The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) provides a wide range of subsidized AFD-I items—such as cars, two-wheelers, and electronic appliances—to serving personnel, retired personnel, widows (NOK), and defence civilians. The entitlements vary according to rank, pay band, and category.
To help beneficiaries understand their eligibility, purchase limits, and financial ceilings, this article provides a comprehensive breakdown of AFD-I entitlements, including cars, two-wheelers, and electronic appliances, as per the latest norms.
🔶 What Are AFD-I Items?
AFD-I (Against Firm Demand) items are high-value products that can be purchased through the official CSD AFD portal:
👉 afd.csdindia.gov.in
These include:
- Cars
- Two-wheelers
- Televisions
- Air Conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Washing Machines
- Microwave Ovens
- Other major electronic/household items
For assistance, beneficiaries may use the CSD helpline: 01206933434
Email: afd.ddgcs@csdindia.gov.in
1. Car Entitlement Through CSD for Various Categories
Car purchase entitlement differs for OR, JCOs, Officers, and Defence Civilians. It includes maximum permissible cost and purchase frequency.
🔷 (A) OR (Pay Band 1 to 5 – Serving / Retired / Widow)
Cost Limit
- ₹8 Lakhs (excluding taxes)
- Electric Vehicle Cost Limit: ₹13 Lakhs (₹8L + ₹5L)
Entitlement & Rules
- Total 4 cars allowed in lifetime.
- First car: After completing 5 years of service.
- Minimum gap between two cars: 8 years.
- Pensioner / Widow / NOK may purchase if quota remains unused by the individual.
🔷 (B) JCOs (Pay Band 6 to 9 – Serving / Retired / Widow)
Cost Limit
- ₹10 Lakhs (excluding taxes)
- Electric Vehicle Cost Limit: ₹15 Lakhs (₹10L + ₹5L)
Entitlement & Rules
- Total 5 cars allowed in lifetime.
- First car: After 5 years of service.
- Gap: 8 years between two car purchases.
- Pensioner/NOK eligible if past quota was unused.
🔷 (C) Commissioned Officers (Pay Band 10 to 18 – Serving / Retired / Widow)
Cost Limit
- ₹20 Lakhs (excluding taxes)
- Electric Vehicle Cost Limit: ₹25 Lakhs (₹20L + ₹5L)
Entitlement
- One car every 8 years.
🔷 (D) Defence Civilians (Pay Band 11 to 18 – Serving / Retired / Widow)
Cost Limit
- ₹20 Lakhs (excluding taxes)
- Electric Vehicle Cost Limit: ₹25 Lakhs (₹20L + ₹5L)
Entitlement
- One car every 8 years.
2. Two-Wheeler Entitlement (Serving / Retired / Defence Civilians / Widow)
Overall Permissible Entitlement
- One two-wheeler once every 4 years
There is no rank-based variation for two-wheeler purchases.
3. Entitlement of Electronic Items (Serving / Retired / Defence Civilians)
CSD provides various high-value home electronic appliances at subsidized rates. Most items follow a block period of four years.
Allowed Items and Frequency
| Electronic Item | Entitlement Frequency |
| LED TV (up to 2 units) | Once every 4 years (block period) |
| Air Conditioners (up to 4 units) | Once every 4 years |
| Washing Machine | Once every 4 years |
| Refrigerator | Once every 4 years |
| Microwave Oven | Once every 4 years |
Key Highlights for Beneficiaries
✔️ Servicemen, Retired Defence Personnel & Widows Are Eligible
The entitlements apply across categories—subject to rank & pay band.
✔️ Electric Vehicle Benefits
Additional ₹5 lakh cost limit is allowed on top of the standard entitlement.
✔️ Gap Rules Must Be Followed
For cars, minimum gap rules (8 years) are strictly enforced through the AFD portal.
✔️ Purchases Strictly Through Official Portal
AFD-I items must be purchased only through:
👉 afd.csdindia.gov.in
✔️ Documents Needed
- CSD Smart Card
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar
- Service/Retirement details
- PPO (for pensioners)
- Vehicle booking details
Conclusion
The AFD-I purchase facility is one of the most valuable welfare benefits offered to the armed forces community and defence civilians. Understanding the entitlements, cost limits, and purchase timelines ensures smooth transactions and avoids rejection on the AFD portal.
This guide helps all categories—ORs, JCOs, Officers, Defence Civilians, Pensioners, and Widows—make informed decisions when planning to purchase cars, two-wheelers, or electronic appliances through CSD.
If you need help understanding CSD purchase procedures, documents, or online portal assistance, feel free to ask—I can prepare a letter for you, if required. So visit our Support Portal now at www.support.esminfoclub.com
