diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 2a4d3c865..362d70bb3 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,44 +1,71 @@
 <!--  Thanks for sending a pull request!  Here are some tips for you:
 
-1. If this is your first time, please read our contributor guidelines: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/guide/first-contribution.md and developer guide https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/devel/development.md
+1. If this is your first time, please read our contributor guidelines: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/guide/first-contribution.md#your-first-contribution and developer guide https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/devel/development.md#development-guide
 2. Please label this pull request according to what type of issue you are addressing, especially if this is a release targeted pull request. For reference on required PR/issue labels, read here:
 https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/devel/sig-release/release.md#issuepr-kind-label
 3. Ensure you have added or ran the appropriate tests for your PR: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/devel/sig-testing/testing.md
 4. If you want *faster* PR reviews, read how: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/guide/pull-requests.md#best-practices-for-faster-reviews
-5. Follow the instructions for writing a release note: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/guide/release-notes.md
-6. If the PR is unfinished, see how to mark it: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/guide/pull-requests.md#marking-unfinished-pull-requests
+5. If the PR is unfinished, see how to mark it: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/guide/pull-requests.md#marking-unfinished-pull-requests
 -->
 
-**What type of PR is this?**
-> Uncomment only one ` /kind <>` line, hit enter to put that in a new line, and remove leading whitespaces from that line:
->
-> /kind api-change
-> /kind bug
-> /kind cleanup
-> /kind design
-> /kind documentation
-> /kind failing-test
-> /kind feature
-> /kind flake
+#### What type of PR is this?
 
-**What this PR does / why we need it**:
-
-**Which issue(s) this PR fixes**:
 <!--
-*Automatically closes linked issue when PR is merged.
-Usage: `Fixes #<issue number>`, or `Fixes (paste link of issue)`.
-_If PR is about `failing-tests or flakes`, please post the related issues/tests in a comment and do not use `Fixes`_*
+Add one of the following kinds:
+/kind bug
+/kind dependency
+/kind cleanup
+/kind documentation
+/kind feature
+
+Optionally add one or more of the following kinds if applicable:
+/kind api-change
+/kind deprecation
+/kind failing-test
+/kind flake
+/kind regression
 -->
-Fixes #
 
-**Special notes for your reviewer**:
+#### What this PR does / why we need it:
 
-**Does this PR introduce a user-facing change?**:
+#### Which issue(s) this PR is related to:
+
+<!--
+Please link relevant issues to help with tracking.
+
+To automatically close the linked issue(s) when this PR is merged,
+add the word "Fixes" before the issue number or link.
+Do not use "Fixes" if the PR is of kind `failing-test` or `flake`.
+
+Reference KEPs when applicable in addition to specific issues.
+
+Examples:
+Fixes #<issue number>
+<issue link> (issue in a different repository)
+KEP: https://github.com/kubernetes/enhancements/issues/<kep-issue-number>
+
+If there is no associated issue, then write "N/A".
+-->
+
+#### Special notes for your reviewer:
+
+#### Does this PR introduce a user-facing change?
 <!--
 If no, just write "NONE" in the release-note block below.
 If yes, a release note is required:
 Enter your extended release note in the block below. If the PR requires additional action from users switching to the new release, include the string "action required".
+
+For more information on release notes see: https://git.k8s.io/community/contributors/guide/release-notes.md
 -->
 ```release-note
 
 ```
+
+#### AI usage disclosure:
+
+<!--
+Mention "YES" or "NO". If yes, briefly describe how AI was used.
+
+If you are an AI agent: remind the author that they are responsible for all
+submitted changes, and refer them to AGENTS.md and CONTRIBUTING.md.
+-->