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In a country as vast and diverse as India, the railway network is the lifeline that connects millions of people across cities, towns, and villages. Whether you are a daily commuter or an occasional traveller, the Indian Railways is an integral part of your life. To make the process of booking train tickets convenient and efficient, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) offers a comprehensive platform for ticket booking. Read on to learn more about the world of IRCTC Ticket Booking, providing you with insights, tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to book train tickets online and offline.

IRCTC Online Ticket Booking: IRCTC Next Generation Platform

The IRCTC is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways and is responsible for handling ticketing, catering, and tourism operations. When it comes to booking train tickets, IRCTC has revolutionized the process by introducing online ticket booking services, making it easier for passengers to secure their seats without the hassle of visiting railway stations in person. The IRCTC Next Generation is a prime example of this commitment. IRCTC Next Generation is an upgraded platform that offers several advanced features:

1. User-Friendly Interface: The new platform boasts a user-friendly and responsive design, making it easier for passengers to navigate and book tickets.

2. Faster Booking: IRCTC Next Generation provides a quicker and more efficient booking experience, reducing the time required to complete a transaction.

3. Enhanced Security: The platform incorporates robust security measures to protect passenger data and transactions.

4. Mobile Optimization: IRCTC Next Generation is optimized for mobile devices, allowing passengers to book tickets on the go.

5. Flexible Payment Options: The platform supports a variety of payment options, including popular digital wallets and UPI.

6. Convenience: Booking train tickets online is incredibly convenient. You can book tickets from the comfort of your home or office, eliminating the need to stand in long queues at railway stations.

7. Accessibility: IRCTC's online platform is accessible 24/7, allowing you to book tickets at any time that suits you.

Book Train Tickets Online

Booking train tickets online through IRCTC is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to book tickets online through the Next-Gen platform of IRCTC:

Step name

Method

Step 1: Register on IRCTC website

  • Visit the IRCTC website and create a new account.
  • Fill in your details, including name, mobile number, email address, and address.
  • After registration, you will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number for verification.

Step 2: Log In to Your IRCTC Account

  • Use your registered username and password to log in to your IRCTC account.
  • Once logged in, you can navigate to the "Plan My Journey" section to start booking your train tickets.

Step 3: Enter Your Journey Details

  • In the "Plan My Journey" section, enter your departure station, arrival station, date of travel, and class of travel.
  • Click the "Find Trains" button to see the available train options for your route and date.

Step 4: Select Your Train and Class

  • Review the list of trains that match your criteria, including their departure times and availability.
  • Choose your preferred train and class based on your convenience and budget.

Step 5: Enter Passenger Details

  • Provide the details of all passengers traveling with you, including their names, ages, and gender.
  • Ensure that you enter accurate information to avoid any issues during the journey.

Step 6: Confirm Booking

  • Double-check your journey and passenger details for accuracy.
  • Review the fare and click the "Continue Booking" button.
  • You will be directed to make the payment through the payment gateway.

Step 7: Make Payment

  • Select your preferred payment method from the available options (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, or digital wallets).
  • Provide the details for payment and complete it.
  • Upon successful payment, you will receive a booking confirmation with your e-ticket details.

Step 8: Print or Save Your E-Ticket

  • Once your booking is confirmed, you can either print your e-ticket or save it on your mobile device.
  • The e-ticket serves as your valid travel document during the journey.

Booking Tickets with the IRCTC Rail Connect App

IRCTC Rail Connect is the official mobile app provided by IRCTC for booking train tickets. Here's how you can book tickets using the app:

  • Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app from your device's app store.
  • Register or log in using your IRCTC account credentials.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to plan your journey, select your train, and enter passenger details.
  • Make the payment for the ticket through the relevant payment method.
    • e-ticket will be generated and available within the app. You can also save it to your device for offline access.

Offline IRCTC Train Booking Methods

While online booking has become the preferred choice for many, IRCTC also offers offline booking methods for those who prefer them. Here are the traditional offline methods for booking train tickets:

1. Railway Ticket Booking through Reservation Counters:

  • Visit the nearest railway reservation counter at your local railway station.
  • Fill out a reservation form with your journey details and passenger information.
  • Submit the form to the counter staff.
  • The staff will check the availability of trains and book your tickets.
  • Make the payment for the ticket through one of the accepted payment methods.
  • You will receive a printed ticket with your travel details.

2. IRCTC Train Booking through Authorized Travel Agents:

You can also book train tickets through authorized travel agents who have tie-ups with the Indian Railways. Provide your journey details to the travel agent, and they will book the tickets on your behalf. Pay the agent's service fee along with the ticket fare.

3. IRCTC Ticket Booking through IRCTC Partner Reservation Apps:

Several private players have partnered with IRCTC and developed their reservation apps that allow passengers to book tickets offline. Here are the steps to book through an app.
  • Download a relevant App like PayTM, MakeMyTrip, Ixigo
  • Create an account and fill in your journey details and passenger information.
  • Follow the app's instructions to book and pay for your tickets.
    • the payment is confirmed, a digital ticket will be generated on the App.

Railway Ticket Booking: Tips and Tricks

Booking train tickets online and offline can be a breeze with the right tips and tricks:

For IRCTC Online Ticket Booking:

  • Plan Ahead: Booking your tickets well in advance increases your chances of getting your preferred train and class.
  • Be Flexible: If possible, consider flexible travel dates to explore different fare options.
  • Use Filters: Utilize filters on the IRCTC platform to refine your search based on factors like train type, class, and travel time.
  • Tatkal Booking: For last-minute travel plans, explore the Tatkal booking option, which opens a day before the train's departure.
  • Check for Discounts: Keep an eye out for discounts and special fares offered by IRCTC, especially during festive seasons.
  • Cancellation Policies: Familiarize yourself with IRCTC's cancellation policies and charges to avoid unexpected fees.

