Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the official online ticketing partner of Indian Railways, offering passengers a quick and convenient way to book tickets across India. While booking tickets is easy, plans can change unexpectedly — and that’s where understanding Refund Rules IRCTC becomes essential.
Whether it’s a confirmed ticket, RAC, waiting list, train delay, or cancellation scenario, the refund process varies based on timing and ticket status. Knowing the rules helps avoid confusion, unnecessary charges, and financial losses.
This guide explains the updated refund rules for IRCTC e-tickets in simple language.
Table of contents
Refund Rules IRCTC for E-Tickets (Revised from 12-11-2015)
The revised rules aim to:
✔ Prevent misuse
✔ Promote mobile and online ticketing
✔ Enable automatic refunds
✔ Stop black marketing of tickets
Refund rules differ based on ticket type and cancellation timing.
1️⃣ Refund Rules IRCTC for Confirmed Tickets
Cancellation charges depend on how early the ticket is canceled before the scheduled departure.
| Time of Cancellation | Ticket Class | Cancellation Charges + GST |
|---|---|---|
| More than 48 hours before departure | Executive Class | ₹240 + GST |
| More than 48 hours before departure | AC Chair Car | ₹180 + GST |
| Between 48–12 hours | All AC Classes | 25% of fare (min deduction applies) + GST |
| Between 12–4 hours | All AC Classes | 50% of fare (min deduction applies) + GST |
| Less than 4 hours before departure | All Classes | No refund |
2️⃣ Refund Rules IRCTC for Waitlisted Tickets
✔ Online Cancellation Up to 4 Hours Before Train Departure
Refund = Fare minus ₹20 + GST per passenger.
✔ Automatic Cancellation After Chart Preparation
If the ticket remains fully waitlisted after charting → Full refund automatically processed.
3️⃣ Refund Rules for Partially Confirmed Tickets
If a ticket contains both confirmed and waitlisted passengers:
✔ Cancellation Before 4 Hours
Full refund for confirmed passengers after deducting ₹20 + GST per passenger.
✔ After Charting and Up to 30 Minutes Before Departure
Full refund without deduction — provided cancellation/TDR filed for all passengers.
✔ If Waitlisted Passengers Do Not Travel
A certificate from onboard ticket checking staff is required.
TDR must be filed within 72 hours of train arrival.
4️⃣ Refund for Dropped Waitlist Tickets
If all passengers remain waitlisted even after charting, the PNR is automatically canceled and a full refund is issued — no need to file TDR.
5️⃣ Refund Rules IRCTC for Fully Cancelled Trains
If a train is cancelled from source to destination → Full refund is automatic.
No need to cancel or file TDR.
6️⃣ Refund for Partially Cancelled / Diverted / Short-Terminated Trains
A TDR must be filed online within 72 hours of scheduled departure.
7️⃣ Refund for Train Delay (More Than 3 Hours)
A full refund is issued if:
- The train is delayed by more than 3 hours
- The passenger does not travel
- TDR is filed before actual departure
- No one on the same PNR traveled
Clerkage Charges
| Ticket Type | Clerkage Charges |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (Second Class) | ₹30 |
| RAC / Waitlisted Reserved Tickets | ₹60 |
How Long Does It Take for Refund?
Refunds usually take 5–7 working days to reflect back in the original payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓1. Can I cancel my e-ticket after the train departs?
No. Cancellation is not permitted after chart preparation and departure. You must file a TDR instead.
❓2. Do Tatkal tickets get a refund?
Tatkal confirmed tickets are non-refundable, except in cases like train cancellation or train running late by more than 3 hours.
❓3. What happens if my ticket remains waitlisted?
Full waitlisted e-tickets are automatically canceled, and a full refund is issued.
❓4. Do I need to cancel if the train is cancelled?
No. Refunds are processed automatically.
❓5. How do I check refund status?
Log in to IRCTC → My Transactions → Refund Status / Cancelled Tickets.
Conclusion
Understanding Refund Rules IRCTC helps passengers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary deductions. Whether it’s confirmed, RAC, waitlisted, Tatkal, or special situations like train delays or cancellations — filing on time and knowing the procedure ensures a smooth refund experience