Are you planning to build, buy, or sell land in Karnataka? Confused about where to begin with your land survey process? You’re not alone. Navigating Karnataka’s land records and survey systems can seem complex, but it’s essential to avoid legal disputes, confirm property boundaries, and update government records.
This guide simplifies the entire land survey process—from understanding what a survey involves, to finding your land’s survey number, to applying online or offline—so you can take informed, confident steps to secure your land ownership rights.
What is a Land Survey and Why Is It Important?
A land survey is the process of accurately measuring and mapping the boundaries, dimensions, and ownership details of a land parcel. In Karnataka, especially in rapidly growing urban areas like Bangalore, land surveys are essential to establish legal ownership, support the property registration process, resolve disputes, and ensure that transactions or development occur with the right documentation.
Digitisation through platforms like Bhoomi and Dishaank has made accessing and managing land records in Karnataka easier, ensuring transparency and accessibility for landowners.
Who is a Land Surveyor in Karnataka?
A land surveyor is a trained and licensed professional responsible for:
- Measuring land accurately using GIS or GPS tools.
- Mapping and marking boundaries.
- Recording land dimensions and ownership details.
- Assisting in land-related legal procedures.
In Karnataka, surveyors are appointed either by the government through the Survey Settlement and Land Records (SSLR) department or work independently as licensed professionals. Government surveyors are usually preferred for updating official records, while private licensed surveyors may be used for initial verification or faster reports.
Surveyors play a critical role in:
- Subdividing large plots.
- Rectifying boundary issues.
- Creating revenue maps for the Taluk office.
- Supporting court cases with official measurements.
How to Find the Survey Number of Land in Karnataka
Every land parcel in Karnataka has a unique survey number used to identify it in official records. You can find the survey number in two easy ways:
Option 1: Through the Bhoomi Portal
- Go to https://landrecords.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on “View RTC and MR.”
- Select your district, taluk, hobli, and village
- Enter the owner’s name or property details
- The survey number will appear in the search result
Option 2: Through the Dishaank App
- Download the Dishaank app from the Google Play Store
- Use GPS to locate your property on the map
- Tap on the land parcel to view the survey number and land details
Documents Required to Apply for a Land Survey in Karnataka
Before applying, keep the following documents ready:
- RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops) – official proof of land ownership.
- Aadhaar card of the landowner – for identification.
- Khata certificate – confirms your land is registered in municipal or village records.
- Encumbrance certificate (EC) – shows the land is free from any legal or monetary encumbrances.
- Sale deed or gift deed – serves as the foundational ownership record.
- Previous land map or survey sketch – useful in re-survey or boundary clarification cases.
- Mutation Extract (MR) – reflects recent changes in ownership.
- Tax paid receipt (latest) – validates the land is not in arrears with local authorities.
- Form 9 and 11 Extracts – especially important for rural and Panchayat lands.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) – if the land has co-owners or is under any authority.
- Succession certificate or Legal heir certificate – required if the landowner is deceased.
- Application form printout – mandatory if applying through offline mode.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Land Survey in Karnataka
To apply for a land survey in Karnataka, you must:
- Be the rightful landowner or an authorised representative
- Possess valid documents proving ownership (RTC, Khata, etc.)
- Have your property registered in the government’s land record system
- Ensure the land is free from active legal disputes (recommended)
Applications can be made by individuals, legal heirs, developers, or power of attorney holders, depending on the case.
How to Apply for Land Survey in Karnataka (Offline & Online)
Whether you choose to apply online or offline, it’s important to follow the correct steps and ensure your documentation is in order. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods:
Follow these steps to apply online via the Bhoomi portal:
Apply Online via Bhoomi Portal – Step-by-Step
- Visit the Bhoomi Portal – Go to https://landrecords.karnataka.gov.in, the official land records website of Karnataka.
- Access Land Survey Services – Under the “Citizen Services” section, click on “Land Survey Services” and choose “Request for Survey.”
