Karnataka Approves Free Bus Passes for All School and College Students Across State
Bengaluru, June 11: In a major relief for students and their families, the Karnataka Government has approved the distribution of free bus passes to all school and college students studying in the state, extending the benefit across all four state-run transport corporations.
The Transport Department issued the order following the approval of the State Cabinet, paving the way for lakhs of students to travel free of cost on buses operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
The decision is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on students and parents while promoting access to education through affordable public transportation.
Cabinet Approval for Free Student Travel
The government order states that the State Cabinet had earlier granted in-principle approval to extend free bus pass facilities to all students studying in schools and colleges across Karnataka.
Until now, student bus passes were being issued at subsidised rates through the Seva Sindhu portal. Under the existing arrangement, the cost of student passes was shared among the government, transport corporations and beneficiaries.
Officials explained that under the previous system, around 50 per cent of the cost was borne by the government, 25 per cent by transport corporations and the remaining 25 per cent by students.
With the latest decision, students will no longer have to bear the cost of obtaining bus passes.
Government to Bear Additional Financial Burden
According to estimates submitted by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, the implementation of the free bus pass scheme for all general-category students is expected to cost the government approximately ₹286.08 crore annually.
In addition, the government will bear the processing fee of ₹100 per pass and accident relief fund charges of ₹50 per pass, resulting in an estimated additional expenditure of around ₹15 crore.
The government has directed that these expenses be reimbursed to the four state transport corporations to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.
Refund for Students Who Already Purchased Passes
The order also provides relief to students who have already obtained bus passes for the academic year.
Officials said that between May 30, 2026 and June 9, 2026, the four transport corporations issued 19,792 student passes at concessional rates.
The government has now directed that the amount paid by these students be refunded once the free bus pass system is fully implemented.
Online Applications Through Seva Sindhu
Students will be able to apply for the free bus passes through the Seva Sindhu portal.
Applications can be submitted online from schools, colleges or any location with internet access, making the process accessible and convenient for students across the state.
Existing Eligibility Rules to Continue
While bus travel will be free, the existing rules governing student pass eligibility will remain unchanged.
The transport corporations will continue to follow current norms relating to:
- Educational eligibility requirements
- Distance criteria
- Duration and validity of bus passes
- Other operational guidelines applicable to student passes
Existing Passes Remain Valid
The government has clarified that student bus passes already issued will continue to remain valid.
However, students who have paid for those passes will receive refunds as per the government’s directions.
Benefit Extended to Border Area Students
In another significant provision, the free bus pass scheme will also cover:
- Students residing in Karnataka but studying in educational institutions located in neighbouring states.
- Students residing in neighbouring states, particularly border areas, but studying in educational institutions within Karnataka.
This measure is expected to benefit thousands of students living along Karnataka’s interstate borders.
Refunds to Be Completed Within 15 Days
The Transport Department has directed that the full amount collected from students for paid passes must be refunded within 15 days of the implementation of the free bus pass scheme.
The order has been issued in the name of the Governor of Karnataka and comes into immediate effect.
The decision is being viewed as a major student welfare initiative that will improve educational access, reduce transportation costs for families and encourage greater use of public transport among young commuters.
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