KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply For Karnataka Free Bus Pass for Students

Karnataka Free Bus Pass for Students; The application process for the KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students for the current academic year has officially begun from June 12. The Transport Department has issued detailed guidelines, and eligible students can apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal from the same date.

Under the state government's Shakti Scheme, female students in Karnataka already enjoy free travel on KSRTC buses. As a result, girl students do not require a separate application for routine bus travel benefits under that scheme. This new free bus pass facility announced by the Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will be applicable only to male students, and they will have to mandatorily apply and obtain a pass.

The newly announced KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students initiative is aimed at supporting student travel to educational institutions. Eligible students must apply and obtain the pass through the official process. Students who have already paid for bus passes are expected to receive refunds within 15 days, as per departmental directions. For this, the government has released a total of Rs. 86,86,25,000 crore. Funds have also been released to transport corporations for implementation of the scheme.

How to apply for Karnataka Free Bus Pass for Students?

Applications must be submitted through the Seva Sindhu Portal.

Step-by-Step to obtain KSRTC Free Bus Pass are:

• Register or log in to Seva Sindhu
• Select KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students application
• Fill personal and academic details
• Upload required documents
• Submit institution-verified declaration form
• Select KSRTC pass issuing counter
• Submit application online
• Wait for SMS confirmation
• Collect pass from selected KSRTC counter

Note: Students can apply by logging into the 'Seva Sindhu' portal through their mobile, any cyber center, Bangalore One, Karnataka One or Nadakacheri. The following documents are mandatory for applying:

Documents required for Karnataka Free Bus Pass for Students

Aadhaar card
Student ID card
Passport-size photograph
Institution registration details (SATS/UUCMS if applicable)
Bonafide certificate (if required)
Residential address proof
Travel route details
Mobile number
Institution-signed declaration form

KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students issuing system

KSRTC has established 123 issuing counters across Karnataka for the academic year 2026-27. After verification, students will receive an SMS notification to collect their pass from the selected centre.

Who can Apply for Karnataka Free Bus Pass

Who can apply under KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students

• School students
• College students
• Diploma and ITI students
• Professional course students
• University students
• Postgraduate students
• PhD and evening college students
• Students studying in recognised institutions

Benefits of KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students

Free or subsidised travel between home and educational institutions
Reduced annual transportation expenses
Financial relief for rural and low-income families
Access to KSRTC-operated bus services across Karnataka
Expected savings under KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students

Students may save between ₹150 and ₹1,550 per academic year, depending on course type and travel distance.

How is the Karnataka Free Bus Pass for students issued?

After students apply online, the respective applications are verified by officials from the pass departments of BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC. If the details of the student's school or college are found to be correct, the application is approved. Once approved, an SMS will be sent to the student's registered mobile number, after which the pass can be collected from the designated counters.

Students can obtain physical Karnataka Free Bus Pass passes at six major TTMC centres in Bengaluru, including Majestic, Kengeri, Shanthinagar, Electronic City, Hoskote, and Anekal, as well as at all major KSRTC bus stations across the state.