How to Check Train PNR Status, Book Ticket & Cancel — IRCTC Complete Guide

Every day, crores of Indians travel by train. Whether you want to check your PNR status, book a train ticket online, or cancel and get a refund — this guide covers everything in simple steps.

What Is a PNR Number?

PNR (Passenger Name Record) is a 10-digit number printed on your train ticket. It is your unique booking reference. Using this number, you can check whether your ticket is confirmed, waitlisted, or under RAC.

You get a PNR number every time you book a ticket — whether online on IRCTC or at the railway counter.

How to Check PNR Status Online

Method 1: IRCTC Website

1. Go to irctc.co.in
2. Click on "PNR Status" on the homepage
3. Enter your 10-digit PNR number
4. Click Submit — your current booking status will appear

Method 2: Indian Railways Enquiry Portal

1. Visit enquiry.indianrail.gov.in
2. Click on "PNR Enquiry"
3. Enter your PNR number and check the status

Method 3: NTES Mobile App

1. Download the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Open the app and tap "PNR Enquiry"
3. Enter your PNR number to see the latest status

Method 4: SMS

Send an SMS: PNR <your 10-digit PNR number> to 139

Understanding PNR Status Codes

Tip: GNWL tickets have the best chance of getting confirmed. RLWL and PQWL have lower chances.

How to Create an IRCTC Account

You need an IRCTC account to book train tickets online. Registration is free.

Steps to Register:

1. Go to irctc.co.in
2. Click "Register" (or "Sign Up") on the top-right
3. Fill in your details:
   • Full name (as per ID proof)
   • Username and password
   • Date of birth
   • Mobile number
   • Email ID
   • Address and PIN code
4. Enter the captcha and click Submit
5. You will receive an OTP on your mobile and email — verify both
6. Your IRCTC account is now active

Important: You must use your real name matching your government ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) because it will appear on the ticket.

How to Book a Train Ticket Online on IRCTC

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Login to irctc.co.in with your username and password
2. On the homepage, enter:
   • From Station (departure city/station)
   • To Station (arrival city/station)
   • Journey Date
   • Class (Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, etc.)
   • Quota (General, Tatkal, Ladies, etc.)
3. Click "Search" — a list of available trains will appear
4. Select your preferred train and click "Book Now"
5. Enter passenger details — name, age, gender, berth preference
6. Choose your payment method — UPI, debit card, credit card, net banking, or wallets
7. Complete the payment
8. Your e-ticket with PNR number will be shown on screen and sent to your email/mobile

Keep your e-ticket (SMS or printout) and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence) while travelling.

Types of Booking Quotas

Indian Railways offers different quotas for different categories of passengers:

Tatkal Ticket Booking — Tips & Rules

Tatkal tickets are in high demand. Here's how to increase your chances:

Tatkal Booking Timings

• AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, EC, CC): Booking opens at 10:00 AM, one day before the journey
• Non-AC classes (SL, 2S): Booking opens at 11:00 AM, one day before the journey

Tatkal Rules

• Tatkal charges are extra, on top of the normal fare (₹100–₹500 depending on class)
• No refund if you cancel a confirmed tatkal ticket (only refund if train is cancelled by Railways)
• Maximum 4 passengers per PNR in tatkal
• No change of name or boarding point allowed after booking
• ID proof is mandatory during travel — ticket checker will verify

Tips for Faster Tatkal Booking

1. Login early — log in to IRCTC at least 10–15 minutes before booking opens
2. Pre-fill passenger details — save your master passenger list in IRCTC profile
3. Use fast payment — IRCTC iPay, UPI, or wallets are faster than net banking
4. Keep your internet connection fast and stable
5. Be ready at exactly 10:00/11:00 AM — even a few seconds delay matters
6. Try the IRCTC Rail Connect app — sometimes the app is faster than the website

How to Cancel a Train Ticket & Get Refund

Online Cancellation (IRCTC)

1. Login to irctc.co.in
2. Go to "My Transactions" → "Booked Ticket History"
3. Select the ticket you want to cancel
4. Click "Cancel Ticket" — you can cancel all passengers or select specific ones
5. Confirm the cancellation
6. Refund will be credited to your original payment method within 5–7 working days

Note: Counter tickets must be cancelled at the railway counter, not online.

Online Cancellation Timings

• You can cancel online tickets up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train
• After that window, you need to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) for refund

Refund Rules & Cancellation Charges

Cancellation charges depend on the class and how early you cancel:

Additional Rules:

• After chart preparation but before departure: Cancellation charge is 25% of the fare (minimum flat charge as above)
• Confirmed Tatkal tickets: No refund (except when train is cancelled by Railways)
• RAC / Waitlisted Tatkal tickets: Refund available after deducting cancellation charge
• Waitlisted tickets not confirmed after chart: Full refund is given automatically (no cancellation needed)
• E-ticket (partially confirmed): Only unconfirmed passengers get auto-refund

Pro Tip: If your waitlisted ticket doesn't get confirmed after chart preparation, you get an automatic full refund — you don't need to cancel it manually.

How to Book Food on Train (E-Catering)

Indian Railways offers e-catering so you can order food from restaurants and get it delivered to your seat.

How to Order:

1. Visit ecatering.irctc.co.in or download the "Food on Track" app
2. Enter your PNR number
3. The system will show your train route and upcoming stations
4. Browse available restaurants at those stations
5. Select your food items and place the order
6. Pay online (UPI, cards, wallets)
7. Food will be delivered to your seat/berth at the selected station

Availability: E-catering is available on most major trains and stations. Minimum order value may apply.

How to Check Live Train Running Status

Want to know if your train is on time or delayed?

Method 1: NTES Website

1. Go to enquiry.indianrail.gov.in
2. Click "Spot Your Train" or "Train Running Status"
3. Enter your train number or name
4. Select the journey date
5. See real-time location, delay info, and expected arrival at each station

Method 2: NTES Mobile App

Download the NTES app and use the "Spot Your Train" feature for live updates.

Method 3: Call 139

Dial 139 from your phone and follow the IVR menu to check train running status.

How to File a Railway Complaint (RailMadad)

If you face any problem during your train journey — dirty coach, no water, harassment, late running, catering issues — you can file a complaint online.

Steps to File a Complaint:

1. Visit railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in
2. Click "Register Grievance"
3. Enter your PNR number or train details
4. Select the type of complaint (cleanliness, staff behaviour, punctuality, catering, security, etc.)
5. Describe your issue and upload photos if needed
6. Submit — you will receive a reference number
7. Track your complaint status using the reference number

You can also call 139 and select the complaint option, or use the RailMadad app.

Response time: Railways aims to resolve complaints within 72 hours.

Useful Railway Helpline Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for IRCTC refund to come?

Refund is usually credited within 5–7 working days to your original payment method (bank account, card, or wallet).

Can I book train tickets without an IRCTC account?

No. You must have an IRCTC account to book tickets online. You can also book at railway counters without an account.

What if my waitlisted ticket is not confirmed?

If your waitlisted ticket is not confirmed after chart preparation, you get an automatic full refund. You don't need to cancel it manually.

Can I change the name on a booked ticket?

Name changes are not allowed on e-tickets. You need to cancel and rebook.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for booking train tickets?

Aadhaar is not mandatory for booking, but you must carry a valid photo ID during travel.

What is the maximum advance booking period?

You can book train tickets 120 days (4 months) in advance, excluding the date of journey.

Summary