RLWL vs TQWL — the key difference
RLWL passengers may cancel for various reasons (change of plans, alternative found). TQWL passengers booked Tatkal because they urgently needed to travel — they almost never cancel.
Confirmation probability
RLWL 1: 50-60%. RLWL 2-3: 35-50%. RLWL 4-5: 22-35%. RLWL 6-10: 10-22%. RLWL 11+: under 10%. TQWL 1: 15-25%. TQWL 2: 5-15%. TQWL 3+: under 5%.
When RLWL is worth keeping
RLWL 1-5 has a real chance on many routes. Keep the ticket and track PNR movement. If not moving by 5 days before departure, book a backup.
TQWL: almost always get a backup
Any TQWL number warrants an immediate backup. Even TQWL 1 rarely confirms. Do not rely on TQWL for travel.