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IRCTC Cancellation Charges 2025 Explained

  • Writer: Abhinand PS
    Abhinand PS
  • Jul 21
  • 3 min read

Table of Contents

IRCTC Cancellation Rules 2025 Overview


IRCTC logo with a stylized "R" inside a blue and gray swirl on a light background. Bold blue text "IRCTC" to the right. Orange border.

Cancelling a train ticket through IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) in 2025 comes with updated guidelines and charges based on your booking type, class, and timing. With digitization and AI-driven systems, IRCTC now ensures a smoother refund experience — but knowing the exact cancellation charges helps you make informed decisions.

Whether you booked a confirmed, RAC, waitlisted, or tatkal ticket, cancellation charges vary. Let’s break them down clearly.

IRCTC Cancellation Charges Table (2025 Updated)

Ticket Type

Time of Cancellation

Class

Cancellation Charges

Confirmed

≥48 hours before departure

Sleeper (SL)

₹240



AC 3 Tier (3A)

₹270



AC 2 Tier (2A)

₹300



AC First Class (1A)

₹360

Confirmed

12–48 hrs before departure

All classes

25% of base fare

Confirmed

4–12 hrs before departure

All classes

50% of base fare

Confirmed

<4 hrs or after chart prepared

All classes

No refund

RAC/Waitlisted (e-ticket)

Anytime before chart

All classes

₹60 flat

Tatkal (Confirmed)

Anytime

All classes

No refund

Tatkal (Waitlisted)

Before chart

All classes

₹60 flat

📌 Note: No refund is granted for confirmed Tatkal cancellations. Always check the current status before canceling.

IRCTC Refund Process

Once you cancel a ticket via IRCTC official website or app:

  1. Refund is processed automatically within 5–7 working days.

  2. Payment is credited to your original mode (UPI, credit card, bank account).

  3. For failed refunds, raise a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) through your IRCTC account.

Important: For partially confirmed or waitlisted e-tickets, full refund is only granted if the passenger didn’t travel.

Tatkal and Waitlist Cancellation Rules

Tatkal bookings are meant for emergency travel and hence come with stricter rules:

  • Confirmed Tatkal: Non-refundable under any condition.

  • Waitlisted Tatkal: Refundable after deducting ₹60 per passenger.

  • Chart Prepared? You cannot cancel confirmed e-tickets via IRCTC after the chart is prepared. Use TDR for specific reasons (train late by 3+ hrs, etc.).

How to Cancel Your IRCTC Ticket

Canceling is simple:

  1. Log in to www.irctc.co.in

  2. Go to “My Bookings”

  3. Select the ticket > Click “Cancel”

  4. Choose passengers > Confirm

  5. Refund details will be shown instantly

✅ You’ll also get an SMS and email with the cancellation confirmation and refund amount.

Tips to Avoid High Cancellation Charges

  • Cancel early: The sooner you cancel, the less you pay.

  • Avoid Tatkal for unsure plans: Consider General quota instead.

  • Check train status before cancelling: Delays of 3+ hours qualify for full refund.

  • Use IRCTC Wallet: Speeds up refunds and cancellations.

Useful Resources and Links

  • 🔗 IRCTC Official Website

  • 🔗 Indian Railways Refund Rules (Govt Site)

  • 🔗 File TDR or Refund Claim

  • 🔗 IRCTC App Download (Android)

FAQs on IRCTC Cancellation Charges

Q1. Can I cancel an IRCTC ticket after the train has departed?A: No. If you have an e-ticket and the chart is prepared, you cannot cancel. You must file a TDR if eligible.

Q2. Are IRCTC cancellation charges the same for counter and online tickets?A: No. Offline (counter) tickets follow different refund timelines. Online tickets are governed by IRCTC e-ticketing rules.

Q3. How to claim a refund for a train that was cancelled by Indian Railways?A: For train cancellations, IRCTC auto-initiates a full refund. No action is needed on your part.

Q4. How many days does IRCTC take to process refunds?A: Typically, 5–7 working days for online payments. Wallet refunds are faster.

Q5. What if my ticket status is partially confirmed?A: You can cancel the unconfirmed passengers and get a refund accordingly. For confirmed ones, regular charges apply.

Final Thoughts

Understanding IRCTC cancellation charges in 2025 can help you make smarter travel decisions and avoid unnecessary losses. Always plan ahead, double-check your ticket status, and cancel early when needed.

For more train travel tips, booking tricks, and real-time updates, check out our Train Travel Guides and IRCTC Help Section.

 
 
 

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