IRCTC Cancellation Charges

Train ticket booking has become extremely convenient with IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation). But at the same time, it has made it even easier to cancel train tickets online and offline. In this digital world, everyone prefers booking train tickets online rather than standing in a long queue at the railway station. Similarly, you can cancel train tickets seamlessly following simple procedures. Besides cancelling tickets, you look forward to getting your money back by deducting the cancellation charges as little as possible. However, you must know the rules and regulations of IRCTC cancellation charges in Indian Railways. The IRCTC ticket cancellation charges vary depending on various factors. Understanding cancellation charges for IRCTC train tickets will help you avoid unnecessary deductions of money during the cancellation process.

IRCTC cancellation charges are fees levied by the Indian Railways for passengers cancelling their tickets. Different factors cause cancellation charges to be applicable after cancelling the ticket, such as class of travel, timelines, ticket status, cancellation of train, diversion or termination of train, and many others. However, you must know some practical tips to minimize cancellation charges on train tickets. Let us understand the rules, how to cancel train tickets and simple tips to reduce the cancellation charges in IRCTC.

Check out the eligibility criteria for cancellation charges on train tickets.

Cancellation Charges for Confirmed Tickets

The cancellation charges are determined based on the ticket status and time of cancellation before the IRCTC chart preparation. Below are the rules that passengers must follow regarding IRCTC train cancellation charges.

• The following cancellation charges will be deducted if you cancel your train tickets 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Executive Class: INR 240 + GST
• AC 2 Tier or First Class: INR 200 + GST
• AC Chair Car: INR 180 + GST
• Sleeper Class: INR 120
• Second Class: INR 60
• If you cancel your train tickets between 48 and 12 hours before the departure time, 25% of the ticket fare, including GST, will be deducted. This applies to all AC Classes.
• If you cancel your tickets between 12 and 4 hours before departure, 50% of the ticket fare, including GST for all AC Classes, will be deducted.

Cancellation Charges for Waitlisted Tickets

Below are the details of IRCTC cancellation charges for waitlisted train tickets.

• If your waitlisted tickets are cancelled, you will receive a refund after deducting the cancellation charges of 20 % of the ticket price, including the GST. Note that these cancellation charges will apply if the ticket is cancelled 4 hours before the departure time.
• After the chart preparation, you need not cancel the train ticket of all members with a single PNR; it will be automatically cancelled. Therefore, you will receive a full refund without any cancellation charges being deducted.

Cancellation Charges for Partially Confirmed Tickets

Below are the details of IRCTC cancellation charges for partially confirmed tickets.

• In the case of partial confirmed tickets, where one passenger will have confirmed status and others on the waiting list. You will get a full refund with deduction of cancellation charges of 20% + GST per passenger with confirmed ticket status. This is applicable for passengers who have cancelled their tickets online or TDR filed for tickets cancelled 4 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• In the case of partial confirmed tickets, where one passenger will have confirmed status and others on the waiting list. You will get a full refund without deduction cancellation charges per passenger with confirmed ticket status. This is applicable for passengers who have cancelled their tickets online, or TDR filed for tickets cancelled up to 30 minutes after the first chart preparation.

Cancellation Charges for Waitlist Tickets Cancelled Before the Chart Preparation.

In this particular case, the ticket status of the waitlisted passenger remains the same even after the chart preparation and is eligible for a full refund without the deduction of any cancellation charges. The name and other details of the passenger with waitlist status will be dropped from the chart. You can check IRCTC Cancellation charges for waiting tickets beforehand to avoid last-minute hassles.

Cancellation Charges for Cancellation of Train

If the train gets cancelled from source to destination, you will receive a full refund for confirmed train tickets to your account. However, you need not file a TDR in this regard, as you will get a full refund of the train ticket fare.

Cancellation Charges for Partially Cancelled Train

If your train is diverted or terminated, then you can file a TDR online up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure time from the originating station.

Cancellation Charges for Train Running Late

If your train is late for more than 3 hours and you have not travelled, then you are entitled to get a full refund for fully or partially confirmed tickets. You can file a TDR online to avail full refund upto 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of train from its originating station. This is applicable for passengers booked under a single PNR and did not travel. You can track the train running status to find out its position.

There is a chance you might want to cancel your Tatkal train tickets due to last-minute changes in your travel plans. Below are essential points you should consider when cancelling Tatkal train tickets.

For confirmed tickets:

• There is no refund for the cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets.

For RAC or waitlisted tickets:

• In the case of RAC or waitlisted Tatkal tickets, the cancellation can be done until 30 minutes before the train's scheduled departure time. However, tatkal cancellation charges apply.
• No refund is issued if you cancel after 30 minutes from the scheduled departure time of the train.
• If the status of previously RAC or waitlisted tickets is shown as confirmed, then they are treated just like confirmed tickets. No refund is issued on their cancellation.

For Waitlisted Tickets:

• For Tatkal tickets, where all the passengers are waitlisted even after the preparation of the final reservation chart, a refund is issued after deducting clerkage charges.

redRail by redBus makes Tatkal ticket cancellations easy. Now, you can simply view the details of your booking and find the option to modify or cancel your train tickets. You can also opt for ‘Free Cancellation’ at the time of Tatkal ticket booking to avoid paying IRCTC cancellation charges later. The ‘Free Cancellation’ option requires you to pay a nominal additional charge but in return, makes cancellation free of cost.

To cancel railway tickets online in IRCTC, follow the stepwise instructions mentioned below.

• Step 1: Visit the IRCTC website.
• Step 2: Enter the username and password on the homepage of the IRCTC website.
• Step 3: Go to the My Transaction displayed on the screen.
• Step 4: Click on the Booked Ticket History link under the My Account menu section.
• Step 5: A list of tickets booked will be displayed on the screen.
• Step 6: Select the ticket that you want to cancel from the given list and click on the Cancel Ticket button.
• Step 7: Choose the name of the passenger whose tickets you want to cancel.
• Step 8: Select the check box located against the name of the passenger. Then, click on the Cancel Ticket button.
• Step 9: A pop-up indicating the confirmation will appear on the screen.
• Step 10: Click on the OK button to confirm the cancellation process.
• Step 11: Once you cancel the tickets, the amount to be deducted and the details of the refund will be displayed on the screen.
• Step 12: You will receive a confirmation message of train ticket cancellation on your registered mobile number. Also, you will receive a confirmation mail on your email address for your reference.

Here are some of the simple tips and tricks to minimize IRCTC cancellation charges for train tickets.

• Plan early: Do not book train tickets if you are unsure about your travel. This will help you save money deducted from your tickets after the cancellation.
• Cancel early: It is better to cancel your train tickets as early as possible to minimize the amount of money deducted. Once you are aware of your change in travel plan, do not wait until the last minute to cancel train tickets.
• Read cancellation rules carefully: It is advisable to read and understand the rules of cancellation charges of IRCTC. This knowledge will help you know the amount of money to be deducted upon cancellation. Also, it will help you make sensible decisions in future regarding booking train tickets and other cancellation policies.
• File a TDR: Do not delay in filing a TDR if you are eligible to receive a refund with minimum or no cancellation charges.

Knowing about IRCTC cancellation charges in IRCTC is essential to making informed decisions and saving money. Getting familiar with the rules and regulations of IRCTC cancellation charges will help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Timely cancellation of train tickets will help you reduce the amount of money deducted as part of the cancellation charges. You can also book or cancel train tickets using redRail by redBus for a seamless cancellation experience.