IRCTC Updates Ticket Cancellation Fees: Know Your Charges for Confirmed, Waitlisted, and Tatkal Tickets to Minimize Losses Effectively.
Cancellation Charges for Confirmed Train Tickets
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) imposes cancellation charges on confirmed train tickets based on the timing of the cancellation relative to the train’s scheduled departure. If a confirmed ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before departure, the charges are Rs 240 + GST for AC First Class/Executive Class, Rs 200 + GST for AC 2 Tier/First Class, Rs 180 + GST for AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car/AC 3 Economy, Rs 120 for Sleeper Class, and Rs 60 for Second Class. If the cancellation occurs between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure, a charge of 25% of the fare applies, while cancellations made between 12 hours and 4 hours before the train’s departure incur a 50% charge. Importantly, no refunds are provided for cancellations made less than 4 hours before departure.
Cancellation Charges for Waitlisted Tickets
Waitlisted tickets are governed by distinct cancellation rules compared to confirmed tickets. If a waitlisted ticket is cancelled online up to 4 hours before departure, a nominal charge of Rs 20 + GST per passenger will be deducted from the fare, with the remainder refunded. Additionally, if all passengers on a waitlisted ticket remain unconfirmed after the first chart preparation, the ticket is automatically cancelled by the system, resulting in a full refund. This ensures that passengers are not penalized for tickets that do not secure confirmation.
Cancellation Policy for Tatkal Tickets
The cancellation policy for Tatkal tickets is notably stringent, as no refunds are issued for confirmed Tatkal tickets that are cancelled. However, for contingent cancellations and cancellations of waitlisted Tatkal tickets, charges will be applied according to the existing railway standards. It is essential for passengers to be aware of these rules to avoid any unexpected losses, and they should also check for specific cancellation charges applicable when a train is delayed, as these are outlined separately by the IRCTC.
Important Information Organised For You.
| Category | Cancellation Time | Charges |
|---|---|---|
Confirmed Train Tickets |
More than 48 hours before departure |
Rs 240 + GST (AC First/Executive Class) Rs 200 + GST (AC 2 Tier/First Class) Rs 180 + GST (AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car/AC 3 Economy) Rs 120 (Sleeper Class) Rs 60 (Second Class) |
Between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure |
25% of fare + GST (minimum charge applies for AC classes) | |
Between 12 hours and 4 hours before departure |
50% of fare + GST (minimum charge applies for AC classes) | |
After 4 hours before departure |
No refund | |
Waitlisted Tickets |
Up to 4 hours before departure |
Rs 20 + GST per passenger |
Automatic Cancellation |
Full fare refunded (if all passengers remain waitlisted after first charting) | |
Waitlisted Tickets Dropped from Charting |
After chart preparation |
Full fare refunded (no cancellation charges) |
Tatkal Tickets |
Cancellation |
No refunds for confirmed Tatkal tickets; charges for contingent cancellations apply as per railway standards |