Booking a train ticket is easy today with IRCTC’s online platform, but what many passengers overlook are the cancellation charges that apply if you change your travel plans. Whether it’s a last-minute emergency, a change in schedule, or simply a plan cancellation, knowing the Indian Railways ticket cancellation rules and charges can help you save money and make smarter decisions while booking.
Why You Must Know IRCTC Cancellation Rules
Avoid unnecessary deductions from your refund.
Plan ticket bookings with more awareness.
Understand when you get a full refund vs partial refund.
Save time by canceling within permissible limits.
Indian Railways Ticket Cancellation Charges (2025 Update)
1. Confirmed Ticket Cancellation Charges
AC First Class / Executive Class: ₹240 per passenger.
AC 2 Tier / First Class: ₹200 per passenger.
AC 3 Tier / 3E / Chair Car: ₹180 per passenger.
Sleeper Class (SL): ₹120 per passenger.
Second Class (2S): ₹60 per passenger.
Important Rule:
If a confirmed ticket is canceled more than 48 hours before scheduled departure, above charges apply.
If canceled between 48 hours and 12 hours, 25% of fare is deducted (subject to minimum cancellation fee).
If canceled within 12 hours to 4 hours, 50% of fare is deducted.
Less than 4 hours before departure: No refund on confirmed tickets.
2. Waitlisted & RAC Tickets
Full refund if canceled before chart preparation.
After chart preparation, only cancellation through TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt).
3. Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Rules
No refund on confirmed Tatkal tickets.
For waitlisted Tatkal tickets, full refund is granted.
4. e-Ticket Cancellation via IRCTC Website/App
Easy online cancellation until chart preparation.
Refund credited back to the payment method within 7 working days.
5. Cancellation Charges for Partially Confirmed Tickets
If one passenger is confirmed and another is waitlisted in the same PNR, refund rules apply separately.
Waitlisted passengers get a full refund if canceled before charting.
Tips to Minimise Cancellation Loss
Book tickets only when travel is almost confirmed.
Use ‘Pay Later’ options if unsure of travel plans.
For uncertain journeys, prefer waitlist booking instead of confirmed Tatkal.
Always cancel tickets as early as possible to reduce charges.
Conclusion
Indian Railways offers flexible ticket booking options via IRCTC, but being aware of the cancellation charges and refund rules can save you from losing a big chunk of your ticket fare. Whether it’s a confirmed, waitlisted, or Tatkal booking, always check the latest cancellation rules before making your reservation.
FAQs
1. What are the cancellation charges for a confirmed Indian Railways ticket?
Cancellation charges depend on the class of travel:
₹240 for AC First/Executive Class
₹200 for AC 2-Tier/First Class
₹180 for AC 3-Tier/Chair Car
₹120 for Sleeper Class
₹60 for Second Class
2. How much refund do I get if I cancel a ticket 2 hours before train departure?
If you cancel less than 4 hours before the train’s scheduled departure, no refund is given for confirmed tickets.
3. Can I cancel a Tatkal ticket and get a refund?
No refund is provided on confirmed Tatkal tickets. However, if your Tatkal ticket is waitlisted and not confirmed, you will receive a full refund.
4. What happens if I cancel a RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket?
If canceled before chart preparation, full refund applies. After charting, you need to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) to claim a refund.
5. How long does IRCTC take to refund canceled ticket money?
Refunds for online cancellations are usually credited to the original payment method within 7 working days.
6. Is there a refund for partially confirmed tickets?
Yes. Refund is calculated separately:
Confirmed passengers attract cancellation charges.
Waitlisted passengers get full refund if canceled before chart preparation.
7. Can I cancel an e-ticket after chart preparation?
No. Once the chart is prepared, e-tickets cannot be canceled online. You need to file a TDR on IRCTC for a refund claim.
Published on : 17th August
Published by : SMITA
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