1. Introduction
The Student Bus Pass Application in Karnataka is a highly beneficial government initiative aimed at providing affordable transportation for school and college students. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) manage this service.
Every academic year, lakhs of students from across the state apply for subsidized or free bus passes to ease their daily travel to and from educational institutions. This initiative is not only cost-effective but also helps reduce dropout rates, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
2. Purpose of the Student Bus Pass
The student bus pass scheme was launched with the following goals:
- Reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
- Promote access to education by offering easy transportation.
- Encourage punctuality and regularity in attending classes.
- Improve safety and security for school-going children.
- Support the government’s mission of universal education.
3. Types of Student Bus Passes in Karnataka
There are various types of passes offered depending on location, institution, and type of course:
BMTC Pass Types (Bangalore):
- Primary School Student Pass (1st to 5th Standard)
- High School Student Pass (6th to 10th Standard)
- PUC Student Pass (11th and 12th)
- Degree/Professional/Technical Course Student Pass
- Special category passes (e.g., for disabled students)
KSRTC Pass Types (Rest of Karnataka):
- Rural Area School Student Pass
- Urban Area School Student Pass
- College/PUC/Technical/Professional Students
- Monthly and yearly pass options
4. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Karnataka Student Bus Pass:
- The applicant must be a bonafide student of a recognized school/college.
- He/she must be residing in Karnataka.
- The institution must be within a specified distance (generally up to 60 km for KSRTC).
- For BMTC, the pass is valid within city limits of Bengaluru.
- Students must fall within the age limit criteria (varies with level of education).
5. Documents Required
Applicants are required to upload or submit the following documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Student ID card issued by the institution
- Address proof (Aadhaar/utility bill/ration card)
- Bonafide certificate from the school/college
- Previous year’s marks card (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if claiming special concession)
6. How to Apply for a Student Bus Pass – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit the official website of KSRTC or BMTC
Step 2: Choose the “Student Pass” section
Step 3: Fill out the online application form
Step 4: Upload required documents
Step 5: Pay application/processing fee (if any)
Step 6: Submit the form
Step 7: Visit the pass collection center or school nodal officer for biometric verification and collection
7. Online Application Procedure
The Karnataka Government has digitized the entire process:
For BMTC Students:
- Website: https://mybmtc.karnataka.gov.in
- Student login with Aadhaar/OTP
- Auto-fetching of data from SSLC database
- Online payment via UPI/Net Banking
For KSRTC Students:
- Website: https://ksrtc.in
- Register account with Aadhaar
- Enter school/college code
- Upload photo and documents
- Pay fees and download acknowledgement
8. Offline Application Procedure
While online is preferred, offline is available in certain areas:
- Collect form from depot or school office
- Fill details and attach documents
- Get principal’s signature and seal
- Submit at the local bus depot or mobile center
- Collect pass after verification
9. Bus Pass Validity and Renewal
- Validity: One academic year (typically from June to May)
- Must be renewed every year with updated school bonafide certificate
- Renewal can be done online or at depots
- Biometric authentication is mandatory in most cases
10. Fee Structure and Concessions
BMTC and KSRTC offer subsidized pricing:
| Student Category | Approx. Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary School | ₹100 – ₹200 |
| High School | ₹250 – ₹400 |
| PU/Degree | ₹500 – ₹800 |
| Professional | ₹900 – ₹1200 |
| Disabled Students | FREE |
Fees may differ slightly by zone and pass type.
11. Student Bus Pass for BMTC (Bangalore)
BMTC serves students within the Bangalore Metropolitan Area:
- Color-coded passes based on institution type
- Passes valid only for ordinary BMTC buses (not AC Volvo)
- Must carry school ID when traveling
- Biometric registration at centers like Shivajinagar, Majestic, etc.
12. Student Bus Pass for KSRTC (Rest of Karnataka)
KSRTC covers rural and urban students in the rest of Karnataka:
- Passes for routes up to 60 km from residence to school
- Available at taluk-level depots
- Facility to choose one onward and one return trip
- Valid only for specific routes
13. Special Bus Passes for Disabled and Economically Weaker Students
The government offers 100% fee waivers for:
- Physically handicapped students
- SC/ST and EWS categories (upon proper certification)
- Valid ID and income/disability proof required
- Special nodal centers assist with processing these cases
14. Important Dates and Deadlines
- Application Start Date: Usually in June every year
- Last Date for New Applications: August-September
- Renewal Deadline: Before end of August
- Distribution of Passes: Within 15–30 days of application
Dates may vary by district; always check local announcements.
15. Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Uploading unclear or mismatched documents
- Not renewing Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Incorrect school/college name selection
- Forgetting principal’s seal/signature on bonafide certificate
- Delay in payment or submission
16. How to Track Application Status
For BMTC:
- Login to https://mybmtc.karnataka.gov.in
- Click “Track Your Application”
For KSRTC:
- Go to https://ksrtc.in
- Use application ID and date of birth to track
17. How to Download/Print the Pass
- After approval, students receive SMS/Email with download link
- Take a printout and laminate it (KSRTC)
- For BMTC, you must collect a physical pass with biometric photo
18. Lost Bus Pass – What to Do?
If you lose your student pass:
- Visit the nearest bus depot
- File a complaint (or give a written request)
- Pay reissue fee (₹50–₹100)
- Provide Aadhaar and school ID for verification
- Receive a duplicate within a few days
19. Mobile App for Student Bus Pass Services
The Seva Sindhu App and other official transport apps provide:
- Application status tracking
- Notifications about deadlines
- Customer care contact
- Access to e-documents (in future updates)
20. Helpline Numbers and Contact Information
BMTC:
- Helpline: 080-22483777 / 080-49596666
- Email: [email protected]
KSRTC:
- Helpline: 080-26252625
- Email: [email protected]
Visit local depots or Seva Sindhu centers for in-person help.
21. Impact of Student Bus Pass on Education
This scheme has had a tremendous impact:
- Reduced dropout rates in rural Karnataka
- Encouraged girl child education
- Helped students travel to colleges in distant towns
- Improved academic punctuality
22. Government Initiatives and Support
- Integration with Seva Sindhu platform
- Subsidies up to 80–100% for disadvantaged groups
- Annual budget allocation by state government
- Proposal for free travel for all girls till PUC level
23. Feedback from Students and Parents
- “This pass helped us save over ₹5,000 per year,” says a parent in Mandya.
- “BMTC buses now feel safer and reliable,” reports a college student in Bengaluru.
- Suggestions include adding smartcards and AC bus access in the future.
24. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I apply without Aadhaar?
A: No, Aadhaar is mandatory.
Q: Is there an age limit for college student passes?
A: Yes, usually up to 25 years for regular courses.
Q: Can I change my route later?
A: Only through re-application or at depot with valid reason.
Q: What if my college is not listed?
A: Contact your principal or local KSRTC/BMTC office.
25. Conclusion
The Student Bus Pass Application in Karnataka is a powerful tool that ensures students’ right to education is supported through safe and affordable transport. By simplifying the application process and expanding eligibility, the state is taking a crucial step toward a more educated and empowered society. Every student eligible should make use of this facility and help build a more mobile, connected, and educated Karnataka.
