KSRTC-SWIFT Recruitment 2026: Female Bus Driver Jobs in Kerala

The KSRTC-SWIFT recruitment drive is a major initiative by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation to promote women’s participation in public transportation by recruiting female bus drivers for depots across Thiruvananthapuram district.

Open to women aged 20–45 (depending on license type), applicants must have at least a 10th standard qualification and a valid LMV or HMV license, with LMV holders required to upgrade to HMV within two years while meeting strict attendance and performance standards. Applications will be accepted online from February 8 to February 21, 2026, followed by a selection process including written exams.

Selected candidates will receive ₹715 per 8-hour shift with overtime pay, but must submit security deposits and bonds, adhere to professional conduct, ensure passenger safety, and follow KSRTC service guidelines. Overall, the program supports gender inclusivity, women’s economic empowerment, and safer, more professional public transport services in Kerala.

KSRTC-SWIFT Recruitment Drive: Opportunities for Female Bus Drivers in Kerala

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced a significant recruitment initiative through its KSRTC-SWIFT (Safe Women in Road Transport) program, opening positions for female bus drivers across bus depots in Thiruvananthapuram district.

This recruitment drive represents an important step toward gender inclusivity in public transportation and vocational opportunities for women in Kerala.

About the Recruitment Program

KSRTC-SWIFT is dedicated to promoting women’s participation in the commercial transportation sector. The program aims to hire dedicated, qualified female drivers who can operate vehicles with professionalism and ensure safe, courteous service to passengers across Thiruvananthapuram district. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to women’s economic empowerment and workforce diversification in the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in applying for this position must meet specific qualifications and requirements. The ideal candidate should possess a 10th standard pass certificate or equivalent qualification as the minimum educational requirement. Additionally, applicants must hold a valid Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) driving license or a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving license, depending on their experience and qualifications.

For candidates with only an LMV driving license, they must obtain an HMV license upgrade within two years of joining the organization. Age restrictions apply, with a minimum age of 20 years for entry-level positions. The maximum age varies based on vaccination status: candidates with only an LMV license can be up to 30 years old, while those with an HMV license can be up to 45 years of age.

Physical health requirements are also essential. Applicants must be in good health and medically fit to handle the rigorous demands of professional driving. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to work between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM as mandated for depot operations across the Thiruvananthapuram district.

Application Process and Important Dates

The recruitment process follows a systematic approach designed to identify the most qualified candidates. Applications will be accepted starting February 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM through an online portal accessible at www.cmd.kerala.gov.in. The application deadline is set for February 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

To apply, candidates must submit their applications online along with supporting documentation that verifies their educational qualifications, professional certifications, driving licenses, and relevant identity documents. The selection process involves multiple stages, beginning with written examinations conducted by constituted committee members familiar with the position requirements.

Financial and Service Obligations

Selected candidates must meet specific financial commitments and service obligations. Each candidate is required to submit an initial deposit of ₹200 through demand draft and a security bond of ₹30,000 to KSRTC-SWIFT upon appointment. This security bond is intended to ensure commitment and professional conduct during employment.

For candidates holding only an LMV license at the time of joining, there is a requirement to upgrade to an HMV license within two years. During the two-year period, candidates must maintain a minimum attendance of 16 days per month. Those who fail to meet this attendance threshold face termination from employment, along with potential forfeit of their security bond and official recoveries.

For candidates with LMV licenses, an additional bond of ₹30,000 is required to support their license upgrade process over the two-year service period. Monthly monitoring of attendance remains mandatory, with strict performance standards upheld throughout the employment tenure.

Performance Expectations and Job Requirements

Selected drivers are expected to maintain high standards of professional conduct and service excellence. They will be required to perform daily duties involving regular 8-hour shifts earning ₹715 per shift. Additional remuneration of ₹130 per hour is provided for work beyond the standard 8-hour shift.

The role demands exceptional driving skills, passenger safety consciousness, and commitment to maintaining vehicle maintenance schedules. Drivers must follow KSRTC-approved maintenance protocols, ensure timely safety inspections, and demonstrate courteous behavior with all passengers. They are responsible for maintaining vehicle cleanliness, ensuring punctual schedule adherence, and displaying professional conduct during all work hours.

