AIS-140 GPS vs Basic GPS for School Buses

Last checked: 3 October 2026. Our own product, so read with that in mind. My School Ride is a product of Satcop India Pvt. Ltd, the company behind this website. We show where each fact comes from. How we compare

Quick answer

If your school bus runs in Maharashtra, the official Gazette of 16 July 2026 says every school bus, education institution bus and school van must install a tracking device (VLTD) with a panic button that meets specifications not inferior to AIS-140 (rule 10(xxix)(a)). A GPS tracker that does not meet AIS-140 specifications does not meet that clause. Other states may have different orders, so check yours.

What is AIS-140?

AIS-140 is an Indian standard for vehicle location tracking (VLT) devices and their emergency buttons. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) used it when it made these devices compulsory for public service vehicles. Under the national system:

• A VLT device with emergency buttons sends the vehicle's location and alerts to a monitoring system.
• When someone presses the emergency button, the alert goes to the state's emergency response system.
• The device maker uploads each device's details to the national VAHAN database. Testing agencies also record the device's certification there.
• Device makers must get their devices tested again for conformity of production every year after the first certification.

(Sources: PIB release of 31 Oct 2018; Parivahan VLT page. See the list below.)

What do we mean by "basic GPS"?

In this guide, a basic GPS tracker means a tracker that shows where a vehicle is, but is not built and tested to AIS-140. Many such trackers are sold in India. We do not say they are bad. We say they may not meet the Maharashtra school bus rule.

What the Maharashtra school bus rule says about devices

The Gazette amends the 2011 school bus rules. In simple words:

• Rule 10(xxix)(a): every school bus, education institution bus and school van must install a VLTD with a panic button, conforming to specifications not inferior to AIS-140.
• Rule 10A(2): the Digital Safety Monitoring System must meet standards not inferior to AIS-004 and AIS-140. It must include the tracking device, integration with the State-level monitoring platform, CCTV or video surveillance, and an app for live tracking and attendance.
• Rule 11C: vehicles must comply within three months from Gazette publication (16 July 2026). Otherwise the permit is liable to suspension or cancellation.

Side-by-side: what to check

What published prices look like

Prices for AIS-140 devices are set in different ways in different states, and they do not all include the same things. These are figures other governments or news reports have published. They are not Maharashtra prices and they are not prices from My School Ride or Satcop. Always ask for a written quote.

The two government figures are not like for like. One includes GST and the other does not. One includes e-SIM subscription and the other says only "charges". That is why you should ask what a quote includes. Maharashtra's own SOP says the price of a device sold under its enlisting scheme must include the device, the panic button, warranty, a two-year e-SIM subscription, value-added services and installation. We did not find a Maharashtra price list.

How to check a device before you buy

Ask the seller for these in writing:

• The model name and the test details for the device. Ask which agency tested it.
• Whether the model is on Maharashtra's list of onboarded VLTD manufacturers, and ask your RTO if you must buy from that list.
• Whether the panic button is included, and how many.
• How long the e-SIM or data subscription lasts, and what you pay after it ends.
• Whether installation, warranty and GST are in the price.
• Whether the system can link to the State-level monitoring platform, and whether it includes a parent app and CCTV feed as the Gazette asks.

Where My School Ride fits

My School Ride is a school bus tracking system with a parent app. It is a product of Satcop India Pvt. Ltd, which designs and manufactures tracking hardware in India (satcop.com/faq/).

• A GPS device on the bus sends location about every 5 seconds to a live map for parents and the school (satcop.com school bus page).
• Satcop's AIS-140 device page says: "Designed to meet AIS 140 standards as laid down by ARAI, physically tested by ICAT for 60 days — with GPS, GLONASS, and IRNSS (GAGAN) support." We use the site's words exactly.
• Optional 4G cameras, RFID attendance and a driver app with an SOS alert are available (satcop.com school bus page). We do not say whether these meet the rule's CCTV and attendance points; check each point with the RTO.

Price: Ask for a quote.

Frequently asked questions

What is AIS-140?

AIS-140 is an Indian standard for vehicle location tracking devices and emergency buttons. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways used it when it made these devices compulsory for public service vehicles. Under the national system, the emergency alert goes to the state's emergency response system.

Is an AIS-140 device mandatory for school buses in Maharashtra?

Yes. The official Gazette of 16 July 2026 says every school bus, education institution bus and school van must install a VLTD with a panic button, conforming to specifications not inferior to AIS-140. Vehicles must comply within three months from Gazette publication (16 July 2026). After that, the permit is liable to suspension or cancellation.

Is a basic GPS tracker enough for a school bus in Maharashtra?

Not if it does not conform to AIS-140 specifications, because the rule asks for a device that does. The Gazette also asks for a panic button, CCTV or video surveillance, State-level platform integration and an app. Rules in other states may be different, so check your state's order.

How do I check that a device is AIS-140?

Ask the seller for the model name and the test details, and ask which agency tested it. Also ask your RTO whether your model must be on Maharashtra's list of onboarded VLTD manufacturers.

Do school buses need CCTV and a parent app as well?

Yes. The Gazette says the Digital Safety Monitoring System must include CCTV or video surveillance and a mobile or web app giving live tracking, digital attendance and alerts. A feed of CCTV footage must be available to parents through the app. The Gazette text sets the storage rules; we do not repeat them here.

See it for your buses

Tell us your city and how many buses you run. We will show you live tracking, the parent app and the camera and attendance options. Book a free school demo · Chat with us on WhatsApp

Sources