How to Book Train Ticket on IRCTC: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Step 1: Search Trains on IRCTC

Go to irctc.co.in and log in. On the home page, enter your From station and To station (use station names or codes — e.g. NDLS for New Delhi, CSMT for Mumbai). Select your journey date. Click 'Find Trains'. IRCTC will show all available trains for that date with seat availability by class.

Step 2: Select Train, Class, and Quota

From the search results, choose your train. Check availability across classes: SL (Sleeper), 3A (3AC), 2A (2AC), 1A (First AC), CC (Chair Car). Click 'Book Now' on your preferred class. You will see quota options — General (GN) quota is the default. Tatkal quota (TQ) opens 1 day before departure at 10 AM (AC) / 11 AM (non-AC) and charges a premium.

Step 3: Add Passenger Details

On the booking form, add passenger details: Full name (as on ID proof), Age, Gender, Berth preference (Lower/Middle/Upper/Side Lower/Side Upper — subject to availability). Add up to 6 passengers. Enter your contact mobile number and email. Optionally opt into Vikalp (alternate train scheme for WL tickets).

Step 4: Pay and Confirm

Review the booking summary. Click 'Proceed to Payment'. Choose your payment method: UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or IRCTC Wallet. Complete the payment. You will receive a booking confirmation SMS and email with your PNR number. The e-ticket PDF is available under 'My Transactions' → 'Booked Ticket History' on irctc.co.in.

Common Questions

How far in advance can I book IRCTC tickets?

The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) is 120 days before the journey date. Booking opens at 8:00 AM IST on the opening day. For Tatkal, booking opens 1 day before at 10 AM (AC classes) and 11 AM (non-AC classes).

Do I need ID proof to book IRCTC ticket?

You need to enter the ID type and number during booking (Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence, Passport, or Voter ID). TTE may check the physical ID during travel — carry the same ID you mentioned during booking.

What happens if my IRCTC payment fails but money is debited?

If payment is debited but ticket not confirmed, the amount is automatically refunded within 5–7 business days to your original payment method. If not refunded, raise a complaint at irctc.co.in under 'Complaints/Suggestions'.

How do I book Tatkal ticket on IRCTC?

Tatkal booking opens at 10 AM (AC) / 11 AM (non-AC) one day before departure. Log in before the opening time, have your passengers list ready, and select 'Tatkal' quota when choosing your class. Be quick — popular trains sell out in minutes.

What is Vikalp scheme in IRCTC?

Vikalp is IRCTC's alternate train scheme for waitlisted passengers. If you opt in during booking and your WL ticket does not confirm by chart preparation, IRCTC may automatically shift you to a confirmed seat on an alternate train on the same route. Free — no extra charge.

Can I book IRCTC ticket without login?

No — IRCTC ticket booking requires login with a registered User ID. You can check PNR status and seat availability without login at pnralert.in, but ticket purchase always requires IRCTC login.

How many tickets can I book per month on IRCTC?

A single IRCTC User ID can book up to 6 tickets per month (12 with Aadhaar-linked account). Each ticket can have up to 6 passengers. This is a per-month limit, resetting on the 1st of each month.

How do I download my IRCTC e-ticket?

Log in to irctc.co.in → My Account → My Transactions → Booked Ticket History → select your booking → Print/Download E-Ticket. The PDF will open — save or print it. A printed or phone-screen copy is acceptable for travel; the TTE accepts both.

Useful Links

Check your ticket directly, track train running status, or read related railway guides.