Free KSRTC Driving Training 2026: Golden Job Opportunity for Youth!
KSRTC Free Driving Training 2026:
Are you a young job seeker in Karnataka looking for a stable career in the transport sector? The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), in partnership with the Directorate of Minorities, has just announced a life-changing opportunity.
This new initiative offers free Light and Heavy Vehicle Driving Training specifically for unemployed youth from minority communities. With the logistics and transport industry booming in 2026, this program doesn’t just offer a skill—it offers a guaranteed path to self-employment.
In this article, you will learn about the eligibility criteria, the list of training centers, and the simple step-by-step process to get your license for free.
1. What is the Update?
The KSRTC has launched a fully funded professional driving program. Unlike private driving schools that charge heavy fees, this government-backed initiative covers everything.
The program aims to mirror the success of the PM-AJAY scheme, which recently trained 500 SC candidates. Now, the focus has shifted to empowering the minority youth of Karnataka by turning them into professional drivers.
2. Who Will Benefit?
This scheme is designed for the youth of Karnataka who want to enter the transport workforce but lack the funds for formal training.
Specifically, candidates from the following minority communities are eligible:
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Muslim
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Christian
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Sikh
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Jain
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Buddhist
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Parsi
3. Key Highlights
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Zero Cost: Entire training and licensing fee is waived.
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Free Facilities: Includes free food and accommodation during the course.
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Professional Certification: Training is conducted by expert KSRTC instructors.
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DL Assistance: Free assistance in obtaining a permanent Driving License (DL) from the RTO.
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Duration: One month of intensive residential training.
4. Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the benefits reach the right people, the government has set the following requirements:
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Age: Must be between 18 and 45 years.
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Education: Minimum 10th Standard (SSLC) pass.
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Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
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Community: Must belong to one of the notified minority groups.
5. Important Dates
Mark your calendars to ensure you don’t miss out:
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Application Start Date: February 25, 2026
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Training Start Date: March 23, 2026
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Training Duration: 30 Days (One Month)
6. Step-by-Step Process to Apply
You can apply for this KSRTC Free Driving Training through two methods:
Method 1: Online Application
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Visit the official portal:
ksrtcjobs.karnataka.gov.in. -
Look for the “Minority Driving Training 2026” link.
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Fill in your personal and educational details.
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Upload the required documents and submit.
Method 2: Offline/Direct Registration
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Visit your nearest KSRTC Training Center (addresses listed below).
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Collect the application form from the office.
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Submit the filled form along with photocopies of your documents.
7. Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before applying:
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SSLC Marks Card (for age and education proof)
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Aadhaar Card
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Caste/Minority Certificate
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Income Certificate
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Recent Passport-size photographs
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Valid Learner’s License (if already held)
8. Training Centers and Contact Numbers
If you have doubts, you can directly call the training coordinators:
| Location | Contact Numbers |
| Malur | 7760990133 / 7019637406 |
| Chikmagalur | 9902863142 / 7349103222 |
| Malavalli | 7760990277 / 7619343405 |
| Hassan | 8904045818 / 9686684655 |
| Holelkere | 7019072560 / 9740027655 |
9. Important Government Instructions
KSRTC Managing Director, Akram Pasha (B.A.S.), has emphasized that candidates from rural and poor backgrounds will be given priority.
The government has strictly instructed that the accommodation and food provided must meet quality standards. Candidates are expected to maintain 100% attendance during the 30-day period to qualify for the free DL.
10. Expert Advice for Applicants
If you are planning to join, focus on the “Heavy Vehicle” segment. There is currently a massive shortage of skilled heavy-duty drivers in the e-commerce and logistics sectors in Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Completing this course makes you eligible for high-paying jobs in private logistics firms or even future recruitment in KSRTC itself.
11. Conclusion
The KSRTC Free Driving Training is a rare opportunity to get professional skills without spending a single rupee. It removes the financial barrier of food and lodging, making it perfect for rural youth. If you meet the criteria, apply before March 23 to secure your spot.
12. FAQs
Q1: Is there any application fee for this training? No, the application and the entire training program are completely free of cost.
Q2: Do I need to be a resident of Karnataka? Yes, this scheme is specifically for the youth residing in Karnataka.
Q3: Is the training only for heavy vehicles? The program covers both Light and Heavy Vehicle training depending on the candidate’s existing license status.
Q4: Will I get a job in KSRTC after training? While the training provides the skill and license, recruitment into KSRTC follows a separate official notification and selection process. However, this training makes you “job-ready” for the private sector.
Q5: What if I don’t have a 10th-grade certificate? Unfortunately, a 10th-standard pass is the minimum educational requirement for this specific government scheme.

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