Traveling by train is one of the most affordable ways for students in India, and thanks to concession in railway ticket for student, the cost becomes even lower. Indian Railways provides special discounted fares for bonafide students traveling for education-related purposes such as exams, internships, training, or returning home during vacations.
This guide explains who is eligible, how much discount is available, how to apply, valid documents, and rules to follow.
Table of contents
- 1 🚆 Who Can Apply for Student Railway Concession?
- 2 🎓 Concession Percentage for Students
- 3 📌 Age Limit for Student Railway Concession
- 4 📄 Documents Required
- 5 🎒 When Concession Can Be Used
- 6 📝 Validity Rules
- 7 🔁 Renewal & Exchange Rules
- 8 💡 Can Students Book Online Through IRCTC?
- 9 🎟 Advance Reservation Benefit
- 10 🔗 Suggested Reading
- 11 ❓ FAQs About Concession in Railway Ticket for Students
- 12 🏁 Conclusion
🚆 Who Can Apply for Student Railway Concession?
Only bonafide students of recognized educational institutions in India are eligible for concession in second class (II) and sleeper class (SL).
Eligible Categories Include:
✔️ School students
✔️ College and university students
✔️ Research scholars (up to 35 years)
✔️ Cadets, marine, UPSC aspirants (special concessions apply)
✔️ Students traveling for educational tours
Note: Casual travel or travel for job interviews is not eligible.
🎓 Concession Percentage for Students
| Student Category | Concession | Class Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| General Students | 50% of public fare | II & SL |
| SC/ST Students | 50% of already reduced student fare | II & SL |
| Government Rural School Students (Study Tour) | 75% | II Class only |
| Research Scholars (Age ≤ 35) | 50% | II & SL |
| UPSC / SSC Main Exam Aspirants | 50% | II Class |
Some student groups like blind or differently-abled students may get up to 75% – 100% concession. (You may also check: 👉 Divyang Railway Concession)
📌 Age Limit for Student Railway Concession
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General Students | Up to 25 years |
| SC/ST Students | Up to 27 years |
| Research Scholars | Up to 35 years |
📄 Documents Required
To get concession in railway ticket for student, these documents must be provided:
- Bonafide Certificate issued by the educational institution
- Valid student ID card
- Concession form signed and stamped by school/college authority
- SC/ST certificate (if applicable)
The school/college must certify the student’s status and travel reason.
🎒 When Concession Can Be Used
Concession is only allowed in the following cases:
- Travel to hometown during vacation after exams
- Returning to institute after vacation
- Educational tours (minimum 10 students)
- Travel for scholarship exams
- Traveling between institution and training center
- Travel between training centers
📝 Validity Rules
- Outward journey: valid for 14 days from issue
- Return journey: valid for 3 months
The journey must be during the vacation or dates mentioned in the concession form.
🔁 Renewal & Exchange Rules
- Maximum 4 nominated stations are allowed to exchange and verify concession forms.
- Any overwriting or alteration makes the form invalid.
- Student must sign the form in front of the Station Master.
💡 Can Students Book Online Through IRCTC?
Currently, online booking through IRCTC using student concession is NOT available for all.
Only certain concessions such as:
- Divyangjan Concession
- Railway Pass Holders
are available online.
👉 Students must first visit the station counter to apply, submit concession form, verify details, and then book the ticket.
🎟 Advance Reservation Benefit
Students can book tickets by paying full fare and later submit the concession form before the journey to receive a refund. A clerkage fee of Rs. 20 applies.
🔗 Suggested Reading
❓ FAQs About Concession in Railway Ticket for Students
1. How much concession do students get in railway tickets?
Students generally get 50% concession in second and sleeper class. Some special categories may get up to 75%.
2. Can private college students apply?
Yes, if the institution is recognized by the government, private students are eligible.
3. Can I book concession tickets on IRCTC app?
At present, most student concessions are available only at railway counter, not online.
4. Do I need my school/college stamp every time?
Yes. A fresh concession form signed and stamped by the institution is mandatory for every journey.
5. Can I use concession for job interviews?
No. Railway concession is only for education-related travel, not for employment.
🏁 Conclusion
Getting a concession in railway ticket for student is a great benefit offered by Indian Railways to reduce travel cost and support education. If you’re a student and frequently travel for exams, training, or vacations, using this concession can help you save significantly.
Make sure to carry valid documents, apply through your institution, and follow rules to avoid rejection.