection. The 2022 charter names as the officers for these services the Tahsildar in rural areas and the Assistant Supply Officer in the urban areas of Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri; the department's April 2026 presentation shows that the inspector, the MRO or the DCSO can reject a new card. You can ask them, or call 1967. By the charter, complaints about these services go to the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) or the District Supply Officer. If you think you are eligible and were wrongly refused, you can also complain to the District Grievance Redressal Officer (the DRO in Hyderabad, the DRDO in other districts) in writing, in person, by e-mail, through a grievance box or through 1967. You should be given a complaint number; keep it. They are to decide within 30 days (45 days if an enquiry or hearing is needed); if they need longer they must send an interim reply with the reason, and an inquiry is to end within 90 days. If a hearing date is fixed, go: if you are absent, the complaint can be dismissed or decided without you. If you are not satisfied with that decision, or none comes in time, you can appeal to the State Food Commission within 30 days: to its Member-Secretary, in person, by registered post or electronically, with a certified copy of the order. If you miss the appeal hearing, the Commission can dismiss the appeal or decide it without you.

    Food security helpline (Civil Supplies Department)

    Sources: 1, 7, 3

    If it is lateThe 2022 charter's 30 days cover only the enquiry and approval; we found no time limit for the card itself.

    The 2022 charter's 30 days cover only the enquiry and approval; we found no time limit for the card itself. If you have heard nothing after 30 days, file a complaint under "Lodge your grievance" on the Civil Supplies grievance website (IGRMS), or call 1967 (open 24 hours). You can follow the complaint on the same website. By the charter, complaints about cards are handled by the Additional Collector in the districts and the Chief Rationing Officer in Hyderabad, who are to respond in 3 days and resolve them in 14 days.

    Civil Supplies grievance website (IGRMS), 1967 · Open the official page

    Sources: 7, 11, 1

    If it is lateBy the MeeSeva portal, this service takes 30 working days.

    By the MeeSeva portal, this service takes 30 working days. If it has not come after 30 working days, file a complaint under "Lodge your grievance" on the Civil Supplies grievance website (IGRMS), or call 1967 (open 24 hours). You can follow the complaint on the same website. By the charter, complaints about cards are handled by the Additional Collector in the districts and the Chief Rationing Officer in Hyderabad, who are to respond in 3 days and resolve them in 14 days.

    Civil Supplies grievance website (IGRMS), 1967 · Open the official page

    Sources: 14, 7, 11, 1

    If you are asked for more moneyMeeSeva charges ₹80, including GST, for "Corrections in Food Security Card", plus ₹2.50 for each page scanned or printed beyond the first four; for a new card, ask what it costs before you pay.

    MeeSeva charges ₹80, including GST, for "Corrections in Food Security Card", plus ₹2.50 for each page scanned or printed beyond the first four; for a new card, ask what it costs before you pay. The centre must give you a printed receipt for every payment and display the chart of charges. Charging more than the set amount is treated as fraud: the centre can be fined, and removed if it keeps happening. If you are asked for more, ask for the receipt and complain to the Parishkaram call centre (1100, or 1800 425 1110). This is our own advice, not a rule: do not pay agents who offer to speed it up.

    Parishkaram call centre (MeeSeva complaints)

    Sources: 13, 14, 15, 16

    AlsoIf the ration shop does not give you your ration even though you have a card, call 1967 (or the consumer help line, 1800 425 00333), file a complaint on the IGRMS website, or complain to the District Grievance Redressal Officer in writing, by e-mail or through a grievance box; if you cannot write, the officer must help you.

    If the ration shop does not give you your ration even though you have a card, call 1967 (or the consumer help line, 1800 425 00333), file a complaint on the IGRMS website, or complain to the District Grievance Redressal Officer in writing, by e-mail or through a grievance box; if you cannot write, the officer must help you. Give your name, phone number and the details; complaints without a name are not taken. If you did not get your share because the shop had no stock or for an unforeseen reason, the rules provide a food security allowance: the District Civil Supply Officer is to see it paid by the end of the third week of that month. It is not paid to someone who did not visit the shop that month (unless the officer exempts them in writing), or who refused the ration over its quality or similar reasons.

