Haryana Ration Depot Licence 2026: Eligibility & Apply Online Guide

The Haryana Government has invited online applications for 2,651 new ration depot licences, also known as Fair Price Shop (FPS) licences. Applicants can submit their forms through the Antyodaya SARAL Haryana portal from 10 October to 10 November 2026. The state has reserved 33% of these licences for women. This guide covers the latest rules, eligibility conditions, required documents and the online application process for the Haryana Ration Depot Licence 2026. If you want information about ration cards, eligibility or related services, visit our Haryana Ration Card guide.

Haryana Ration Depot Licence 2026: Latest Rules and Changes

The Haryana Government has identified villages and wards where new ration depots are required and published a list of these locations. Eligible applicants can apply for a depot in a listed village or ward, subject to the applicable conditions. The latest provisions are set out in the Haryana Targeted PDS (Licensing and Control) Amendment Order, 2026.

Before applying for a Haryana ration depot licence, understand these important changes:

• Online application: Applicants must submit their applications through the Antyodaya SARAL Haryana portal.
• Reservation for women: The government has reserved 33% of the new licences for women. The allocation follows the prescribed roster.
• Licences for women self-help groups: Each block will have at least one licence for an all-women self-help group, if an eligible group is available.
• Priority categories: The revised priority list includes women self-help groups, divorced women or single mothers, and CM-PACS.
• Family income for selection: When applicants belong to the same category, the applicant with the lower verified family income receives preference. The previous order gave preference to higher educational qualifications.
• Resident certificate: Applicants must have a Haryana Resident Certificate for the current year.
• Who cannot apply: Existing ration depot licence holders, their close relatives and government employees are not eligible to apply.

Haryana FPS Licence 2026: Key Details at a Glance

• Total ration depot vacancies: 2,651
• Open-category vacancies: 1,777
• Women-reserved vacancies: 874 (approximately 33%)
• Locations covered: 2,487 villages and wards across 23 districts
• Online application dates: 10 October to 10 November 2026, as announced
• Official application portal: Antyodaya SARAL Haryana
• Portal service name: Issuance of New Fair Price Shop (FPS) License
• Responsible department: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Haryana
• Age limit: 21 to 45 years at the time of application
• Educational qualification: 10+2 or equivalent, along with basic computer knowledge
• Mandatory document: Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), also known as Family ID

Haryana Ration Depot Licence 2026: District-Wise Vacancy Details

The Haryana Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has released a list of villages and wards where new Fair Price Shop (FPS) licences are available. Visit the department's Public Distribution System page and open the official district-wise and village-wise vacancy list to identify the locations covered in your block.

The following table summarises the 2,651 vacancies by district, including the number of seats open to all eligible applicants and those reserved for women.

Of the 2,487 listed locations, 2,381 have one vacancy each, while a smaller number have between two and five vacancies. Karnal MC Ward 1 lists 20 vacancies. Among the districts shown, Yamunanagar has the highest number of vacancies, while Hansi has the lowest.

Before applying: Check the official vacancy PDF for your specific village or ward. The district-wise totals do not confirm that every location has an available licence.

Haryana Ration Depot Licence 2026: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Haryana ration depot licence (Fair Price Shop or FPS licence), you must meet the following eligibility conditions:

• Age limit: You must be at least 21 years old and not older than 45 years on the application date.
• Educational qualification: You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination.
• Computer knowledge: You must have basic computer knowledge.
• Family ID: You must have a Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) issued by the Haryana Parivar Pehchan Authority.
• Haryana residence: You must possess a Haryana Resident Certificate issued for the current year.
• Local residence: You must live in the village or ward where you want to open the ration depot.
• Depot premises: You must arrange suitable premises and provide proof of ownership, rent, lease or agreement, as applicable.

Who Is Not Eligible for a Haryana FPS Licence?

You cannot apply for a new ration depot licence if any of the following conditions apply to you. Certain disqualifications may also lead to the cancellation of an existing licence.

• Existing FPS licence holder: You already hold a Fair Price Shop licence.
• Close relative of an FPS licence holder: The restriction covers a father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, spouse, son, daughter, brother, sister, a grandchild through a son, and specified in-laws, including jeth, jethani, devar, devarani, bhabhi and unmarried nanad, along with their children.
• Elected local representative: You are a sitting Sarpanch or Panch, or a member of a Municipal Committee, Municipal Council or Municipal Corporation. The restriction also applies to their close relatives.
• Government employee: You work as a permanent or contractual employee of the Central or State Government.
• Previous licence cancellation: The government has cancelled an FPS licence previously held by you.

If an existing FPS licence holder or their close relative later becomes a Sarpanch, Panch or municipal member, the licence is treated as cancelled. The same rule applies if the licence holder joins a government job.

