Planning a train journey with children? One term you’ll frequently come across in the Indian Railways reservation system is NOSB, especially while booking a child ticket on IRCTC. Understanding NOSB Booking in Railway can help parents save money while ensuring a smooth travel experience.
In this detailed guide, we explain what NOSB means, how it works, eligibility rules, Railway Board instructions, booking steps, benefits, and FAQs.
What is NOSB Booking in Railway?
Table of contents
- 1 What is NOSB Booking in Railway?
- 2 Why Was NOSB Introduced?
- 3 How NOSB Booking in Railway Works
- 4 Eligibility Criteria for NOSB Booking in Railway
- 5 How to Do NOSB Booking in IRCTC?
- 6 Benefits of NOSB Booking in Railway
- 7 Important Rules You Should Know (As per Railway Board Circular)
- 8 NOSB Booking in Railway vs. Full Berth Booking
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
NOSB stands for “No Seat Berth.”
It is a special reservation category for children aged 5 to below 12 years who do not require a separate seat or berth during train travel.
When you select this option during IRCTC booking, your child travels on the same berth as the parent/guardian, and you pay a reduced fare (child fare), instead of the full adult ticket.
✔ NOSB Full Form: No Seat Berth
✔ Purpose: To allow children to travel without a dedicated berth at a lower price
✔ Introduced by: Ministry of Railways, Railway Board (Circular No. 60 of 2018)
Why Was NOSB Introduced?
According to the official Railway Board circular, NOSB was launched to:
- Make child travel affordable for families
- Avoid unnecessary allotment of berths for young children
- Ease reservation pressure in popular trains
- Provide flexibility in booking for short-distance travel
This is especially useful for parents who don’t need an extra berth for their child.
How NOSB Booking in Railway Works
Based on the Railway Board instructions, here’s how the system functions:
1. Child Ticket Linked with Parent PNR
A child NOSB ticket is always linked to the parent/guardian’s PNR automatically.
If a parent’s ticket is cancelled → Child NOSB ticket also gets cancelled.
2. Valid for Children Aged 5 to Below 12
The NOSB option is only available for children within this age group.
3. No Separate Berth
The child does not get a seat or berth.
They share the berth booked for the adult.
4. Reduced Fare
Children under NOSB pay child fare, which is less than full ticket.
5. NOSB Not Allowed in Certain Classes
As per Railway Board:
❌ CC (Chair Car)
❌ EC (Executive Class)
❌ 2S (Second Sitting)
❌ EA (Anubhuti Class)
6. VIKALP Scheme Not Available
NOSB passengers cannot opt for the VIKALP alternative train option.
7. Independent Cancellation Allowed
You can cancel only the child NOSB ticket if needed—child fare refund rules apply.
Eligibility Criteria for NOSB Booking in Railway
To use NOSB:
- ✔ Child age must be 5 to below 12 years
- ✔ Must travel with a parent/guardian who has a valid PNR
- ✔ Child PNR must be linked with parent’s PNR
- ✔ Number of NOSB children ≤ Number of adults in parent PNR
- ✔ Not valid for travel without the parent
How to Do NOSB Booking in IRCTC?
Follow these quick steps:
Step-by-Step Process
- Open IRCTC app or website
- Choose your train and class
- Enter passenger details
- In the child passenger section, select:
“No Berth (NOSB)” option - Confirm booking
- Child ticket will show NOSB in PNR status
Benefits of NOSB Booking in Railway
✔ Money Saving
You don’t have to buy a full ticket for your child.
✔ Ideal for Short Journeys
For short-distance trips, children may not need a separate berth.
✔ Flexible Travel Planning
Parents can optimize berths according to comfort.
✔ Easy Booking
NOSB integrates smoothly with IRCTC’s booking system.
Important Rules You Should Know (As per Railway Board Circular)
- Only one NOSB child PNR can be linked per parent PNR
- NOSB ticket cannot be booked in CC, EC, EA, 2S
- Parent PNR cancellation → child PNR automatically cancelled
- NOSB not eligible for VIKALP
- Child NOSB PNR is not valid without parent ticket
- Refund rules of child fare apply on cancellation
NOSB Booking in Railway vs. Full Berth Booking
| Feature | NOSB | Full Berth for Child |
|---|---|---|
| Seat/Berth | ❌ No | ✔ Yes |
| Fare | Child Fare (Reduced) | Adult Fare (Full) |
| Comfort | Shares parent berth | Own dedicated berth |
| Recommended for | Short journeys | Overnight journeys |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is NOSB booking in railway?
NOSB means No Seat Berth—a child (5–12 years) travels without a separate berth at a reduced fare.
2. Is NOSB ticket cheaper?
Yes. It applies child fare, which is lower than full adult fare.
3. Does a child get a seat under NOSB?
No, children share the berth with the parent.
4. Can NOSB be booked in AC Chair Car?
No. Railway Board prohibits NOSB in CC, EC, EA, and 2S classes.
5. What happens if parent ticket cancels?
Child NOSB PNR is automatically cancelled.
6. Can NOSB children travel alone?
No. NOSB PNR is invalid without the parent PNR.
7. Can I cancel only the child’s NOSB ticket?
Yes. Child NOSB ticket can be cancelled independently.
8. Is VIKALP allowed for NOSB passengers?
No. VIKALP cannot be selected for NOSB.
9. Is NOSB beneficial for long journeys?
Not recommended because children may need space to sleep.
Conclusion
NOSB Booking in Railway is an excellent feature for parents traveling with children aged 5 to below 12 years who don’t need a separate berth. It helps reduce travel costs, offers flexibility, and simplifies the reservation process.
However, parents should evaluate the journey duration, class of travel, and child comfort before choosing this option.