    Civil Supplies grievance website (IGRMS), 1967 · Open the official page

    Sources: 1, 2, 7, 11, 12, 10, 3

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    Related guides

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    The 19 official pages and papers this guide is written from
    1. G.O.Ms.No.4, CA,F&CS (CS.I-CCS) Dept., 12-04-2017: National Food Security Act, 2013 – Telangana Food Security Rules, 2017 – NotificationConsumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies (CS.I-CCS) Department, Government of Telangana, Annexure: rule 3(1)(a) Antyodaya criteria, 3(1)(b) priority households: income and land ceilings, guidelines with "Exclusion and Inclusion Criteria"; rules 4 to 6 District Grievance Redressal Officer (complaints, complaint number, 30/45 days, absence from a hearing, interim reply); rule 11(1) 90 days; rules 9, 12(11)(b), 15 and 16(4) appeal to the State Food Commission; rule 13(2)(a) helpline 1967; rules 13(3)(c) and 25(2) food security allowance. Found on goir.telangana.gov.in by department CA,F&CS, type MS, year 2017, G.O. No. 4 (12-04-2017) · read on 04-11-2026
    2. The National Food Security Act, 2013 (No. 20 of 2013)Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India (The Gazette of India; this copy is published on the Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Department's website), Section 13 (head of the household for ration cards); section 8 (food security allowance) (10-09-2013) · read on 04-11-2026
    3. Food and Civil Supplies Department, Telangana: NFSA and the Public Distribution System (CSD PDS 22.04.2026)Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Telangana (presentation at Dr MCR HRD Institute of Telangana), By heading: "Eligibility criteria" for Anthyodaya FSC, for food security cards (priority households) and for Annapurna FSC; "Entitlement" and "Important Features in Telangana"; "Flow of New RC Card"; "ePoS Automation" and "ePoS Work Flow"; "EKYC Workflow"; "T-Ration App" (portability); "Grievances Redressal Mechanism" (22-04-2026) · read on 04-11-2026
    4. Application for New Food Security Card (MeeSeva application form)Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Telangana (form on the MeeSeva portal), Head of the household (Card Type), gas connection, residence address and member details; informant details and Delivery Type; Documents List. Listed on the MeeSeva portal under Downloads, Application Forms, Civil Supplies · read on 04-11-2026
    5. Corrections in Food Security Card (MeeSeva application form)Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Telangana (form on the MeeSeva portal), Request details (Address Change, Member Details Modifications, Member Addition); applicant details and FSC information; "For member addition" table; informant details; Documents List item 5. Listed on the MeeSeva portal under Downloads, Application Forms, Civil Supplies · read on 04-11-2026
    6. Telangana MeeSeva portal, home pageElectronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, Downloads, Application Forms; Know Your Application Status · read on 04-11-2026
    7. Citizen's Charter, Commissionerate of Civil Supplies (No.1583, dated 13-07-2022)Commissionerate of Civil Supplies, Government of Telangana, Table A (Food Security Card related services through MeeSeva): row 1 change of address (proofs), row 2 "Inclusion of members", row 3 deletion of members, item 4 surrender certificate, row 5 "Receipt of application for New Food Security Card" (30 days, Rs.35, documents, Tahsildar / Assistant Supply Officer, RDO / District Supply Officer); table B (distribution 1st to 15th of the month; Annapurna; grievance officer DRO in Hyderabad, DRDO elsewhere); IV (time lines: Additional Collector / Chief Rationing Officer, 3 and 14 days; grievance mechanism, 1967) (13-07-2022) · read on 04-11-2026
    8. How to Apply for a New Ration CardCommissionerate of Civil Supplies, Government of Telangana, Procedure (steps 1–6) and Necessary Documents. Linked from the department website under Citizen Services · read on 04-11-2026
    9. Civil Supplies Department website, home pageCommissionerate of Civil Supplies, Government of Telangana, Citizen Services: "How to Apply for a New Ration Card", "Know Your Ration Card Status" (links to epds.telangana.gov.in); "Grievance Redressal System for E2E PDS" · read on 04-11-2026
    10. ePDS: National Food Security Cards, home pageCommissioner of Civil Supplies, Government of Telangana (built by NIC Telangana), "FSC Search"; toll-free consumer help line services 1967 and 180042500333; link to the Grievance Redressal System for E2E PDS · read on 04-11-2026
    11. Integrated Grievance Redressal Monitoring System (IGRMS) for IMPDSDepartment of Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies, Government of Telangana, Home: "Lodge your grievance", "View Grievance Status"; toll-free 1967 call centre, 24x7 · read on 04-11-2026
    12. Civil Supplies DepartmentWanaparthy District Administration, Government of Telangana, Introduction: toll-free services (NFSA 1967; Consumer Help Line 1800-425-00333); Tahsildars at mandal level · read on 04-11-2026
    13. G.O.Ms.No.1, 01.04.2026: e-Enabled delivery of various Govt services through Meeseva Project – Enhancement of User Charges for all services by 50 %Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (e-Gov) Department, Government of Telangana (Telangana G.O.I.R.), Paragraphs 2, 3 (Table A: charges payable by the citizen, GST included) and 7 (in force at once) (01-04-2026) · read on 04-11-2026
    14. Telangana MeeSeva portal: Service Details, Corrections in Food Security CardElectronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, Services → Corrections in Food Security Card → Service Details (code 3001): service category, SLA days, documents required, delivery channels, payment modes, user charges (04-04-2026) · read on 04-11-2026
    15. G.O.Ms.No.4, 10.04.2025: Telangana Information Technology (Electronic Service Delivery) Rules, 2025Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (Admn) Department, Government of Telangana (Telangana G.O.I.R.), Rule 17(5) (printed receipt for all payments); rule 23(2), table of irregularities by MeeSeva franchisees (items 1 and 2) (10-04-2025) · read on 04-11-2026
    16. Telangana MeeSeva portal: HelpDeskElectronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, HelpDesk: "Any Queries / Grievances / Information", Parishkaram Call Center (04-04-2026) · read on 04-11-2026
    17. Telangana MeeSeva portal: Services (services by department)Electronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, Services → Department: CIVIL SUPPLIES (the list of Civil Supplies services: "Corrections in Food Security Card", no new-card service) (04-04-2026) · read on 04-11-2026
    18. Notification S.O. 1050(E), 4 March 2021: rights of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder, under section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (The Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3(ii), No. 962), Para (5) (in fields the notification does not name, an OCI cardholder has the same rights as a foreigner) and Explanation (1) (an OCI cardholder is a foreign national, not an Indian citizen) (04-03-2021) · read on 04-11-2026
    19. Meeseva Services: MeeSeva application formsGovernment of Telangana (Telangana State Portal), "Application for New Food Security Card", "Corrections in Food Security Card" · read on 04-11-2026