Karnataka Free Bus Pass Scheme for Students

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Karnataka Government has announced the Karnataka Free Bus Pass Scheme for Students to reduce transportation expenses and make education more accessible for students across the state. The scheme is expected to benefit students studying in schools, colleges, diploma institutions, ITIs, professional courses, universities and other recognised educational institutions. Through this initiative, eligible students will be able to travel in state-run buses using a student bus pass issued through the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

The announcement comes after the successful implementation of the Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel facilities to women residents of Karnataka, including female students and transgender persons. To extend transportation support to a larger section of students and help families reduce education-related expenses, the government has now announced free bus passes for students studying in educational institutions across the state.

Based on the current KSRTC Student Bus Pass rates, students may save anywhere between Rs. 150 and Rs. 1,550 per academic year after the implementation of the Karnataka Free Bus Passes for Students Scheme. The highest savings are expected for students pursuing professional courses, ITI programmes, degree courses and diploma courses, who currently pay higher student bus pass charges.

To avail the benefits of the scheme, students can apply online through the Seva Sindhu Portal. Those who are unable to submit their application online can also visit Karnataka One, Grama One and Bangalore One Centres and complete the application process by paying the prescribed service charge. Students are required to submit a Student Bus Pass Declaration Form duly certified by the Principal, Headmaster or authorised official of their educational institution, along with the required supporting documents.

For the academic year 2026-27, KSRTC has established 123 Student Pass Issuing Counters across Karnataka. While submitting the application, students can select their preferred counter for pass collection. After successful verification, an SMS notification will be sent to the registered mobile number, following which the student can visit the selected counter and collect the bus pass.

Students should note that women residents of Karnataka, including girl students and transgender persons, can already travel free in state-run buses under the Shakti Scheme. However, girl students residing in neighbouring states and studying in Karnataka, as well as Karnataka residents pursuing education in neighbouring states, are required to obtain a student bus pass through the prescribed KSRTC procedure.

The Karnataka Government has announced the scheme, and further guidelines regarding implementation, eligibility conditions and route coverage are expected to be released separately. Students are advised to regularly check official KSRTC and Government notifications for the latest updates.

Scheme Benefits

• Free bus pass facility will be provided to eligible students across Karnataka.
• Students can travel between their residence and educational institution without paying regular bus fares.
• The scheme aims to reduce transportation expenses for students and their families.
• Students from primary school to higher education will benefit.
• Students may save between Rs. 150 and Rs. 1,550 per academic year
• The initiative will help improve access to education, especially for students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a student studying in a recognised educational institution.
• Students enrolled in the following courses are eligible:
  • School Education
  • College Education
  • Diploma Courses
  • ITI Courses
  • Professional Courses
  • University Courses
  • Postgraduate Courses
  • Evening College Courses
  • PhD Programmes
• The applicant must submit the required documents and institution verification details.

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card.
• Recent Passport Size Photograph with Signature.
• Student Identity Card.
• Student Registration Number.
• SATS ID or UUCMS ID (where applicable).
• Student Bus Pass Declaration Form signed by the Principal, Headmaster or authorised institution official.
• Bonafide Certificate (if required).
• Residential Address Proof.
• Travel Route Details (From Place, To Place and Via Place).
• Mobile Number.

Steps to Apply

Students can apply online for Karnataka Free Bus Passes Scheme through the Seva Sindhu Portal. The Karnataka Government has digitized the student bus pass distribution process to make applications easier and more transparent. Students who are unable to apply online can also submit their applications through Karnataka One, Grama One and Bangalore One centres by paying the prescribed service charge.

• Visit the Seva Sindhu Student Bus Pass Portal and open the Student Bus Pass application page.
• Register or log in using your existing Seva Sindhu account credentials.
• Fill in the student application form with personal details, educational institution information and travel route details.
• Download the Student Pass Declaration Form and get it verified and signed by the Principal, Headmaster or authorised institution official.
• Keep all required documents ready, including Aadhaar Card, photograph, student identity proof and institution certificate.
• Upload the declaration form, student photograph and other supporting documents in the prescribed format.
• Select the preferred KSRTC Student Pass Issuing Counter from where you wish to collect the bus pass after approval.
• Review all information carefully and submit the application online.
• Students who do not wish to apply online may visit Karnataka One, Grama One or Bangalore One centres and submit their applications by paying a service charge of Rs. 30.
• After successful verification of the application, an SMS notification will be sent to the registered mobile number informing the student about the pass collection centre.
• Visit the designated KSRTC pass-issuing counter with the required documents and collect the student bus pass.

Student Pass Issuing Counters

KSRTC has notified 123 Student Pass Issuing Counters across Karnataka for the academic year 2026-27. Students can select their preferred pass collection centre while submitting the online application. The counters are located across Bengaluru, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Kolar, Ramanagara, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Chamarajanagara, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Mandya, Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru and several other districts.

After approval of the application, students must visit the selected counter to collect their student bus pass. The complete district-wise counter list is available on the KSRTC website.

How to Check Karnataka Student Bus Pass Counter List?

• Visit the official KSRTC Student Bus Pass Portal.
• Click on the "Student Pass Issuing Counter List 2026-27" link available on the portal.
• Download the PDF containing the district-wise counter list.
• Search for your district, taluk or nearest town in the document.
• Review the counter name and address carefully.
• Select the most convenient pass-issuing counter while submitting the online application.
• After receiving the approval SMS, visit the selected counter and collect your student bus pass.

Relevant Links

• KKRTC Free Bus Passes Online Registration
• KSRTC Free Student Bus Pass Registration
• NWRTC Free Student Bus Pass Registration
• KSRTC Students Bus Passes Counter List.
• Karnataka Seva Sindhu Portal.
• KSRTC Students Bus Pass Declaration Form
• Students Free Bus Pass Scheme Notice

Contact Information

• Karnataka Seva Sindhu Phone Number: 080-24410574
• Seva Sindhu Email Helpdesk: [email protected]
• For Pass Printing Related Issues:
  • 8904085030
  • 080-49203888
  • Email: [email protected]
• KSRTC Call Centre: 080-26252625
• KSRTC Email: [email protected]