Bengaluru: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has announced that online applications for concessional student bus passes for the 2026-27 academic year will open from May 29 through the Seva Sindhu platform.
The corporation said the entire student pass distribution process has now been fully computerised in line with government directives, making applications and approvals more streamlined for students across Karnataka.
Students from multiple courses eligible
According to KSRTC, students studying in primary schools, high schools, pre-university colleges, diploma institutions, ITIs, professional courses and PhD programmes are eligible to apply for the concessional bus passes online free of cost.
Eligible students can submit applications directly through the Seva Sindhu portal without paying any application fee. However, those seeking assistance can also apply through Karnataka-One, Grama-One and Bangalore-One centres by paying a service charge of Rs 30.
The initiative is expected to simplify the application process and reduce the need for students to visit transport offices physically.
Computerised system aims to improve efficiency
KSRTC stated that the student bus pass issuance system has been fully digitised to improve transparency and speed up approvals.
As part of the application process, students will be required to download and submit a declaration form while applying online. Applicants must also select their preferred bus pass collection counter during submission.
Once the application is verified and approved, students will receive an SMS notification on their registered mobile number informing them about the designated collection centre and further instructions.
Officials said the new system is intended to minimise delays and streamline distribution before the new academic year begins.
Pass distribution to begin from June 1
The corporation said physical distribution of student bus passes will commence from June 1.
Passes will be issued through designated counters located at KSRTC bus stands as well as Karnataka-One and Grama-One centres across the state.
Students have been advised to complete their applications early to avoid last-minute rush and delays during the reopening of educational institutions.
Shakti scheme benefits to continue
KSRTC clarified that girl students and transgender persons residing in Karnataka will continue to receive free travel benefits under the Shakti scheme introduced by the state government.
However, the corporation noted that students travelling between Karnataka and neighbouring states for educational purposes will still need to apply separately for concessional student bus passes.
Officials said the concession system remains necessary for interstate travel routes that are not covered under the Shakti scheme provisions.
Importance of student transport support
Student bus passes remain one of the most widely used welfare initiatives in Karnataka, especially for students from rural and semi-urban areas who depend on public transport to reach educational institutions daily.
Transport experts say the digitisation of the pass issuance process could help reduce administrative bottlenecks and improve accessibility for lakhs of students every year.
The move is also expected to reduce paperwork and make tracking and renewal of passes more efficient through integrated digital systems.
Conclusion
With online applications opening from May 29 and pass distribution beginning from June 1, KSRTC aims to ensure smoother and faster access to concessional travel facilities for students across Karnataka during the 2026-27 academic year.