“KSRTC Free Bus Pass for Students 2025: Eligibility, Online Application, Documents & Benefits”
The Government of Karnataka has launched a student-friendly initiative in 2025 to provide free KSRTC bus passes for school and college students across the state. This move ensures hassle-free and affordable transportation for students from rural and urban areas alike. With the rising cost of education and transportation, this scheme is a major relief for families and significantly improves access to quality education.
This detailed guide covers everything about the KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme 2025, including eligibility criteria, application process, documents required, benefits, how to check the status, and more.
- What Is the KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme?
- Key Benefits of the Scheme
- Who Is Eligible?
- Documents Required
- How to Apply Online for the KSRTC Student Pass
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Offline Application Process
- How to Check Application Status
- KSRTC Student Pass Validity and Renewal
- FAQs
- Important Links
1. What Is the KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme?
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), under the direction of the Karnataka Government, offers free travel passes to all eligible students studying in government-recognized schools, colleges, and universities. The aim is to promote uninterrupted education by removing the transportation cost barrier.
This scheme benefits lakhs of students, especially from rural regions who depend on KSRTC and BMTC buses to attend school or college.
2. Key Benefits of the Scheme
The free bus pass scheme offers several benefits:
- 100% free travel on KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC buses
- Valid for daily commuting from home to educational institution
- Applicable for both rural and urban students
- Online application portal for easy access
- Reduces dropout rates, especially in rural areas
- Promotes gender equality by supporting girl students
3. Who Is Eligible?
The scheme is open to all students who meet the following criteria:
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Karnataka
- Must be studying in a recognized educational institution
- Should be enrolled in Class 1 to Post-Graduation (PG)
- Must travel daily between home and institution
- Distance between home and institution must be within 60 km
❌ Not Eligible:
- Students with private transport facility from the institution
- Students not regularly attending classes
- Students studying in unrecognized institutions
4. Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card (Student & Parent)
- School/College ID card
- Bonafide Certificate from the institution
- Residential proof (Ration Card, Voter ID, or Utility Bill)
- Passport-size photograph
- Income Certificate (if required)
- Mobile number for OTP and updates
5. How to Apply Online for the KSRTC Student Pass
The application is available on the KSRTC Student Pass Portal for 2025. Students or parents can apply online without visiting any KSRTC office, making the process more transparent and accessible.
6. Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the student bus pass online:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the KSRTC Bus Pass Portal.
Step 2: Click on “Student Pass Application”
Select the “Student Pass” option under the services section.
Step 3: Register Using Mobile Number
- Enter your mobile number
- Verify with the OTP sent via SMS
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
- Enter student name, DOB, Aadhaar number
- Select institution name, address, and class
- Mention the daily travel route (home to school/college)
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
- Upload scanned copies of Aadhaar, photo, and bonafide certificate
Step 6: Submit the Application
- Review and confirm details
- Click “Submit” and note down your application ID
Step 7: Download Acknowledgement Slip
Keep the slip safe. It will be useful to check status and collect the pass.
7. Offline Application Process
If you face internet issues or prefer manual submission, use the offline method:
Offline Steps:
- Collect the application form from the nearest KSRTC bus depot
- Fill it in with accurate details
- Attach passport photo and required documents
- Get it signed by school/college head
- Submit to the KSRTC pass counter
Pass will be issued after document verification, usually within 10 working days.
8. How to Check Application Status
To track your application:
- Visit the official KSRTC website
- Go to “Track Student Pass Status”
- Enter your Application ID or Mobile Number
- View live status – Approved / Pending / Rejected
If the status shows “Approved”, visit the depot with your ID card to collect your physical pass.
9. KSRTC Student Pass Validity and Renewal
- The pass is valid for one academic year (June to March)
- For every new year, students must reapply
- Renewal process is similar to the fresh application, but quicker if Aadhaar is linked
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can college students apply for the free KSRTC pass?
Yes. UG, PG, and diploma students from recognized colleges can apply.
Q2: Is the pass valid on BMTC buses in Bangalore?
Yes. BMTC is part of the program and students in Bengaluru can travel for free.
Q3: What if my route is longer than 60 km?
Only routes up to 60 km are eligible. Longer-distance students may have to pay partial fares or use alternate schemes.
Q4: How many times can I use the pass daily?
The pass is valid for two trips per day (to and from school/college).
Q5: Is there a last date to apply for the 2025 pass?
Generally, the last date is within 45 days from academic reopening. Apply as early as possible.
Apply Links
- KSRTC Official Website
- Student Bus Pass Application Portal
- BMTC Bus Pass Page
- Karnataka Education Portal
The KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme 2025 is a powerful step toward ensuring affordable education access for every student in Karnataka. Whether you’re in a remote village or a city like Bengaluru, this pass makes daily travel worry-free and cost-effective.
By applying online or offline with the right documents, students can enjoy free and safe travel, helping them focus on their education. If you’re a student or a parent, make sure to take advantage of this scheme before the deadline.