IRCTC ticket cancellation: How to cancel train ticket online via IRCTC app, website, and more

 

Need to cancel your train ticket? The process is as simple as booking a ticket online. However, you may find it confusing and time-consuming if you’re unaware of the cancellation policies and rules governed by the Indian Railways. In this article, we’ll discuss all that you need to know about online train ticket cancellation, including cancellation charges and refunds. So, read on for a step-by-step guide on how to cancel your train ticket from the comfort of your home – through IRCTC website, IRCTC Rail Connect app and more. 

Table of Contents

• How to cancel IRCTC train ticket online
  • Through IRCTC website
  • Through IRCTC Rail Connect app
  • Through Paytm
• Ticket cancellation charges
  • For confirmed tickets
  • For RAC/Waitlist tickets
  • For Tatkal/Premium Tatkal tickets
• FAQs
  • Can I cancel the counter ticket through IRCTC website?
  • What happens if my train is cancelled? Do I still need to cancel my ticket for a refund?
  • How long does it take for the refund to process after train ticket cancellation?

How to cancel IRCTC train ticket online

There’s no need to wait in queues at the railway counter or pay a hefty fee to a travel agent to cancel your train ticket anymore. It can easily be done online through the official website of IRCTC, IRCTC Rail Connect app, and Paytm. It’s, however, worth mentioning that if you wish to cancel your ticket, you can do so only till the chart preparation of the train. You can’t cancel the IRCTC train ticket once the chart is prepared. In such a case, a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) needs to be filed online through the IRCTC website or app.

Note: For trains starting before 12 noon, the chart is usually prepared the previous night.

Follow the steps given below for hassle-free cancellation of train tickets:

Through IRCTC website

1. Log in to irctc.co.in using your User ID and password.
2. Go to My Account > My Transactions and click on Booked Ticket History.
3. From the list of booked tickets, select the ticket you need to cancel, scroll down and choose the Cancel Ticket option.
4. Tick the check box before Select All or specific passengers for whom the ticket needs to be cancelled and tap the Cancel button.
5. In the pop-up window that appears, click on OK to confirm cancellation.

In case of partial cancellation of the ticket, the passengers continuing their journey need to carry a fresh printout of the ERS (Electronic Reservation Slip).

Through IRCTC Rail Connect app

1. Log in to the IRCTC Rail Connect app using the User ID and password or 4-digit PIN.
2. From the menu bar at the bottom, select My Transaction > My Bookings.
3. Click on the ticket that needs to be cancelled, open the three-dot menu from the top right corner of the screen and from the drop-down list, select Cancel Ticket.
4. Tick the check box before Select All or specific passengers for whom the ticket needs to be cancelled and tap the Cancel button.
5. In the pop-up window that appears, click on Yes to confirm cancellation.

Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app from Google Play Store or App Store.

Through Paytm

1. Log in to paytm.com or Paytm app.
2. Click on your profile icon and select the Your Orders or Orders & Bookings option.
3. Locate the train ticket booking that you wish to cancel and click on it to open.
4. Select the Cancel Ticket option and choose the travellers for whom the ticket needs to be cancelled.
5. Hit the Submit button.

Download the Paytm app from Google Play Store or App Store.

Ticket cancellation charges

Upon successful cancellation of a train ticket, you’ll get a full or partial refund of the amount paid at the time of reservation after deduction of applicable charges. The refund amount is variable and depends on the status of the ticket i.e. whether you’re cancelling a confirmed, RAC, WL or Tatkal ticket, the time when you cancel it, which class ticket is it, etc.

For confirmed tickets

When you cancel a confirmed ticket, the cancellation fee and refund amount are calculated on the basis of when you cancel the ticket before the train’s scheduled departure. Read on to know about the policies of Indian Railways w.r.t cancellation of confirmed tickets.

• If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the train, the following cancellation charges (per passenger) apply:

TICKET	CHARGES
AC First Class/Executive Class	Rs 240 + GST
AC 2 Tier/First Class	Rs 200 + GST
AC 3 Tier/AC Chair car/AC 3 Economy	Rs 180
Sleeper Class	Rs 120
Second Class	Rs 60

• If the ticket is cancelled within 48 hours and up to 12 hours from the scheduled train departure, the cancellation charges are 25 percent of the base fare + GST for all AC classes (subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned earlier).

• If the ticket is cancelled in less than 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the departure time or the preparation of the chart, whichever is earlier, the cancellation fee is 50 percent of the base fare + GST for all AC classes (subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned earlier).
• In case you have not cancelled your confirmed ticket (or haven’t filed a TDR) within 4 hours of the scheduled departure time or before the chart preparation, whichever is earlier, a refund is not applicable.

For RAC/Waitlist tickets

If you have a RAC or WL (Waitlist) ticket, you can cancel the same up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train. In case of RAC/WL ticket cancellations, a fee of Rs 60 + GST per passenger will be deducted.

After the chart is prepared, the following rules apply to depend on the scenario:

• For a refund on RAC tickets, after the chart is prepared, a TDR needs to be filed at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
• In case, a RAC ticket is not cancelled or a TDR hasn’t been filed within the stipulated time, no refund is applicable.
• If your ticket is still Waitlisted after the chart is prepared, the fare will be refunded to your account automatically by IRCTC after the deduction of applicable fees.
• If your RAC/WL ticket is confirmed before you could cancel it, the refund policies for confirmed tickets will be applicable.

Note: The service fee and transaction charges for booking the ticket are non-refundable.

For Tatkal/Premium Tatkal tickets

If you cancel a confirmed Tatkal/Premium Tatkal ticket, you are not entitled to a refund. For a refund on cancellation of Waitlisted Tatkal tickets, RAC/WL cancellation rules apply.

Note: You are not allowed to book RAC tickets under the Tatkal quota and RAC/WL tickets under the Premium Tatkal quota.

FAQs

Can I cancel the counter ticket through IRCTC website?

Yes, IRCTC allows you to cancel your counter ticket, but only if you had given a valid mobile number at the time of reservation. Online cancellation of counter tickets is permitted up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure or the chart preparation, whichever is earlier if the ticket is fully confirmed. For RAC/WL counter tickets, online cancellation is permitted up to 30 minutes before the train departure time. Click here for IRCTC counter ticket services.

What happens if my train is cancelled? Do I still need to cancel my ticket for a refund?

No, you need not place a cancel ticket request or file a TDR if your train is cancelled due to floods, accidents, or any other reason. IRCTC automatically grants a full refund of the ticket fare, irrespective of the status of your ticket (confirmed/RAC/WL), in such a case.

How long does it take for the refund to process after train ticket cancellation?

Once your ticket cancellation is confirmed, it takes around 5 to 7 working days for IRCTC to process your refund. However, a refund of the train ticket filed through TDR takes a minimum of 60 days for processing. The refund is credited back to the account used for the booking.