Book Your Train Tickets with IRCTC

To book a train ticket, follow these steps:

1. Enter your source and destination stations
2. Select your journey date and class of travel
3. Choose from available trains and check seat availability
4. Fill passenger details and select preferences
5. Make payment using various payment methods
6. Receive your e-ticket on email and SMS

Tatkal ticket booking opens at:

• 10:00 AM for AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC)
• 11:00 AM for Non-AC classes (SL, 2S)

Tatkal booking is available one day in advance (excluding the day of journey). For example, for a journey on Sunday, you can book Tatkal tickets on Saturday.

You can check your PNR status in several ways:

1. On the IRCTC website under the 'PNR Status' section
2. On the IRCTC mobile app
3. By sending an SMS 'PNR your-10-digit-pnr-number' to 139
4. By calling the railway enquiry number 139

PNR status includes details like train information, passenger names, booking status, berth/seat numbers, and expected time of arrival.

Cancellation charges depend on factors like:

• Timing of cancellation (how far in advance of departure)
• Class of travel (AC or non-AC)
• Type of ticket (Regular, Tatkal, Premium Tatkal)

For general tickets, if cancelled more than 48 hours before departure, a minimal cancellation fee is charged. The fee increases as the departure time approaches. Tatkal tickets have higher cancellation charges, and Premium Tatkal tickets are non-refundable.

You can book regular train tickets up to 120 days in advance (Advance Reservation Period or ARP) excluding the date of journey. For example, on January 1st, you can book tickets for journeys up to April 30th.

Special trains may have different ARP rules. Tatkal tickets can only be booked one day before the journey date starting at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.