Student Free Bus Pass Scheme is a scheme announced by the Government of Karnataka on 03 June 2026 under Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to provide free bus passes to all eligible school and college students travelling in state-run buses operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC. Students apply through the official Seva Sindhu portal. Detailed implementation guidelines are awaited from the Transport Department.
Karnataka Student Free Bus Pass Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Student Free Bus Pass Scheme |
| Announced By | Chief Minister DK Shivakumar |
| Cabinet Decision Date | 03 June 2026 |
| Official Order Date | 04 June 2026 |
| Main Objective | Provide free bus passes to all school and college students travelling in state-run buses across Karnataka |
| Transport Corporations Covered | KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC |
| Eligible Students | School to Postgraduate and PhD students in recognised educational institutions |
| Annual Savings Per Student | Rs. 150 to Rs. 1,550 per academic year, depending on course and route |
| Application Required | Yes, students must apply, pass is not issued automatically |
| Maximum Travel Distance | 60 km one-way from the student residence to the institution as per existing KSRTC norms |
| Girl Students | Already covered under the Shakti Scheme, free travel without a separate student bus pass for Karnataka residents |
| Student Pass Issuing Counters | 123 counters across Karnataka for the academic year 2026-27 |
| Offline Application | Karnataka One, Grama One, Bangalore One centres, Rs. 30 service charge |
| Implementation Status | Announced, detailed guidelines awaited from the Transport Department |
| Seva Sindhu Helpline | 080-24410574 |
| Seva Sindhu Email | sevasindhu@karnataka.gov.in |
| KSRTC Call Centre | 080-26252625 |
| KSRTC Email | callcentre@ksrtc.org |
| Application Portal | sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in |
| KSRTC Student Bus Pass | ksrtc.karnataka.gov.in |
Introduction of Karnataka Student Free Bus Pass Scheme: A Brief Insight
For lakhs of students across Karnataka who travel daily by bus to reach their schools and colleges, the cost of a student bus pass is a recurring expense that adds up significantly over an academic year. While girl students already travel free under the Shakti Scheme, boys and students from economically weaker backgrounds continued to pay for their passes. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed this gap directly in his very first Cabinet decision.
The Government of Karnataka announced the Student Free Bus Pass Scheme on 03 June 2026 and issued the official order on 04 June 2026. The scheme provides free bus passes to all eligible school and college students travelling in state-run buses across Karnataka. CM Shivakumar stated clearly: “We are giving passes to all students, a free bus pass without any charge. This is the first decision by the DK Shivakumar cabinet.” The scheme covers buses operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC across the state. Students can save between Rs. 150 to Rs. 1,550 per academic year, depending on their course and travel route.
The scheme covers students from school level to postgraduate and PhD level in recognised educational institutions across Karnataka. Students must apply for the pass; it is not issued automatically. Detailed implementation guidelines and the free pass application process are being worked out with the Transport Department. Until official guidelines are released, student bus pass applications for the academic year 2026-27 continue through the existing KSRTC system on the Seva Sindhu portal.
Girl students who are permanent residents of Karnataka already travel free in state-run buses under the Shakti Scheme without needing a separate student bus pass. The Student Free Bus Pass Scheme now extends the same benefit to all students regardless of gender. Students looking for financial support for their education fees and course expenses can additionally explore the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme, which provides financial assistance to students across India.
Students, parents, educational institutions, and anyone looking for more student welfare schemes, scholarship programmes, education support initiatives, and transport benefits in Karnataka can also explore other available programmes under our Karnataka Government Schemes List section.
Benefits Provided to Eligible StudentsThe
Student Free Bus Pass Scheme provides free bus travel to eligible school and college students across Karnataka using state-run bus services.
Direct Travel Benefits
- Eligible students travel free of cost between their residence and educational institution using state-run buses
- Free bus pass covers travel in buses operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC
- Students no longer need to pay regular student bus pass charges for the daily commute to their institution
Financial Savings for Students
- Students can save between Rs. 150 to Rs. 1,550 per academic year, depending on their course and travel route after the scheme is implemented
- Professional course, ITI, degree, and diploma students who currently pay higher student bus pass charges stand to save the most
- Reduces the overall financial burden on families, spending on education-related transportation expenses
Broader Impact
- The scheme extends free bus travel to all students including boys. Earlier, free travel was available only to women and girl students under the Shakti Scheme
- Improves access to education, especially for students from rural areas and economically weaker families who travel long distances to reach their institutions
- Covers students from school level up to postgraduate and PhD level across all recognised educational institutions in Karnataka
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Government of Karnataka has not yet released detailed eligibility guidelines for the Karnataka Free Student Bus Pass Scheme. The Cabinet announced the scheme on 03 June 2026 and the official order was issued on 04 June 2026. Detailed implementation rules are awaited from the Transport Department. Based on the official announcement and the existing KSRTC student bus pass framework, the following categories of students are expected to be eligible.
