IRCTC Cancellation Charges — Complete Chart 2026
For Confirmed (CNF) Tickets
| Time of Cancellation | Cancellation Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 48 hours before departure | Flat fee per person: 1AC ₹240, 2AC ₹200, 3AC/CC/EC ₹180, SL ₹120, 2S ₹60 |
| 48 hours to 12 hours before departure | 25% of total fare (minimum: flat fee above) |
| 12 hours to 4 hours before departure | 50% of total fare (minimum: flat fee above) |
| Less than 4 hours before departure | No refund on normal cancellation — file TDR if train runs late |
For Waitlisted (WL) E-Tickets
| Situation | Refund |
|---|---|
| WL not confirmed after chart prep (e-ticket) | Auto-cancelled — full base fare + 50% reservation charge refunded |
| WL cancelled before chart prep | Full fare refund minus ₹30 or ₹60 processing fee |
| WL I-ticket (paper ticket) | Must cancel at station counter before chart prep for refund |
For RAC Tickets
RAC tickets follow the same cancellation schedule as confirmed tickets. If you cancel RAC more than 48 hours before departure, you pay only the flat fee (₹60–₹240 per person). After chart prep, you need to file a TDR.
For Tatkal Tickets
No refund on Tatkal cancellation. Tatkal tickets are non-refundable. Exception: if Railways cancels the train, you can file a TDR for full refund including the Tatkal charge.
How to Cancel an IRCTC Ticket
- Log in to irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Rail Connect app
- Go to "My Bookings" or "Booked Ticket History"
- Select the ticket you want to cancel
- Click "Cancel Ticket" and select passengers (you can cancel partial passengers)
- Confirm cancellation — refund is credited within 5–7 business days
What Is TDR and When Do You Need It?
TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is used when you want a refund but the normal cancellation window has closed — typically after chart preparation or if the train was delayed. Filing a TDR on IRCTC triggers a manual review by Railways. Decision comes within 60 days. Use TDR for: train delay of 3+ hours, train cancellation, or partial journey.
Track Your PNR Status
If you have a waitlisted ticket and are not sure whether to cancel, enter your PNR at PNR Alert. Subscribe for free WhatsApp alerts to track movement without manual checking. Cancel only if probability is very low near departure.