APL and BPL are classifications of households based on their income levels in India. These classifications are used to determine eligibility for certain government schemes, including ration cards.

• BPL (Below Poverty Line): This classification is given to households that earn less than the state-defined poverty line, which is subject to constant change. BPL ration cards are issued to individuals that live below the poverty line.

• APL (Above Poverty Line): This classification is given to households that earn above the state-defined poverty line. APL ration cards are given to those individuals who live above the poverty line.

It is important to note that APL, BPL, and AY ration cards are no longer issued in India. Currently, only the PPH and AAY cards are issued under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) . The different types of ration cards under NFSA are Priority Household (PHH) ration card, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card, and State Priority Ration Card (SPHC) .