- Free Bus Passes to all school and college students.
- Students are not required to pay any charges for the bus pass.
- MTCL Toll-Free Number: 149
- MTCL Customer Care Number: 9445030516
- MTCL Email Helpdesk: customercare.mtc@tn.gov.in
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Summary of the Scheme
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| Name of Scheme | Tamil Nadu Free Bus Pass Scheme for Students |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Benefits | Free bus travel facility for eligible school and college students in Tamil Nadu |
| Beneficiary | School and College Students of Tamil Nadu |
| Nodal Agency | Transport Department, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | through school or college |
Tamil Nadu Free Bus Pass Scheme for Students: Free Travel to School, College, ITI and Polytechnic
Bus fares add up for families, and they can keep students away from class. Tamil Nadu’s Free Bus Pass Scheme for Students lets eligible school and college students travel between home and their institution at no cost. The pass is free, and you apply through your school or college.
Timing matters. Passes are generally issued between 15 June and 30 November each year, and each pass is valid from 15 June to 30 April. Today is 8 November, so the issuing window closes in about three weeks. If you haven’t received your 2026-27 pass, ask your institution now.
What is the scheme?
It is a long-running welfare initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu, started in 2016, that makes sure transport costs don’t become a barrier to education. The Transport Department and the State Transport Corporations run it together with educational institutions. The state has continued it for the 2026-27 academic year.
Scheme at a glance
| Benefit | Free bus travel between home and your institution |
| Who can benefit | Students in Classes I to XII in Government-recognised schools, and in Government Arts and Science Colleges, Government Polytechnics and Government ITIs |
| Nodal agency | Transport Department, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Cost | Free; no charge for the pass |
| How to apply | Through your school or college |
| Toll-free | 149 |
What does the pass cover?
- Travel from your residence to your institution and back
- All days during the validity period
- Ordinary, Express and Deluxe services of the State Transport Corporations
- Not covered: AC services and Night Services
Who is eligible?
- Students in Classes I to XII in Government-recognised schools
- Students in Government Arts and Science Colleges
- Students in Government Polytechnics
- Students in Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- The institution must be in Tamil Nadu
Documents required
- Student identity card
- Bonafide certificate from your school or college
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card, if required
- Proof of residence
- Duly filled Student Bus Pass Application Form
How to apply
- Ask your school, college, ITI or polytechnic for the free bus pass application form. It may also be available from the Transport Corporation website.
- Fill in your name, class or course, residential address, institution details, and your nearest boarding and destination bus stops.
- Attach the documents and recent photographs as your institution prescribes.
- Your institution verifies your enrolment and certifies the application. It then forwards it to the Transport Department or the State Transport Corporation, along with student details in the prescribed digital format.
- Under the online pass system, Transport Corporation officials may visit your institution to take photographs and generate passes.
- The Corporation verifies the details and prepares the passes, which are printed and laminated.
- The passes are delivered to your institution, and you collect yours there.
Tips to avoid delays
- Enter your address in full: door number, street, locality, city and PIN code.
- Pick the nearest boarding stop to your home and the nearest stop to your institution.
- Submit clear photographs in the prescribed format.
- Check every detail before you submit.
- Collect your pass only through your institution.
Travelling before you get the pass
Carry valid proof of identity. School students are generally expected to travel in school uniform. College, polytechnic and ITI students should carry the student ID card issued by the institution. Conductors and transport officials may check these until your pass arrives, or whenever required.
Validity
| Applications processed | Generally 15 June to 30 November |
| Pass validity | 15 June to 30 April |
Related scheme
The Zero Ticket Bus Travel Scheme lets eligible women, transgender persons and persons with disabilities travel free on designated government buses.
Need help?
- Toll-free: 149
- Customer care: 9445030516
- Email: customercare.mtc@tn.gov.in
- Or contact your institution.
Frequently asked questions
Can college students apply?
Yes, if they study in a Government Arts and Science College, Government Polytechnic or Government ITI.
Which buses can I use?
Ordinary, Express and Deluxe services. AC and Night Services are excluded.
How do I get the pass?
Apply through your institution, and collect the finished pass from it.
What is the validity period?
15 June to 30 April.
Can I travel before my pass arrives?
Yes, with valid identity proof: uniform for school students, student ID card for others.