Standard Chart Preparation Time
Indian Railways prepares the passenger chart 4 hours before the train's scheduled departure from its source (origin) station. This is when final berth allocations are made, WL e-tickets are cancelled, and coach/berth numbers are assigned to confirmed passengers.
Chart Preparation Schedule by Departure Time
| Train Departure | Chart Prepared Around |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Previous day, 10 PM – midnight |
| 10:00 AM | Same day, 6:00 AM |
| 2:00 PM | Same day, 10:00 AM |
| 6:00 PM | Same day, 2:00 PM |
| 10:00 PM | Same day, 6:00 PM |
| Midnight (12:00 AM) | Same day, 8:00 PM |
These are approximate. Actual chart preparation can vary by 30–60 minutes.
Important: Chart Is Based on Source Station Time
Chart preparation uses the origin station departure time, not your boarding station time. If the Rajdhani Express departs Delhi at 4:55 PM, the chart is prepared around 12:55 PM — even if you are boarding at Kanpur at 9:30 PM. Your PNR will reflect chart status from noon.
What Changes After Chart Preparation
- CNF tickets: Show coach (e.g., S5, B2) and berth number (e.g., 42, 21)
- RAC tickets: Show final RAC position — can board and share a berth
- WL e-tickets: Automatically cancelled, refund initiated
- New bookings: Not possible after chart is prepared
How to Get Notified When Chart Is Prepared
Subscribe for free WhatsApp PNR alerts at PNR Alert. You will receive an instant message showing your final status — CNF with berth number, RAC with position, or WL cancellation — the moment chart is done.
Related: What "Chart Prepared" means in PNR | RAC to CNF after chart