FAQ
Register on the IRCTC Agent Portal, submit required documents, and meet eligibility criteria.
Basic computer/internet access, valid ID and address proof, and a registered business/shop.
Book tickets via the IRCTC Agent Portal or authorized Principle Service Provider.
You can pay for your tickets using various methods such as:
- Debit/Credit cards
- Net Banking
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
- Wallets (such as Paytm, PhonePe, etc.)
To check the status of your train ticket, you can visit the IRCTC website or use the IRCTC mobile app. Alternatively, you can send an SMS with your PNR number to 139 to receive updates.
Tatkal Booking Opens for Agents:
- For AC Classes (1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC): 10:15 AM IST – 11:00 AM IST
- For Sleeper and General Classes: 11:15 AM IST – 12:15 AM
Tatkal is a scheme that allows passengers to book tickets at the last minute (subject to availability). Tatkal tickets can be booked a day before the journey date, but there are additional charges for booking under this scheme.
The Tatkal Scheme allows passengers to book tickets at the last minute, subject to availability. Tatkal tickets can only be booked one day before the train’s departure, and there is an additional charge for these tickets.
Yes, there are limits on the number of tickets you can book per month under regular and Tatkal quotas. For instance, you can book up to 6 tickets per month under the general quota and up to 12 tickets for Tatkal.
Yes, you can book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC mobile app or website, but booking opens early in the morning (usually at 10 AM) for Tatkal bookings, and tickets are in high demand, so you must act quickly.
Refunds for Tatkal tickets are only provided if the train is canceled by Indian Railways or if you cancel the ticket before the journey. The refund amount for a canceled Tatkal ticket is lower compared to regular tickets.
Yes, there is a limit on the number of tickets you can book in a month under your IRCTC account, which is generally 6 tickets per month for individual passengers. This limit may vary based on specific circumstances or government regulations.
Once a ticket is booked, you cannot change the travel date directly. If you wish to travel on a different date, you will need to cancel the current ticket and book a new one. For cancellation, the refund rules will apply.
You can book up to 6 passengers in one PNR (Passenger Name Record) for a single ticket. For group bookings, IRCTC provides a different booking process.
- Regular trains: These include all types of trains, such as Express, Mail, and local trains.
- Premium trains: These are trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto, offering premium services such as faster travel, onboard meals, and AC coaches. Premium trains tend to be more expensive than regular trains.
Yes, you can book tickets for a group (up to 6 passengers) under one PNR number. During the booking process, just enter the details for each passenger and the system will issue a single PNR.
After creating your IRCTC account, you must complete the verification process by linking a valid mobile number and email. Once verified, you will receive a confirmation, and you can proceed with bookings.
Yes, non-Indian citizens can book tickets on IRCTC. During the booking process, you will need to provide the passenger’s passport details and other required information.
IRCTC may charge an online booking fee for each ticket, which is a small service charge. This fee is displayed during the booking process before you confirm your payment.
Cancellation charges depend on the class of travel, how early the ticket is canceled, and the type of ticket
Yes, you can book tickets for any train, even if it is running late, as long as the booking system allows it. Make sure to check the real-time status of the train before booking.
Yes, you can still book a Waitlisted ticket. If there are cancellations, your waitlisted ticket may get confirmed. However, if the ticket does not get confirmed before the departure, it will remain canceled.
Meals can be booked at the time of booking tickets, or if you are traveling in trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Duronto, meals are automatically included in the fare. If you wish to order additional meals, you can do so by visiting the IRCTC eCatering website or mobile app.
- Confirmed (CNF): The seat/berth is allocated, and you are guaranteed travel.
- Waitlisted (WL): The seat/berth is not yet available. If cancellations occur, your ticket might get confirmed.
- RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): A seat is confirmed, but a berth is not guaranteed. You can travel in the seat, and if a berth becomes available, it will be allotted.
You can contact IRCTC customer support through their helpline number (139), or email support, or through the “Contact Us” section on the IRCTC website.