CM Punjab Ration Card List 2026 The Government of Punjab, under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has officially introduced the CM Punjab Ration Card 2026 to provide a permanent relief mechanism for low-income families. Unlike temporary packages, this initiative offers a structured monthly subsidy to ensure food security across the province. If you have registered for the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) or were previously part of the Nigehban program, your name might already be on the new beneficiary list.
This guide provides a simplified, step-by-step process to check your status online, ensuring you don’t miss out on the monthly grocery discounts and special Ramadan grants.
What is the CM Punjab Ration Card Scheme?
The CM Punjab Ration Card is a digital smart card that functions as a specialized wallet for grocery purchases. For 2026, the program has been designed to support over 1.5 million families. Every month, eligible cardholders receive a subsidy of Rs. 3,000 to purchase essential items like flour, ghee, sugar, and pulses at discounted rates from registered Utility Stores and local “Karyana” shops.
Additionally, for the month of Ramadan 2026, the government has integrated a special Ramzan Nigehban Grant of Rs. 10,000 into the same card. This one-time financial boost is aimed at helping families manage the increased cost of food during the holy month.
How to Check Your Name in the 2026 Beneficiary List
The Punjab government has made the verification process completely digital and accessible. You can check your name in the beneficiary list using three official methods:
1. Online Portal (PSER/8123) The primary way to check your status is through the official Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) portal.
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Visit the official website: pser.punjab.gov.pk.
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Navigate to the “Check Status” or “Beneficiary List” section.
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Enter your 13-digit CNIC number (without any dashes).
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Complete the captcha verification and click “Submit.”
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Your screen will display whether you are “Eligible” or “Ineligible.”
2. SMS Verification via 8123 If you do not have internet access, you can use the SMS service for an instant update:
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Open your mobile’s messaging app.
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Type your 13-digit CNIC number.
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Send it to 8123.
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You will receive a reply confirming if your name is included in the current Ration Card list.
3. e-Khidmat Markaz or Union Council For a manual check, you can visit the nearest e-Khidmat Markaz or your local Union Council office. Bring your original CNIC, and the staff will verify your name against the 2026 master database.
Eligibility Criteria for Inclusion in the List
The 2026 list is generated based on strict socio-economic data. To be included, you must meet these requirements:
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Residency: You must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
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Monthly Income: Total household income should be less than Rs. 50,000.
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PMT Score: Your Proxy Means Test (PMT) score, as per the NSER/PSER survey, must be below 35.
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NADRA Verification: Your CNIC must be active and not expired.
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Exclusions: Government employees, taxpayers, and owners of luxury vehicles (excluding motorcycles) are automatically excluded from the list.
Why Your Name Might Be Missing
If you believe you are deserving but your name does not appear on the 2026 list, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
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Expired Survey: Your NSER or PSER survey data is more than three years old and needs updating.
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Incorrect CNIC: Your mobile number is not registered against your own CNIC, leading to verification failure.
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Data Mismatch: There is a discrepancy between your income and the lifestyle data recorded in the registry.
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Pending Verification: Your application is still in the field verification stage.
If your name is missing, you can visit a BISP Tehsil Office or an e-Khidmat Markaz to request a Dynamic Resurvey. This will allow the government to reassess your financial status and potentially add you to the next monthly update.
How to Use the Ration Card Once Approved
Once you are confirmed as a beneficiary, you will be issued a digital card. You can take this card, along with your original CNIC, to any Utility Store or registered merchant showing the “CM Punjab Ration Program” banner. After a quick biometric (thumbprint) verification, the subsidy will be applied to your bill, allowing you to pay the discounted price for your groceries.
The CM Punjab Ration Card 2026 is a significant step toward a transparent and dignified welfare system. By checking your status early, you can ensure your family receives the monthly support they need to navigate current inflationary challenges.