BMTC student bus pass 2026–27 is free: how to get yours

The news

Free, from school to PG

Since 12 June 2026, student bus passes are free across Karnataka for the 2026–27 year: on BMTC buses in Bengaluru, and on KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC buses around the state. It covers everyone from school up to postgraduate study, and the government also pays the ₹100 processing charge and ₹50 accident relief fee that came with each pass.

Already paid for this year’s pass? It stays valid, and you get the money back. The government said refunds would be made within 15 days.

• Cost: Free for 2026–27
• Who: Students from school to postgraduate level; also Karnataka residents studying in neighbouring states, and border-area students from those states studying here
• Buses: BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC
• Apply: Seva Sindhu portal, or a Bangalore One or cyber centre
• Rules: The same as before for courses, distance limit and validity

Step by step

How to get yours

1. Apply on the Seva Sindhu portal, or at a Bangalore One centre. Keep your Aadhaar, this year’s admission or fee receipt and two passport-size photos ready.
2. Get the application signed and sealed by the head of your college, usually the principal.
3. BMTC’s pass section checks it and sends an SMS to your phone once it’s approved.
4. Collect the pass at a BMTC counter: the Majestic, Kengeri, Shanthinagar, Electronic City, Hoskote or Anekal bus stations.

The catch for boys

For male students, the free pass covers the trip between home and college. Unlike women under the Shakti scheme, you can’t use it for rides anywhere else.

Women: Shakti may already cover you

Women who live in Karnataka already ride ordinary BMTC buses free under the Shakti scheme, by showing Aadhaar or another ID. Shakti doesn’t cover AC buses like Vajra and Vayu Vajra. Smart cards for Shakti are being planned, starting with BMTC.

AC buses

We couldn’t confirm whether the free student pass works on AC Vajra buses. BMTC has sold a separate Vajra student pass before, so ask at the counter before you count on it.

Questions about your pass: BMTC helpline 080-22483777.