There is an important update for ration card holders across India. The government has made e-KYC mandatory for all beneficiaries receiving free or subsidised food grains under the National Food Security Act. If ration card holders fail to complete their e-KYC process by 28 February 2026, they may lose access to government-provided food grains.

This directive applies nationwide and affects millions of families who depend on the Public Distribution System (PDS) for essential food supplies. Authorities have issued a clear warning: without timely verification, ration benefits can be stopped.

Why Has e-KYC Been Made Mandatory?

The main objective behind mandatory e-KYC is to ensure that ration benefits reach only eligible and genuine beneficiaries. Over time, government records have shown that many ineligible or duplicate names remain active in ration card databases, preventing deserving families from receiving full benefits.

Through e-KYC, the government aims to:

• Remove fake and duplicate ration cards
• Identify beneficiaries who are no longer eligible
• Improve transparency in the ration distribution system
• Link ration cards with Aadhaar for accurate identification

By cleaning up the database, authorities believe food security schemes will become more efficient and fair, ensuring timely support for poor and needy households.

What Happens After 28 February 2026?

According to instructions issued by the Food and Consumer Affairs Department, ration card holders who do not complete e-KYC by the deadline may face suspension of ration supplies. This means beneficiaries may not receive free or subsidised food grains from March 2026 onward.

Officials have clarified that this action is not permanent. Once e-KYC is completed, ration benefits can be restored. However, delays may cause unnecessary disruption, especially for families fully dependent on government ration schemes.

How to Complete Ration Card e-KYC Online from Home

Ration card holders can complete the e-KYC process easily from home by following these steps:

1. Visit your state’s official Public Distribution System (PDS) website
2. Look for the option “Link Aadhaar with Ration Card” or “e-KYC”
3. Enter your ration card number and Aadhaar number
4. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
5. Enter the OTP to complete the verification process

Once submitted successfully, your e-KYC status will be updated in the system.

Offline e-KYC Process for Ration Card Holders

For those who are unable to complete the process online, offline options are also available. Beneficiaries can visit their nearest fair price shop or ration dealer to complete e-KYC.

Documents required for offline e-KYC include:

• Aadhaar cards of all family members
• Biometric verification (fingerprint authentication)

It is important to note that no fees are charged for e-KYC. If anyone demands money for this service, beneficiaries should report it immediately to local authorities.

Why You Should Not Delay e-KYC

With only a week left before the deadline, completing e-KYC has become urgent. Any delay could result in temporary suspension of ration supplies, causing inconvenience to households that rely on subsidised food.

The government has repeatedly urged beneficiaries to complete the process on time to avoid last-minute rush, server issues, or delays in biometric verification.

Final Reminder for Ration Card Holders

The 28 February 2026 deadline is final. Completing e-KYC before this date will ensure uninterrupted access to free or subsidised ration under food security schemes. Whether you choose the online method or visit a nearby ration shop, make sure your Aadhaar is linked and verification is completed.

Timely action will help you continue receiving ration benefits smoothly, without any disruption in the coming months.