What is a PNR Number?
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a unique 10-digit number assigned to every Indian Railways booking that identifies your reservation in the IRCTC system. Your PNR is what you use to check ticket status, make changes, and cancel your ticket.
Where to Find PNR on IRCTC E-Ticket (Online Booking)
If you booked online through IRCTC:
- Open the booking confirmation email from IRCTC.
- The PNR number is at the top left of the e-ticket, labelled "PNR No."
- It is a 10-digit number starting with a digit like 2, 4, 5, 6, or 8 depending on the zone.
- You can also find it in the IRCTC app: My Account → Booked Ticket History.
Where to Find PNR on a Counter Ticket (Printed Ticket)
If you bought a ticket at a railway station counter:
- The PNR number is printed at the top left corner of the ticket, labeled "PNR."
- It is always 10 digits long.
- On older-format tickets it may appear as a 10-digit number near the train name.
Where to Find PNR on UTS App (Unreserved Ticket)
Unreserved tickets from the UTS mobile app do not have a PNR number — they are not reservation tickets. UTS tickets only allow you to travel in general/unreserved coaches. Reserved tickets always have a PNR.
Quick Reference: PNR Location by Ticket Type
| Ticket Type | Where to Find PNR |
|---|---|
| IRCTC e-ticket (email) | Top left of the PDF, labelled "PNR No." |
| IRCTC app | My Bookings → tap the ticket → first field shown |
| Railway counter ticket | Top left or top center of printed ticket |
| IRCTC agent/travel agent | On the printout or digital ticket they share |
| UTS app ticket | No PNR (unreserved ticket — not applicable) |
Can One PNR Have Multiple Passengers?
Yes — a single PNR can cover up to 6 passengers booked on the same transaction, in the same class and coach. All passengers share the same PNR number. When you check PNR status, you see the individual status of each passenger (some may be confirmed, others waitlisted).
Check PNR Status Instantly
Once you have your 10-digit PNR, enter it on PNR Alert to instantly see your ticket status — CNF (confirmed), WL (waitlisted), RAC, or CAN (cancelled). You can also subscribe to get a WhatsApp notification the moment your status changes.