Let’s be honest—commuting to college or school can drain your pocket faster than a weekend outing. If you’re tired of hunting for loose change every morning, it’s time to grab a student bus pass. Whether you’re in the heart of Delhi, the tech hubs of Bangalore, or traveling across Karnataka, the 2026 process is surprisingly digital-friendly.
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Here is your “no-nonsense” guide to getting that pass and saving big.
City Spotlight: Where & How to Apply
| City/State | Primary Authority | Where to Apply | Cost (Approx.) |
| Delhi | DTC | dtcpass.delhi.gov.in | ₹100–₹150/month |
| Bangalore | BMTC | Seva Sindhu Portal | ₹150–₹1,830/year* |
| Karnataka | KSRTC | Seva Sindhu Portal | Varies by distance |
*Note: BMTC rates vary wildly—Primary students pay just ₹150, while Medical/Technical students may pay up to ₹1,830 for the full academic year.
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Step-by-Step: Getting Your Pass in 2026
1. The “Bonafide” Hurdle
Before you even touch a website, you need proof you’re actually a student.
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Offline: Get the specific application form from your college office and get it stamped/signed by the Principal.
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Online: Most portals now require you to upload a Bonafide Certificate or a scanned copy of your current year’s Fee Receipt.
2. The Digital Jump
In 2026, most cities have ditched the long queues.
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Head to your state’s transport portal (like Seva Sindhu for Karnataka).
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Register using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
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Upload a crisp, passport-sized photo (no selfies, or you’ll get rejected!).
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3. Verification & Approval
Once you hit submit, your application goes to your college’s “Nodal Officer” for a digital thumbs-up.
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Pro-Tip: If your pass is stuck at “Pending” for more than 3 days, visit your college admin office—they usually just need a nudge to approve it on their portal.
4. Collection: Digital or Physical?
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DTC (Delhi): You can often download an e-BusPass instantly once payment is done.
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BMTC (Bangalore): After approval, you’ll get an SMS. Head to the nearest Bangalore One or BMTC Depot to pick up your smart card.
Important “Must-Knows” for 2026
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The Shakti Scheme (Karnataka): If you’re a girl student in Karnataka, remember that travel in non-AC buses is free under the Shakti scheme. You might only need a pass for interstate routes or special services!
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SIM Binding: Make sure you use the phone number linked to your bank/Aadhaar, as many portals now use SIM verification to prevent fraud.
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Age Limits: Generally, you’re eligible up to age 25 for schools/colleges, but some states allow PG students up to age 35…
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Note: This guide currently covers select states. We are researching and documenting procedures for more regions, which will be added here shortly.
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