The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced that free student bus passes will be issued to eligible students across Karnataka for the 2026-27 academic year, following a state government directive extending the benefit to students travelling on buses operated by the state’s four transport corporations.

In an official communication, KSRTC said the issuance of free bus passes through the Karnataka government’s SevaSindhu portal began on May 29, 2026. The facility covers students travelling on services operated by KSRTC, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Northwest Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar previously said the state government’s decision to provide free bus passes to students reflects its commitment to supporting education and reducing the financial burden on families. He stated that ensuring affordable and accessible transportation would help students commute safely to schools and colleges, particularly those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, and contribute to improving access to education across Karnataka.

According to KSRTC, free bus passes will be issued to all eligible students from June 12, 2026. The corporation clarified that existing guidelines governing student bus passes, including eligibility criteria, distance limits and validity periods, will continue to remain in force.

Students can apply online through the state government’s SevaSindhu portal from any location, including their educational institutions, KSRTC said.

The corporation also stated that details of its 123 student pass issuing counters are available on the KSRTC website for the convenience of applicants.

KSRTC noted that student bus passes already issued for the current academic year will remain valid. However, students who have already paid for their passes will receive refunds. The corporation said the entire fee collected for passes issued for the 2026-27 academic year will be refunded within 15 days, with detailed refund guidelines to be issued separately.

The free pass scheme will also benefit students residing in Karnataka and studying in educational institutions located in neighbouring states, as well as students from border areas of neighbouring states who are enrolled in institutions within Karnataka, according to KSRTC.

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