Expected Eligible Student Categories
- Students studying in recognised schools, including primary, middle, and high school
- Pre-University (PU) students
- Degree and undergraduate course students
- Diploma course students
- ITI students
- Professional course students, including Engineering, Medical, Law, and Management
- Postgraduate students
- PhD scholars
- Evening college students
- Students of other recognised educational institutions across Karnataka
General Conditions Expected to Apply
- The student must be studying in a government-recognised educational institution
- Students must use state-run buses for daily travel between their residences and the educational institutions
- Travel distance limit of 60 km one-way from the student’s residence to the institution is likely to apply as per the existing KSRTC student pass norms
- Declaration Form certified by the Head of Institution will be required
Important Note on Girl Students
- Girl students who are permanent residents of Karnataka can already travel free in state-run buses under the existing Shakti Scheme without needing a separate student bus pass
- Girl students from neighbouring states studying in Karnataka and Karnataka girl students studying in neighbouring states, are required to obtain a student bus pass through the prescribed KSRTC procedure
Students must regularly check the official Seva Sindhu portal and official KSRTC notifications for the final eligibility conditions once the implementation guidelines are released.
Documents Required to be Attached
Detailed official document requirements for the newly announced Karnataka Student Free Bus Pass Scheme are yet to be notified. Based on the existing KSRTC student bus pass system currently operational through the Seva Sindhu portal, students are likely to need the following documents.
- Aadhaar Card of the student
- Recent passport-size photograph with signature
- Student Identity Card issued by the educational institution
- Student Registration Number
- SATS ID or UUCMS ID, wherever applicable
- Student Bus Pass Declaration Form duly verified and signed by the Principal, Headmaster, or authorised official of the educational institution
- Bonafide Certificate from the institution, wherever required
- Residential address proof
- Travel route details including starting place, destination, and via places
- Mobile number for SMS notifications and OTP verification
Students must verify the final document requirements from the official Seva Sindhu portal or official KSRTC notifications once the Karnataka Free Student Bus Pass Scheme implementation guidelines are officially released.
How Students Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Detailed application guidelines for the Student Free Bus Pass Scheme are awaited from the Transport Department. The Cabinet announced the scheme on 03 June 2026 and the official order was issued on 04 June 2026. CM DK Shivakumar confirmed that students must apply for the pass and the implementation process will be worked out in consultation with the Transport Department.
Until the official free pass application process is notified, student bus pass applications for the academic year 2026-27 are currently being accepted through the existing KSRTC student bus pass system on the Seva Sindhu portal. Students can follow the steps below to apply under the existing system.
Online Application Through Seva Sindhu Portal
Step 1: Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal and register or log in using existing credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to the Student Bus Pass section and open the student bus pass application page for the academic year 2026-27.
Step 3: Fill in the student application form with personal details, educational institution information, course details, and travel route details including starting place, destination, and via places.
Step 4: Download the Student Bus Pass Declaration Form from the portal and get it verified and signed by the Principal, Headmaster, or authorised official of the educational institution.
Step 5: Upload the verified Declaration Form, student photograph, Aadhaar Card, student identity proof, and other required documents in the prescribed format on the portal.
Step 6: Select the preferred KSRTC Student Pass Issuing Counter from where the bus pass will be collected after approval. KSRTC has notified 123 Student Pass Issuing Counters across Karnataka for the academic year 2026-27, covering Bengaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Kolar, and several other districts.
Step 7: Review all details carefully and submit the application. After successful verification, an SMS notification is sent to the registered mobile number informing the student about the pass collection.
Step 8: Visit the designated KSRTC pass-issuing counter with the required documents and collect the student bus pass.
Offline Application Through Service Centres
Step 1: Students who cannot apply online can visit the nearest Karnataka One, Grama One, or Bangalore One centre in their area.
Step 2: Submit the completed application form along with all required documents including the Declaration Form certified by the institution, Aadhaar Card, student identity proof, and photograph. A service charge of Rs. 30 is applicable at these centres.
