School Bus Safety Rules India have been officially updated in 2025 under the directive of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Education. These rules are now being uniformly implemented across the country to ensure enhanced protection for school-going children. From bus design standards to driver background checks and real-time tracking, the new rules are strict, structured, and enforceable with heavy penalties.
The updated student transport guidelines come after a national review of rising road safety incidents involving school buses and vans. With direct involvement from state governments, education boards, and traffic police, schools are now obligated to follow these safety rules without exception. Failure to comply may result in vehicle seizure, de-recognition of the school, or legal action.
Key Highlights of the Updated School Bus Safety Rules
As part of the school bus safety overhaul, the 2025 guidelines focus on vehicle safety, child protection, and operational responsibility. These rules apply to all educational institutions operating transport services—whether government, private, or aided.
Key mandates under the School Bus Safety Rules India update include:
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Installation of CCTV cameras inside buses
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GPS tracking enabled with real-time monitoring for parents and school authorities
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School name and contact details printed on both sides of the bus
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Fire extinguisher and first-aid kit mandatory
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Female attendant or conductor required in all buses carrying female students
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Bus doors must be fitted with reliable auto-locking mechanisms
These standards are applicable to school vans and other private transport vehicles registered for student use.
Table: Mandatory Safety Features in School Buses – 2025
| Safety Feature | Required Standard |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes – real-time monitored by school & parent apps |
| CCTV Cameras | Minimum 2 – front and rear |
| First-Aid Kit | Updated and accessible |
| Female Attendant | Mandatory in all buses with girl students |
| School Details on Bus Body | Name, Address, Emergency Contact |
| Fire Extinguisher | Mounted and regularly checked |
Strict adherence to these India rules is being audited by district transport officers (DTOs) and school inspection teams on a monthly basis.
Driver, Attendant, and Operational Guidelines
The student transport guidelines also include detailed criteria for school bus drivers and attendants. Background verification, health certification, and conduct tracking have become mandatory.
New rules include:
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Driver must be above 25 years of age with a minimum of 5 years of commercial driving experience
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Police verification and drug/alcohol screening required annually
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No record of traffic violations or accidents in the last 2 years
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Attendants must be trained in child safety and basic first-aid
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Entry and exit to school campus only through approved gates
These checks ensure that transport personnel are fully accountable for student safety during transit.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Ministry has made it clear that schools failing to comply with the School Bus Safety Rules India will face swift action. States have been instructed to conduct surprise checks and coordinate with local police to maintain standards.
Enforcement measures include:
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₹10,000 to ₹25,000 fines per violation
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Seizure of vehicle and suspension of permit
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Cancellation of school’s transport license for repeated offences
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Naming and blacklisting of non-compliant vendors on public dashboards
Several private schools in Delhi, Chennai, and Lucknow have already received warnings for failing to install surveillance systems on their vehicles.
Why These Rules Matter for Parents and Schools
The updated school bus safety rules are not just a legal obligation—they’re a moral and social responsibility. With student safety at stake, schools now have structured protocols that help prevent accidents, abductions, and medical emergencies during school commutes.
Benefits of the updated rules:
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Safer and more accountable student transport system
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Increased trust between parents and school authorities
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Reduced cases of rash driving and driver misconduct
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Better visibility and control using digital monitoring tools
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Support for inclusive travel with gender-sensitive staffing
These India rules ensure that students, parents, and educators can focus on education without worrying about transportation risks.
FAQs
What are the new School Bus Safety Rules India 2025?
They are updated national guidelines requiring school buses to have CCTV, GPS tracking, trained staff, and medical preparedness to ensure student safety.
Are these rules applicable to private schools as well?
Yes, all government and private schools operating transport services must comply with these updated safety standards.
Is a female attendant mandatory in all school buses?
Yes, especially for buses transporting female students, a trained female attendant is now compulsory.
How will parents monitor their child’s location during commute?
Real-time GPS tracking apps provided by the school will allow parents to track the bus live.
Can a school face penalties for not complying?
Yes, non-compliance can lead to fines, bus seizure, and cancellation of the school’s transport license.
Are vans and smaller transport vehicles also included?
Yes, any vehicle registered or used for school student transport must follow these safety guidelines.
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