Haryana Ration Depot Licence: 33% Reservation for Women

The Haryana Government has reserved 33% of the 2,651 new ration depot vacancies for women, accounting for 874 licences. The department allocates these vacancies through a roster: villages appear in alphabetical order, followed by urban wards, and every third vacancy is reserved for women. The published list applies this pattern district-wise.

The reservation also includes the following provisions:

• Women self-help groups: Each block will have at least one licence for an all-women self-help group, if an eligible group is available.
• No applicant for a reserved vacancy: If no woman applies, the department keeps the vacancy open for a second opportunity.
• Vacancy remains unfilled: If no woman applies in the second opportunity either, the department opens the vacancy to all eligible applicants.

Haryana FPS Licence Selection Process: Priority Categories

The department selects applicants according to the prescribed priority order rather than through an interview or draw of lots. When applications exceed the available vacancies, applicants in higher-priority categories receive preference.

Priority order for vacancies reserved for women:

1. Acid attack victims
2. Women self-help groups
3. Widows
4. Divorced women or single mothers
5. Scheduled Caste women
6. Backward Class women
7. General category women

Priority order for other vacancies:

1. CM-PACS (Comprehensive Multipurpose Activity Co-operative Society)
2. Scheduled Caste applicants
3. Backward Class applicants
4. General category applicants

What happens if two applicants have the same priority? The applicant with the lower verified annual family income receives preference. The Parivar Pehchan Authority provides the income verification, and the department considers the income recorded on the application date. If both applicants have the same income, the applicant with higher educational marks receives preference.

This income-based and educational qualification tie-break rule does not apply to women self-help groups or CM-PACS.

Documents Required for Haryana FPS Licence 2026

Before applying for a Haryana ration depot licence, arrange the following documents. Keep the originals and self-attested photocopies ready wherever applicable.

• FPS licence recommendation: Recommendation for the proposed Fair Price Shop licence.
• Computer certificate: Certificate proving basic computer knowledge.
• Educational qualification: Class 12 (10+2) or higher qualification certificate.
• Passport-size photograph: A recent photograph of the applicant.
• Signature photograph: A scanned image or photograph of your signature.
• Shop premises proof: Rent agreement, lease document, other agreement or ownership papers for the proposed depot.
• Site map: Map of the proposed Fair Price Shop premises.
• Family relationship undertaking: Undertaking confirming that you are not a close family member of a Sarpanch or Municipal Committee member.
• Previous licence cancellation undertaking: Undertaking confirming that the government has never cancelled an FPS licence held by you.
• Income proof: Documents supporting your family income.

The department provides details about the two undertakings in its official Instructions for FPS Licence PDF. Read the document before starting your application so you can prepare the required declarations correctly.

How to Apply Online for a Haryana FPS Licence Through SARAL Haryana

You can apply for a new ration depot licence through the Antyodaya SARAL Haryana portal. Follow the steps below to locate the FPS licence service, check vacancies and submit your application online.

1. Open the official portal. Visit saralharyana.gov.in. You can also access the application service through the "Apply for new FPS Licence" link on the department's Public Distribution System (PDS) page.
2. Log in to SARAL Haryana. Enter your Login ID, password and captcha in the "Login Here" section, then click "Submit". If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot Password?".
3. Register if you are a new user. Click "New User? Register Here" and create your account. After completing registration, log in with your credentials.
4. Find the FPS licence service. Search for "Issuance of New Fair Price Shop (FPS) License" under the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
5. Read the instructions. Review the instructions displayed on the screen and click "Click here to Initiate the Process".
6. Continue to the HPDS portal. The SARAL portal redirects you to the Haryana Public Distribution System (HPDS) portal to continue your application.
7. Check the available vacancy. Click "Check Vacancy" and select the village or ward where you live and want to operate the ration depot. Confirm that your preferred location appears in the official vacancy list.
8. Enter your Family ID. Provide your Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) number. When the portal displays your family members, select your own name.
9. Review your personal details. The portal automatically retrieves available details from Parivar Pehchan Authority records. Fill in any mandatory fields that remain blank.
10. Enter the shop address. Provide the address of the premises where you plan to operate the Fair Price Shop.
11. Check the form carefully. Review your personal information, selected village or ward and shop address. Correct any mistakes before submitting the application.
12. Submit the application. Click "Submit" to complete the process. The portal generates an application number and sends an SMS confirmation to your registered mobile number. Keep the application number safe for future reference.

How to check your application status: Visit the SARAL Haryana home page and select "Track Application / Appeal" to follow the progress of your FPS licence application.

Important tip: Complete the online application well before the announced closing date of 10 November 2026. Applying early gives you time to resolve document-related or technical issues before the deadline.