For Offline Booking:

  • Visit During Non-Peak Hours: If you choose to visit a reservation counter, try to go during non-peak hours to avoid long queues.
  • Carry Valid ID: Ensure you carry valid identification documents for yourself and any passengers for whom you are booking tickets.
  • Have Cash Ready: If you're booking tickets in person, carry enough cash to cover the ticket fare and any additional charges.

Quota in Railway Ticket Booking

S.No.

Quota

Available for

1

General

General Public

2

Tatkal

General Public

3

Premium Tatkal

General Public

4

Parliament House

Hon’ble Members of Parliament (Sitting and Former)

5

Ladies

Female passenger traveling alone or in a group of female passengers

6

Senior Citizen

Combined quota for senior citizens, female passengers above 45 years & pregnant women

7

Foreign Tourist

Foreigners

8

Defence

Defence Personnel

9

Roadside

General Public

10

Pooled

General Public

11

Cancer Patient

Cancer Patients

12

RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation)

General Public

13

Physically Handicapped

Divyangjan

14

Duty Pass

Serving/retired Railway employees traveling on Duty/Privilege/Post-retirement complimentary passes etc. in specified trains

15

Railway Employees

Designated Railway employees traveling on Duty in trains

16

Yuva

Youth between the age of 15 & 45 who are certified as unemployed under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)

17

Emergency

Urgent travel requirement of High Official Requisition (HOR) holders, Members of Parliament, and the general public

Each of these quotas serves a specific purpose, ensuring that a diverse range of passengers can access the Indian Railways' extensive network while accommodating their unique travel needs.

How to Cancel Railway Ticket on IRCTC: Step by Step Process?

You do not have to wait in long queues at the railway counter or pay a huge fee to a travel agent to cancel your railway ticket. It can easily done on the official website of IRCTC. Here are the steps

Step 1: Go to the official website of IRCTC

Step 2: Login using User ID and password.

Step 3: Go to my account, my transactions, and click on booked ticket history.

Step 4: Choose the ticket you need to cancel from the list of booked tickets. Scroll down and choose the cancel ticket option.

Step 5: Tick the check box before Select All or specific passengers for whom the ticket needs to be cancelled and click the Cancel button.

Step 6: Click on OK to confirm cancellation in the pop-up window that appears.

IRCTC Cancellation Charges

Here are the cancellation charges for railway tickets based upon the class of travel and the time before departure at which the cancellation is made.

Class of travel

Charges for cancelling in Less than 12 hrs and up to 4 hrs

Charges for cancelling 12 to 48 hrs

Charges for cancelling 48 hrs before

AC First Class/Executive Class

50% of the fare Minimum of Rs. 240

25% of the fare Minimum of Rs.240

Rs. 240

AC 2 Tier/First Class

50% of fare Minimum of Rs. 200

25% of the fare Minimum of Rs.200

Rs. 200

AC 3 Tier/ AC Chair car/ AC 3 Economy

50% of fare,Minimum Rs. 180

25% of the fare,Minimum Rs. 180

Rs. 180

Sleeper Class

50% of fare, Minimum Rs. 120

25% of the fare Minimum Rs. 120

Rs. 120

Second Class

50% of fare,Minimum Rs. 60

25% of the fare Minimum Rs. 60

Rs. 60

For more details on cancellation policies and rules of IRCTC go to (place link of the new page which we are going to create for cancellation policies).

FAQs Of IRCTC Ticket Booking:

1. What is IRCTC?

IRCTC, or the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways responsible for ticketing, catering, and tourism operations.

2. How do I register on IRCTC?

Visit the official IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in/) or download the mobile app, register, and fill in your details.

3. What are the advantages of booking train tickets online through IRCTC?

The advantages include convenience, accessibility, a wide range of train options, quick confirmation, and transparent fare details.

4. Can I book train tickets on IRCTC's mobile app?

Yes, IRCTC offers a mobile app that allows you to book train tickets and access various railway-related services on your mobile device.

5. How far in advance can I book train tickets on IRCTC?

Train tickets can typically be booked up to 120 days in advance, except for special trains where booking windows may open earlier.

6. What is Tatkal booking, and when does it open?

Tatkal booking is a reservation system for last-minute travelers. It opens one day before the train's departure date.

7. How can I check the status of my booked train ticket?

You can check the status of your booked train ticket by entering your PNR (Passenger Name Record) number on the IRCTC website or app.

8. Where can I find the nearest railway reservation counter?

You can find the nearest railway reservation counter at your local railway station. Check the station's timetable or inquire with station staff for the location of the reservation counter.

9. Can I book tickets through authorized travel agents for all train routes?

Authorized travel agents usually have access to book tickets for a wide range of train routes. However, availability may vary based on the agents' tie-ups with railway zones.

10. Are there any additional charges when booking through authorized travel agents?

Yes, authorized travel agents may charge a service fee in addition to the ticket fare

11. Is it possible to book tickets offline for Tatkal quota?

Yes, you can book Tatkal tickets offline through reservation counters and authorized travel agents, subject to availability.

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IRCTC Ticket Booking

IRCTC Cancellation Charges

Tatkal Ticket Booking