IRCTC train ticket cancellation charges: Know refund rules before you cancel

IRCTC train ticket cancellation charges: If you want to cancel your train tickets, knowing the refund rules can help you save from unnecessary charges. Some general questions might come to mind, such as, how much refund will you get? How much amount will be deducted as cancellation charges? Does IRCTC refund the full ticket amount? To get a clarity on Indian Railways’ ticket refund policy, go thorough the article to help yourself minimise deductions and ensure you get the best value for your booking.

Every day, millions of people travel with Indian railways and the rush multiplies during festivals like Holi and Diwali. It becomes difficult to get a confirmed ticket because of the massive demand. But have you ever wondered how much revenue the railways earns from the cancellation of the waiting list tickets? According to an RTI response, Indian railways has earned Rs 1,230 crore in the last three years solely from the cancellation of waiting list tickets.

Waiting list and RAC ticket refund rules
If your train ticket is in RAC or waiting list after the chart preparation and you want to cancel your ticket 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the train. A cancellation charge of Rs 60 will be deducted in sleeper class. Whereas in AC class, Rs 65 will be deducted and the remaining amount will be refunded.

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4 hour rule for confirmed tickets
If you have a conformed ticket but unfortunately you have to cancel your journey. These are the rules you need to keep in mind to get a refund on ticket cancellation. According to Indian railways’ rules, passengers with a confirmed ticket must cancel their ticket at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train to be eligible for a refund. If the ticket is not cancelled within this timeframe, no refund will be provided.

What are the rules for cancellation of confirmed tickets?

• 48 hours before the departure time of the train, a cancellation charge of Rs 60 per passenger will have to be paid in General Class (2S).
• There will be a reduction of Rs 120 in sleeper class.
• A charge of Rs 180 will be deducted in AC chair car and third AC.
• There will be a reduction of Rs 200 in second AC, Rs 240 in first AC and executive class. GST will also be applicable.
• There is no GST on any sleeper class ticket, whereas the Railways charges GST on AC class tickets.

How much will be deducted?

• The amount deducted for ticket cancellation depends on the type of ticket and the timing of the cancellation. The charges are as follows:
• In case of confirmed train tickets, if the ticket is cancelled within 48 hours and 12 hours before the scheduled departure time, up to 25% of the total amount will be deducted.
• If you cancel the ticket between 4 hours and 12 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, half the amount of the ticket i.e. 50% will be deducted.
• If you are not able to cancel the ticket 4 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, then you will not get a single penny as refund after that.
• Waitlist and RAC tickets must be cancelled 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the train. Otherwise, you will not get a refund.