How to Get a Metro Smart Card & Student Discount in 10 Min

Commuting in Kolkata should never hinge on a queue for those tiny plastic tokens.

Here’s how I grabbed my Metro Smart Card at Netaji Bhawan station during a coffee break—and activated the student half-fare for my cousin the same afternoon.

Why You Want the Card

Token vs CardTokenSmart CardPurchase time2–5 min queue per rideOne-time, under 10 minPer-ride cost₹5–2510 % discount on every tripRe-loadN/AOnline, Metro counter, SBI kiosksStudent half-fare❌✅ (50 % off!)

Documents to Carry (Keep Photos on Your Phone)

1. Any ID – Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID
2. Student ID (for discount) – Original + photocopy
3. Passport photo – Only for student concession form
4. ⬆ UPI or ₹200 cash – Initial card cost + minimum balance

5-Step, 10-Minute Process

Location used: Customer Care Counter, Gate 2, Netaji Bhawan Metro

1. Ask for the “Smart Card Application Slip”

– In English or Bengali; tick General or Student.

2. Fill the slip while queuing

– Takes 1 minute; name, phone, ID number.
– For students: write institute name & attach photocopy.

3. Hand over ID & ₹150–₹250

– Card fee: ₹100 (non-refundable)
– Security deposit: ₹60 (refundable)
– Initial balance: ₹40 (minimum)

4. Receive card & test tap

Attendant scans it; gate opens—voilà!

5. (Student Only) Deposit at Station Control

– Controller verifies docs, toggles discount flag in system.
Activation time: Instant—next tap shows “STUD” on the gate display.

⏱ Total elapsed: 8–10 min off-peak, 12–15 min during rush hour.

Reload & Manage Online

1. Download Kolkata Metro Rail app (Android / iOS)
2. Register card number → recharge via UPI / cards (₹100–₹2 000)
3. Validate top-up at any Add-Value Machine inside station.

Pro-tip: SBI YONO kiosks at major stations auto-add value after payment—no second tap needed.

FAQs

Q: What if I lose the card?
A: File a “card-loss” form; balance gets transferred to a new card with ₹60 deposit.

Q: Can non-degree courses claim student fare?
A: Yes—AICTE/UGC-recognised diplomas ≥ 6 months are eligible.

Q: Does the discount work on the new East-West Green Line?
A: Works on all operational lines (Blue & Green) as of May 2025.

Off-beat Uses in Weekends

• “Metro food crawl”: Netaji Bhawan → Sealdah for Tibetan breakfast → Esplanade rolls → back home, all for under ₹30.
• Physics revision on wheels: My friend times spaced-repetition flashcards between stations—exact 90 sec intervals help memorisation.

Staying at Bina Pani?

Our reception keeps extra application slips and a stapler (because the station never has one!). Borrow, pre-fill, save 2 min.

Now step out, tap the gate, feel that AC breeze, and let Kolkata unravel—one station at a time.