Mumbai, May 14: The Rajasthan government has introduced a new digital format for its ‘Free Travel Scheme’ aimed at competitive exam candidates. Residents of Rajasthan preparing for government jobs can now travel for free on Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses, but they must adhere to new guidelines.
Recently, the Roadways department has made online registration mandatory to streamline the process. This article outlines how candidates can benefit from this facility and the correct registration procedure.
Previously, candidates could travel by simply showing their admit cards, but this led to issues such as overcrowding at bus stands and difficulties in data management. To address these problems, an OTP-based registration system is now being prioritized.
The objectives of this new system include:
- Organized Travel: The department will know in advance how many students will travel for each exam and on which routes.
- Transparency: Only eligible and genuine candidates will benefit from the scheme.
- Additional Buses: Based on the number of students, the Roadways will be able to operate extra buses more effectively.
Eligibility for Free Travel:
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Resident of Rajasthan: This facility is primarily for youth participating in exams held within the state.
- Valid Admit Card: Candidates must possess a valid admit card issued by the relevant recruitment board (e.g., RPSC, RSSB).
- Time Frame: The free travel facility is valid typically 48 hours before and after the exam.
Documents Required for Registration:
To avail of this facility, candidates need the following documents:
- Admit Card: A photocopy and the original copy.
- Aadhaar Card: For identity and address proof.
- Passport-sized Photo: If a bus pass is required.
- Active Mobile Number: For OTP verification.
Step-by-Step Online Registration Process:
Candidates are advised to complete their registration at least 36 to 48 hours before the exam. The process is as follows:
- Visit the Official Portal: Log in to the RSRTC official website.
- Special Link for Candidates: Click on ‘Competitive Examination Special’ or ‘Free Yatra Registration’ on the homepage.
- Enter Details: Fill in your name, roll number, exam name, and the district of the exam center.
- Upload Documents: Upload a scanned file of your admit card (PDF or JPEG).
- Verification: An OTP will be sent to your mobile, which you need to enter to submit your application.
- Receive Receipt: A digital slip will be generated post successful registration, which must be shown to the conductor during travel.
Important Considerations During Travel:
- Ordinary Buses Only: The free travel facility is available only on RSRTC’s ordinary and express buses. It is not valid for AC, luxury, or sleeper buses.
- Seat Availability: This facility is subject to seat availability. Candidates may have to stand if the buses are crowded.
- ID Proof: It is mandatory to show the original admit card along with a photo ID (like Aadhaar or voter ID) when boarding the bus.
The Rajasthan government is also considering issuing a ‘Special Exam Pass’ that students can obtain for multiple exams throughout the year, eliminating the need to queue repeatedly for each exam.
For more information, candidates can visit the official website.