IRCTC Ticket Booking Rules: If you’re planning a train trip, you should already have the necessary information regarding ticket booking and cancellation. So, today we’ll explain how to book train tickets. If you need to cancel a train ticket, what are the procedures and the charges?
Methods of booking train tickets
You can book tickets in advance for Sleeper (SL), Third AC (3A), First AC (1A), Second AC (2A), Third AC Economy (3E), and Chair Car (CC) classes. There are two ways to do this. Let’s take a look at each one…
1. Offline Booking (General & Tatkal)
In this, you have to go to the nearest railway station and buy the ticket from the ticket counter. Unreserved tickets are available on the same day and are valid for a few hours. Whereas, reserved class tickets can be booked up to 60 days in advance. For Tatkal booking, AC class tickets are available from 10 am and sleeper tickets from 11 am.
Please note that there are no transaction charges for offline tickets. However, platform tickets are available for between Rs 10 and Rs 50. This rate depends on the latest railway notification.
2. Online Booking (General & Tatkal)
This is the easiest way to book train tickets. You need an IRCTC ID and password. Both general and Tatkal bookings can be made through IRCTC. The IRCTC website and mobile app are available. Additionally, you can purchase unreserved tickets through the UTS app. Transaction charges depend on your payment gateway. Please note that Tatkal tickets incur additional charges, ranging from Rs 20 for 2S class to Rs 400 for 1A.
How to book tickets online?
Create an account on IRCTC using your email address and mobile number.
Save the passenger list if you wish.
Enter station name and search train
Select train and class and check your seat.
Make payment through UPI, card, wallet or net banking
Tickets will be available on your mobile and email.
It is mandatory to carry an identity card while travelling.