Haryana FPS Licence 2026: Verification and Selection Process

After you submit your Haryana ration depot licence application, the department verifies your details and documents before making a decision. The process involves the following steps:

1. Field verification: The concerned Area Inspector visits the address provided in your application. You or your authorised representative must be present with the original documents. The inspector may verify the originals and collect copies for uploading.
2. Application and document verification: Under the licensing order, the concerned Inspector or Sub-Inspector of Food and Supplies verifies the application. The Assistant Food and Supplies Officer then forwards the file.
3. Final decision: The District Food and Supplies Controller acts as the licensing authority and decides whether to approve your application.

Keep all required documents ready before the field visit. Missing papers or incorrect information can delay verification or result in rejection of your application.

Haryana Ration Depot Licence Fee and Security Deposit

The Haryana Targeted PDS (Licensing and Control) Order, 2022 specifies the following fees and security deposit for a Fair Price Shop (FPS) licence:

• Licence issue fee: ₹5,000. The order provides for payment into the government treasury through a challan or online, where the state specifies this method.
• Security deposit: ₹20,000, submitted as a Deposit at Call Receipt from a nationalised bank in favour of the District Food and Supplies Controller before the licence is issued.
• Licence renewal fee: ₹1,000.
• Duplicate licence fee: ₹500.
• Late renewal penalty: ₹500 within one month after expiry, ₹1,000 within two months and ₹2,000 within three months, in addition to the renewal fee.

According to the information provided, the 2026 amendment does not change these amounts. The department's online application instructions do not show a payment step. Before paying any fee or deposit, confirm the current procedure with the District Food and Supplies Controller's office or the official portal. Use only authorised payment channels.

How to Appeal Against Rejection of an FPS Licence Application

If the licensing authority rejects your application, the applicable rules provide the following options:

• First appeal: You can appeal to the Deputy Commissioner within 30 days from the date of the licensing authority's order.
• Revision: Under the 2026 amendment, the licensing authority or the Fair Price Shop owner can seek revision before the Divisional Commissioner within 30 days of the appeal decision.
• Stay of the decision: Filing a revision does not automatically suspend the decision. The revision authority must issue a stay order for the decision to be stayed.
• Online tracking: You can use the "Track Application / Appeal" option on the SARAL Haryana home page to check the status of your application or appeal.

Rules to Follow After Getting a Haryana Ration Depot Licence

After receiving an FPS licence, you must follow the department's operating conditions. The rules described in the licensing order include the following requirements:

• Minimum shop area: The ration depot must have at least 150 square feet of space.
• Storage capacity: The premises must accommodate at least one month's normal stock allocation and allow the convenient distribution of ration to beneficiaries.
• Separate queues: Maintain separate queues for women and men.
• Electronic equipment: Use the e-PoS machine or another device specified by the state government.
• Summer operating hours (1 April to 30 September): 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Winter operating hours (1 October to 31 March): 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Age limit for renewal: The licence is not renewed after the owner reaches 60 years of age. The department may extend the limit to 65 years on a written application, subject to satisfactory past performance.
• Transfer to a legal heir: If the licence holder dies before reaching 55, the licence may pass to one legal heir on compassionate grounds. The other legal heirs must provide written consent and an affidavit. The selected heir must meet the eligibility conditions and submit the death certificate within three months of the licence holder's death.
• Notice before cancellation or forfeiture: Before cancelling the licence or forfeiting the security deposit, the licensing authority must give the licence holder a reasonable opportunity to be heard. The stated exception applies when a criminal case is registered for diversion or embezzlement of Public Distribution System (PDS) stock.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Haryana FPS Licence

Avoid these common errors to help prevent delays during application verification and selection:

• Choosing the wrong location: Apply for a village or ward where you meet the local residence requirement.
• Applying at the last minute: Submit your form early to leave time for resolving technical or document-related issues.
• Submitting unclear documents: Keep clear, readable copies ready for the inspector's field visit.
• Losing your application number: Save the number and SMS confirmation after submitting the form.
• Missing the inspection: Ensure that you or your authorised representative is available at the declared address with the original documents.
• Paying unverified agents: Do not trust anyone who guarantees a licence in exchange for money. Selection follows the prescribed priority rules, and an agent cannot change the official selection process.

Haryana SARAL Portal and PDS Helpline Numbers

If you face problems while using the SARAL portal or need help with a Public Distribution System service, you can use the following contact details:

• SARAL queries helpline: 1800-2000-023, Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• SARAL phone support: 0172-3968400, Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, except government holidays.
• SARAL email: [email protected].
• Corruption complaints: 1064.
• Public Distribution System helpline: 1967 and 1800-180-2087.

These contacts provide general assistance for SARAL portal services and the Public Distribution System. For a specific FPS licence application or eligibility query, contact the relevant District Food and Supplies Controller's office.