If you’ve ever booked a train ticket in India, you must have noticed a 10-digit number printed on your ticket. This number is called the PNR number. Many passengers search for PNR Full Form in Railway, especially when checking ticket confirmation status or downloading their ticket online.
So, let’s make it simple.
Table of contents
- 1 ⭐ PNR Full Form in Railway
- 2 🧾 What Does PNR Contain?
- 3 📍 Where to Find the PNR Number?
- 4 🔢 How is a PNR Number Generated?
- 5 🚆 Types of PNR Status in Indian Railways
- 6 📱 How to Check PNR Status Online?
- 7 🚫 Trains That Do Not Generate PNR
- 8 🔍 PNR Status Prediction Feature
- 9 🔗 Related Read
- 10 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 11 🏁 Final Thoughts
⭐ PNR Full Form in Railway
The PNR full form in railway is Passenger Name Record.
It is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric record stored in the Indian Railways Central Reservation System (IR-CRS). Every reserved ticket booked via the railway counter, IRCTC website, or mobile apps gets a unique PNR number.
🧾 What Does PNR Contain?
A PNR number stores essential journey details, including:
| Information Type | Details Stored |
|---|---|
| Passenger Details | Name, Age, Gender, Berth Preference |
| Train Details | Train Number, Train Name, Journey Date |
| Ticket Status | Confirmed (CNF), RAC, WL |
| Seat Details | Coach Number, Berth Number, Travel Class |
| Boarding & Destination | Boarding Station, Reservation Upto |
| Payment Details | Fare, Transaction ID, Booking Mode |
A single PNR can be assigned to one passenger or a group of passengers travelling together.
📍 Where to Find the PNR Number?
You can find the PNR number:
- On printed railway tickets (top-left corner)
- On IRCTC e-tickets (top section)
- In SMS and email booking confirmation
- Inside booking history of IRCTC etc.
🔢 How is a PNR Number Generated?
A PNR consists of 10 digits:
- First 3 digits → Represent the railway zone and PRS location of booking
- Last 7 digits → Randomly generated for uniqueness
Railway Zones Example:
| First Digit | Zone |
|---|---|
| 1 | Secunderabad PRS (SCR) |
| 2, 3 | New Delhi PRS (NR, NCR, NER, NWR) |
| 4, 5 | Chennai PRS (SR, SWR) |
| 6, 7 | Kolkata PRS (ECR, ER, SECR, SER) |
| 8, 9 | Mumbai PRS (CR, WR, WCR) |
🚆 Types of PNR Status in Indian Railways
When you check your PNR, you may see status codes. Here’s what they mean:
| PNR Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CNF | Confirmed seat |
| RAC | Reservation Against Cancellation (half-berth shared seating) |
| WL | Waiting List |
| GNWL | General Waiting List |
| RLWL | Remote Location Waiting List |
| PQWL | Pooled Quota Waiting List |
| TQWL | Tatkal Waiting List |
| NOSB | No Seat Berth (for kids under 11 years) |
| CAN | Ticket Cancelled |
📱 How to Check PNR Status Online?
You can check the status using multiple platforms:
1.🔍 Online Websites
2.📲 Via SMS
Send:PNR <Your 10-digit number>
to 139
3.☎ Via Phone Call
Dial 139 and follow IVR instructions.
🏷 Railway Station Chart
Final chart is usually prepared:
- 8 hours before departure of Train
- For overnight trains: Much before 8 hours
🚫 Trains That Do Not Generate PNR
| Train Type | PNR Generated? |
|---|---|
| Passenger trains | ❌ No |
| Metro, Suburban Local | ❌ No |
| Reserved Express / Superfast | ✅ Yes |
| Shatabdi / Rajdhani / Duronto / Garib Rath | ✅ Yes |
🔍 PNR Status Prediction Feature
IRCTC Provides confirmation probability as:
- 90% – Highly likely to confirm
- 50% – Maybe
- 20% – Risky → Consider Tatkal
🔗 Related Read
- IRCTLower Berth Rule
- Divyang Railway Concession
- Railway concession for cancer patients
- How to Get Concession in Railway Ticket for Student
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the PNR full form in railway?
A: The full form of PNR is Passenger Name Record.
Q2. Can I travel only with a PNR number?
A: Yes, if the PNR status is confirmed, you can travel with a valid ID.
Q3. Why do I see “Chart Not Prepared”?
A: It means the final seating chart is pending. Check again closer to departure.
Q4. Can PNR status change after booking?
A: Yes, especially if your ticket is RAC or WL. It updates when cancellations happen.
Q5. Why does PNR show “Flushed After Journey”?
A: Because after journey completion, the PNR record is deleted from the system.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Understanding the PNR full form in railway and how the PNR system works helps you track your train booking status easily. Whether your ticket shows CNF, RAC, or WL, checking the PNR regularly ensures smoother travel planning.