If you travel by train, it is essential to be aware of the railway’s ticket cancellation rules to ensure you receive the full refund amount. Often, people book tickets but are unsure how much money they will get back if they have to cancel their journey. IRCTC has established specific rules for ticket cancellations, which are outlined below:
Different Cancellation Charges for Confirmed, RAC, and Waitlisted Tickets
Many passengers are surprised when the refund amount is significantly lower than expected, or in some cases, when they receive no refund at all. The refund amount is determined by several factors: whether the ticket is confirmed, RAC, or waitlisted, and—crucially—when the cancellation is made.
Deductions for Cancelling Confirmed Tickets
If you hold a confirmed ticket and cancel it at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure, the following amounts are deducted per passenger: ₹240 for AC First Class and Executive Class; ₹200 for AC 2-Tier; ₹180 for AC 3-Tier and AC Chair Car; ₹120 for Sleeper Class; and ₹60 for Second Class. The remaining balance is then credited back to your account.
Deductions When Less Than 48 Hours Remain
If the cancellation occurs between 48 hours and 12 hours before the train’s departure, the cancellation charge increases. In this scenario, up to 25% of the ticket fare may be deducted. Essentially, the closer it gets to the travel date, the lower the refund amount becomes.
Charges for Cancelling Within 12 Hours of Departure
If the ticket is cancelled within 12 hours of the scheduled departure but at least 4 hours prior, the Railways may deduct up to 50% of the fare. That is why, if you do not intend to travel, you should cancel your ticket as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute could result in a greater financial loss.
Will you get a refund if you miss the train?
If you held a confirmed ticket but missed the train, the Railways generally does not provide a refund. However, under certain special circumstances, passengers can claim a refund by filing a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt), subject to the Railways’ prescribed terms and conditions.
What happens if the train is cancelled?
If the Railways itself cancels the train, passengers receive a full refund. In such cases, no cancellation charges are deducted. Refunds for tickets booked online are credited directly to the bank account or the original payment method used. Refunds for tickets booked via IRCTC are usually processed within a few days.