- Fill in Your Details – Complete the form with your name, contact information, district, taluk, hobli, village, and survey number.
- Upload Required Documents – Attach scanned copies of RTC, Aadhaar card, Khata certificate, EC, and other necessary documents in PDF format.
- Pay the Fee Online – Use UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking to pay the required application fee.
- Submit the Application – After completing all steps, submit the form and make sure to save the acknowledgement number.
- Track Application Status – You can use the acknowledgement number on the Bhoomi portal to check the status anytime.
- Surveyor Assignment & Site Visit – A government surveyor will be assigned to your application and will contact you for an on-site inspection.
- Final Survey Report – Once completed, the final map and report will be uploaded to Bhoomi and reflected in your land records.
The online method is faster, more transparent, and allows for real-time tracking.
Apply Offline at Taluk Office – Step-by-Step
If you’re unable to apply online, follow these steps to apply manually at the Taluk office:
- Visit your local Taluk or SSLR office:
- Go to the jurisdictional Taluk Office or SSLR (Survey Settlement and Land Records) office
- Request the land survey application form:
- Collect the physical form from the office
- Fill out the form with accurate information:
- Include personal details, land address, survey number, and purpose of survey
- Attach photocopies of all required documents:
- Include RTC, Khata, Aadhaar, EC, tax receipts, and sale deed copies
- Submit the form with the fee:
- Pay the required application fee via Demand Draft (DD), treasury challan, or cash receipt as applicable
- Obtain an acknowledgement receipt:
- This will serve as your proof of application and allow tracking later
- Wait for the surveyor assignment and site visit:
- A surveyor will be assigned and will contact you for physical verification
- Survey Completion & Record Update:
- After the site visit, survey results will be verified and updated in the land records
Offline applications take longer and are prone to delays, but are still valid and useful in rural areas with low internet access.
Land Survey Rules in Karnataka – What You Must Know
The Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, governs land survey operations in the state. Key regulations include:
- Surveys must be conducted by certified government or approved private surveyors
- Any modification of land boundaries without government approval is illegal
- Landowners must not obstruct the surveyor’s work
- Survey stones placed by officials should not be moved or damaged
- All updated surveys are recorded and stored digitally
Non-compliance with survey rules can lead to legal penalties and property record complications.
How to Check Land Survey Application Status in Karnataka
Tracking the progress of your application is simple:
- Go to https://landrecords.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on “Check Application Status”
- Enter your Application ID or acknowledgement number
- View the current status: Pending, Assigned to Surveyor, In Progress, or Completed
If the status hasn’t been updated within 30 working days, contact your local Taluk or SSLR office for support.
FAQs – Land Survey in Karnataka
Can I apply for a land survey without a Khata certificate?
No. A Khata certificate is necessary to verify ownership and categorise your land.
What if I don’t know my survey number?
You can find it via the Bhoomi portal or the Dishaank app using owner or location details.
How much does it cost to get a land survey done in Karnataka?
Fees vary based on land type (agriculture, residential, commercial) and area. Expect between INR 500 to INR 3000.
Who conducts the actual survey after I apply?
A government-appointed or approved private land surveyor under SSLR will conduct the field survey.
How long does it take to complete the survey process?
On average, it takes 15 to 30 working days, depending on your region and application volume.
Is a private land surveyor's report legally valid?
Only if the private surveyor is registered with the government and the report is submitted through the official process.
Sangeetha Mahesh Author
Sangeetha Mahesh is the founder of SriMas Associate, a company that helps people with licenses, insurance, and managing properties. She has studied many subjects like B.Com, MA, and LLB, and has over 15 years of experience in helping businesses and individuals with complicated rules and managing their assets. Sangeetha's work is focused on providing solutions that are good for her clients, and she works hard to give the best service. On her blog, she shares helpful tips and advice about licenses, insurance, and property management, so that her readers can make smart choices.