Step 3: After verification and approval, collect the student bus pass from the designated KSRTC pass-issuing counter after receiving the SMS confirmation.
Important: Students must regularly check the official Seva Sindhu portal and KSRTC notifications for updates on the free bus pass application process once the Student Free Bus Pass Scheme implementation guidelines are officially released by the Transport Department.
Important Links Available
- Seva Sindhu Portal, Online Application for Student Bus Pass.
- Student Bus Pass Application Service.
- Student Bus Pass Information, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation.
- Student Pass Information, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation.
- Student Concessional Pass, North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
- Student Concessional Pass, Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
Students facing issues related to the Student Free Bus Pass Scheme application, pass collection, or scheme-related queries can contact the following official channels.
- Seva Sindhu Helpline: 080-24410574
- Seva Sindhu Email: sevasindhu@karnataka.gov.in
- For Pass Printing Issues: 8904085030 / 080-49203888
- Pass Printing Email: onehelpdesk@karnataka.gov.in
- KSRTC Call Centre: 080-26252625
- KSRTC Email: callcentre@ksrtc.org
- For local queries: Visit the nearest Karnataka One, Grama One, or Bangalore One centre in your area
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Student Free Bus Pass Scheme?
Ans. Student Free Bus Pass Scheme is a scheme announced by the Government of Karnataka on 03 June 2026 under Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to provide free bus passes to all school and college students across Karnataka travelling in state-run buses operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
Q. When was this scheme announced?
Ans. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the scheme as the first decision of his Cabinet on 03 June 2026. The official government order was issued on 04 June 2026.
Q. Is the application process for the free bus pass available now?
Ans. Detailed application guidelines for the free bus pass are awaited from the Transport Department. The Government is working out the implementation mechanism in consultation with the Transport Department. Until then, student bus pass applications for the academic year 2026-27 are being accepted through the existing KSRTC student bus pass system on the Seva Sindhu portal.
Q. Which transport corporations are covered under this scheme?
Ans. The scheme covers buses operated by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
Q. Which students are eligible for this scheme?
Ans. The scheme covers school students, Pre-University students, degree students, diploma students, ITI students, professional course students, postgraduate students, PhD scholars, and students of other recognised educational institutions across Karnataka. Detailed eligibility conditions are awaited from the Transport Department.
Q. Do girl students need to apply for this scheme separately?
Ans. Girl students who are permanent residents of Karnataka can already travel free in state-run buses under the existing Shakti Scheme without needing a separate student bus pass. However, girl students from neighbouring states studying in Karnataka and Karnataka girl students studying in neighbouring states must obtain a student bus pass through the prescribed KSRTC procedure.
Q. Why did the Government announce this scheme?
Ans. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar explained that students were asking why free bus travel was available only for girls under the Shakti Scheme. To extend the same benefit to all students regardless of gender, the Government announced free bus passes for all school and college students as the first Cabinet decision.
Q. How much can students save under this scheme?
Ans. Based on existing KSRTC student bus pass rates, students can save between Rs. 150 to Rs. 1,550 per academic year depending on their course and travel route. Professional course, ITI, degree, and diploma students who currently pay higher bus pass charges stand to save the most.
Q. How can students apply for the bus pass currently?
Ans. Students can apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal under the existing KSRTC student bus pass system. Students who cannot apply online can visit Karnataka One, Grama One, or Bangalore One centres by paying a service charge of Rs. 30.
Q. What documents are required for the student bus pass?
Ans. Students need an Aadhaar Card, a passport-size photograph with a signature, a student identity card, SATS or UUCMS ID where applicable, a Student Bus Pass Declaration Form certified by the Principal or Headmaster, residential address proof, and travel route details. Final document requirements will be confirmed after official implementation guidelines are released.
Q. How many Student Pass Issuing Counters are available in Karnataka?
Ans. KSRTC has notified 123 Student Pass Issuing Counters across Karnataka for the academic year 2026-27, covering districts including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Mandya, Hassan, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and several others.
Q. What is the maximum travel distance covered under the student bus pass?
Ans. As per the existing KSRTC student bus pass norms, the pass is issued for a maximum distance of 60 km one-way from the student’s residence to the school or college. This condition is likely to continue under the new scheme as well.
Q. Where can students check for updates on this scheme?
Ans. Students must regularly check the official Seva Sindhu portal and official KSRTC notifications for updates on the implementation guidelines and application process of the Student Free Bus Pass Scheme.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.