Comprehensive Service Guidelines

The position comes with detailed service conditions designed to ensure passenger safety and professional standards. Drivers must maintain courteous relationships with passengers while ensuring optimal vehicle operations. Special attention is required for elderly passengers, children, persons with disabilities, and solo female travelers, who must receive appropriate care and assistance.

Safe driving practices are paramount, including maintaining appropriate speed, ensuring smooth acceleration and deceleration, and strictly adhering to traffic regulations. Drivers are expected to conduct vehicle inspections before starting shifts, immediately report any maintenance concerns to supervisors, and maintain detailed records of vehicle conditions.

Conclusion

This KSRTC-SWIFT recruitment initiative presents a valuable career opportunity for qualified women in Kerala seeking stable, rewarding employment in the public transportation sector. The comprehensive program combines professional training, competitive remuneration, and clear career progression pathways.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the February 21, 2026 deadline, as this represents an important opportunity to join Kerala’s growing movement toward inclusive, professional public transportation services.

FAQs

What is KSRTC-SWIFT?
KSRTC-SWIFT stands for Safe Women in Road Transport, a Kerala government initiative to promote women’s participation in public transport services.

Who can apply for KSRTC-SWIFT female driver recruitment?
Women candidates who meet the age, education, license, and medical fitness criteria can apply.

What is the post offered under this recruitment drive?
The post offered is Female Bus Driver.

Which district is this recruitment for?
This recruitment is specifically for bus depots in Thiruvananthapuram district.

What is the minimum educational qualification required?
Applicants must have passed SSLC / 10th standard or equivalent.

What type of driving license is required to apply?
Candidates must hold either a valid LMV or HMV driving license.

Can candidates with only an LMV license apply?
Yes, LMV license holders can apply, but they must upgrade to an HMV license within two years of joining.

What is the minimum age limit to apply?
The minimum age required is 20 years.

What is the maximum age limit for LMV license holders?
The maximum age for LMV license holders is 30 years.

What is the maximum age limit for HMV license holders?
The maximum age for HMV license holders is 45 years.

Is medical fitness mandatory for selection?
Yes, candidates must be medically fit to perform professional driving duties.

What are the working hours for the job?
Drivers must be willing to work between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM as per depot schedules.

What is the daily wage for selected drivers?
Selected drivers will earn ₹715 for an 8-hour shift.

Is overtime payment available?
Yes, overtime work is paid at ₹130 per hour.

Is there any security deposit required?
Yes, candidates must submit ₹200 as an initial deposit through demand draft.

Is a security bond required?
Yes, a security bond of ₹30,000 is mandatory for all selected candidates.

Is there an additional bond for LMV license holders?
Yes, LMV license holders must submit an additional ₹30,000 bond for license upgrading.

What is the minimum attendance requirement?
Candidates must maintain a minimum attendance of 16 days per month.

What happens if attendance requirements are not met?
Failure to meet attendance requirements can lead to termination and forfeiture of the security bond.

When does the online application process start?
The application process starts on February 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to submit the application is February 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Where can candidates apply online?
Applications must be submitted through www.cmd.kerala.gov.in.

Is offline application allowed?
No, applications are accepted only through the online mode.

What documents are required during application?
Applicants must upload proof of education, driving license, identity proof, and other relevant certificates.

What is the selection process for this recruitment?
The selection process includes a written examination conducted by a designated committee.

Is this job permanent?
The appointment is based on KSRTC-SWIFT service conditions and contractual obligations.

Are drivers required to follow specific service guidelines?
Yes, drivers must follow KSRTC safety, maintenance, and passenger service guidelines strictly.

What kind of passengers require special attention?
Elderly passengers, children, persons with disabilities, and solo female travelers require special care.

Are vehicle inspections part of daily duties?
Yes, drivers must conduct vehicle inspections before starting each shift.

Does this recruitment support women empowerment?
Yes, the initiative strongly supports women’s economic empowerment and workforce inclusion.

Can candidates from outside Thiruvananthapuram apply?
Yes, but selected candidates must be willing to work in Thiruvananthapuram district depots.

Is this a good career opportunity for women?
Yes, it offers stable income, professional growth, and participation in public service.