Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About KSRTC Kerala Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

KSRTC is a state-owned statutory corporation established under the Road Transport Corporations Act of 1950. It operates across three major zones—South, Central, and North—with its nerve center in Thiruvananthapuram.³ The corporation manages a massive fleet of over 5,000 buses, including the premium 'Garuda', 'Super Deluxe', and 'Electric' variants, transporting millions of commuters daily.⁴

In recent years, the corporation has introduced KSRTC-SWIFT, a specialized wing designed to operate long-distance and high-tech buses.⁵ This move has created a dual-recruitment ecosystem: traditional permanent roles through the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) and performance-linked contractual roles through the Centre for Management Development (CMD). This strategic shift ensures KSRTC remains a major employer while modernizing its operational efficiency across the state's 90+ depots.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Driver-cum-Conductor: A newly standardized hybrid cadre for long-distance services.⁶ Candidates operate the vehicle and manage ticketing alternately, particularly in services exceeding 8 hours.⁷
• Mechanical Staff (Mechanic/Assistant Depot Engineer): The technical backbone responsible for the maintenance of the diverse fleet. Roles range from ITI-qualified mechanics to B.Tech-qualified engineers.
• Store Keeper / Clerk: Administrative positions that manage the complex logistics of fuel, spare parts, and revenue accounting across various units.
• Women Driver-cum-Conductor: A significant inclusive initiative under SWIFT, offering dedicated opportunities for women with LMV/HMV licenses to join the commercial transport sector.⁸

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

KSRTC follows the revised 11th Pay Revision scales for regular employees, while contractual staff are paid on a consolidated or daily wage basis.⁹

• Regular Driver/Conductor: Minimum basic starts at ₹23,000, with a master scale reaching up to ₹1,05,300 based on seniority.¹⁰
• Contractual SWIFT Staff: Typically paid ₹715 per day (8-hour shift) with overtime allowances of approx.¹¹ ₹130 per hour.¹²+1
• Executive Engineer (Contract): Consolidated monthly pay of approximately ₹60,000.

Standard Perks include:

• Allowances: Regular employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (minimum ₹1,200), and special duty allowances for long trips.¹³
• Welfare: Extended maternity leave (up to 1 year) for women employees with a monthly allowance.¹⁴
• Retirement: Pension benefits for permanent staff and DCRG (Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity) up to ₹10 Lakhs.¹⁵

🎯 Selection Process

The selection process depends on the nature of the vacancy:

1. Kerala PSC (Permanent): Involves a state-wide competitive written examination (OMR), followed by a practical driving test (for drivers) and physical verification.
2. CMD/SWIFT (Contractual): Applications are screened by the Centre for Management Development. Shortlisted candidates undergo a Written Test, Driving/Skill Test, and a personal interview.¹⁶
3. Physical Standards: Drivers must meet specific height requirements (typically 165 cm for men and 152 cm for women) and possess a valid HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle) license with the required years of experience.¹⁷

💡 Expert Tips: "How to Crack KSRTC Exams"

• License Upgradation: If you hold an LMV license, apply for the SWIFT trainee programs that allow you to upgrade to an HMV license within a two-year window while on the job.¹⁸
• Focus on PSC Basics: For permanent roles, the KPSC exams focus heavily on General Knowledge, Malayalam language proficiency, and basic arithmetic.
• Safety & Conduct: During interviews, emphasize passenger safety and fuel efficiency (KMPL), as these are the primary metrics used for performance appraisal in KSRTC.