Key Facts
The Karnataka government has expanded its free bus pass scheme to include students from the state who are studying in institutions outside Karnataka. Additionally, male students have been brought under the ambit of the scheme, which previously covered only girls. The announcement was made on Friday, June 12, 2026, along with detailed guidelines for implementation.
Details of the Scheme
Under the expanded scheme, students—both boys and girls—can travel free of cost on buses operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The existing eligibility criteria for student bus passes, including academic requirements, distance limits, and pass validity, will continue to apply.
Application Process
Students can apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal by submitting the necessary documents. Those who have already purchased bus passes can continue to use them for travel, and the government has assured that the amount paid will be refunded within 15 days. Currently, 19,792 students have bought passes by paying the prescribed fee and are set to receive reimbursements.
Coverage for Border Area Students
The scheme also covers students residing in Karnataka but studying in neighbouring states, as well as those living in border areas outside the state and pursuing education within Karnataka. This ensures that students from border regions are not left out.
Insurance and Processing Fee
Each student issued a free bus pass will be covered under accident insurance, with the government bearing a monthly premium of ₹5 per student. A processing fee of ₹100 per pass will also be paid by the government to the transport corporations.
Financial Implications
The state government estimates an annual expenditure of ₹286.08 crore for the scheme. The guidelines state that the government will reimburse this amount to the four transport corporations.
What Readers Should Know
- Students studying outside Karnataka are now eligible for free bus passes.
- Male students are included for the first time.
- Existing eligibility criteria remain unchanged.
- Apply online via Seva Sindhu portal.
- Refunds for already purchased passes within 15 days.
- Accident insurance coverage at ₹5 per student per month.
- Annual cost: ₹286.08 crore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Karnataka free bus pass scheme?
All students, both boys and girls, studying in Karnataka or outside the state, meeting existing eligibility criteria like academic requirements and distance limits, can apply.
How can students apply for the free bus pass?
Students can apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal by submitting the required documents.
Will students who already bought passes get a refund?
Yes, the government will refund the amount paid within 15 days. Currently, 19,792 students are set to receive reimbursements.
What is the estimated annual cost of the scheme?
The state government estimates an annual expenditure of ₹286.08 crore, which will be reimbursed to the four transport corporations.
Source: www.thehindu.com