Booking a train ticket online is easy, but plans can change anytime. If you’ve booked a ticket through IRCTC and now need to cancel it, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know from IRCTC ticket cancellation steps to IRCTC cancellation charges, refund policy of IRCTC, and how to raise an IRCTC complaint for refund if something goes wrong.
This blog is written in a simple, human-friendly way so even a first-time user can understand the complete process clearly.
What Is IRCTC Ticket Cancellation?
IRCTC ticket cancellation means officially canceling your booked railway ticket through the IRCTC website or mobile app so that the seat is released and your refund is processed as per the IRCTC cancellation policy.
You can cancel:
- Confirmed tickets
- RAC tickets
- Waiting list tickets
- Tatkal tickets (with special rules)
- Partially (some passengers only)
Types of IRCTC Tickets You Can Cancel
Understanding your ticket type is important because IRCTC ticket cancellation charges depend on it.
1. Confirmed Ticket
A ticket where seat/berth is fully allotted.
2. RAC Ticket
Reservation Against Cancellation – partial confirmation.
3. Waiting List Ticket
No seat allotted at the time of booking.
4. Tatkal Ticket
Emergency quota ticket with stricter IRCTC cancellation charges.
5. Premium Tatkal Ticket
Dynamic pricing ticket with no refund in most cases.
How to Cancel IRCTC Ticket Online (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Log in to IRCTC
- Visit IRCTC website or open the IRCTC mobile app
- Log in using your user ID and password
Step 2: Go to “Booked Ticket History”
- Click on My Account
- Select Booked Ticket History
Step 3: Select the Ticket
- Choose the journey you want to cancel
- Click on Cancel Ticket
Step 4: Select Passengers
- Cancel full ticket or partial passengers
- Confirm your selection
Step 5: Confirm Cancellation
- Review cancellation details
- Submit and confirm
Once done, your IRCTC e ticket cancellation is complete and refund processing starts automatically.
IRCTC Ticket Cancellation Charges (Detailed)
One of the most searched topics is IRCTC cancellation charges. Below is a simplified explanation based on ticket type and timing.
Cancellation Charges for Confirmed Tickets
| Time of Cancellation | IRCTC Ticket Cancellation Charges |
|---|---|
| More than 48 hours before departure | ₹240 (AC First), ₹200 (2A), ₹180 (3A), ₹120 (Sleeper) |
| 48 to 12 hours before departure | 25% of fare (minimum charges apply) |
| 12 to 4 hours before departure | 50% of fare |
| Less than 4 hours | No refund |
RAC Ticket Cancellation Charges
- Flat cancellation fee as per class
- Refund processed after chart preparation
Waiting List Ticket Cancellation
- If canceled before chart preparation:
- Almost full refund after small clerk charges
- If chart prepared and still WL:
- Auto-cancelled and refund issued
Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Charges
- Confirmed Tatkal tickets: ❌ No refund
- Tatkal RAC or Waiting List: Refund after standard deductions
This strict rule is part of the official IRCTC cancellation policy.
IRCTC E Ticket Cancellation vs Counter Ticket
IRCTC E Ticket Cancellation
- Done online
- Refund credited automatically
- Faster and trackable
Counter Ticket Cancellation
- Must visit railway counter
- Refund processed manually
- Takes longer time
Refund Policy of IRCTC (Explained Simply)
The refund policy of IRCTC depends on:
- Ticket type
- Time of cancellation
- Chart preparation status
Key Refund Rules
- Refund is credited to original payment method
- No manual claim needed for normal cases
- Auto-refund for waiting list tickets
IRCTC Refund Time – How Long Does It Take?
One of the most common concerns is IRCTC refund time.
Expected Refund Timeline
- UPI / Wallet: 2–5 working days
- Debit Card: 5–7 working days
- Credit Card: 7–10 working days
- Net Banking: 3–7 working days
If refund is delayed beyond this, you should raise an IRCTC complaint for refund.
How to Check IRCTC Refund Status
You can easily check IRCTC refund status by following these steps:
- Log in to IRCTC
- Go to Booked Ticket History
- Click on the canceled ticket
- View refund details and transaction ID
Refund status updates automatically once processed.
IRCTC Complaint for Refund – When & How to Raise It
If:
- Refund not received
- Amount incorrect
- Ticket canceled but refund pending
You can raise an IRCTC complaint for refund.
Steps to Raise Refund Complaint
- Log in to IRCTC
- Go to Customer Support / Help Desk
- Select Refund Related Issue
- Enter PNR and details
- Submit complaint
You’ll receive a reference number for tracking.
Common Reasons for Refund Delay
Understanding delays helps reduce frustration:
- Bank processing time
- Weekends or holidays
- Payment gateway issues
- Incorrect bank details
- Partial cancellation confusion
Most refunds are completed within the promised IRCTC refund time.
Partial Cancellation of IRCTC Ticket
You don’t always need to cancel the entire ticket.
When Partial Cancellation Is Useful
- One passenger cancels
- Others still traveling
Rules
- Allowed before chart preparation
- Charges apply per passenger
- Remaining ticket remains valid
Cancellation After Chart Preparation
Many users ask if IRCTC ticket cancellation is possible after chart preparation.
Key Points
- Confirmed tickets: No online cancellation
- RAC tickets: Allowed up to 30 minutes before departure
- Waiting list: Auto-cancelled
Auto Cancellation by IRCTC
IRCTC automatically cancels:
- Fully waiting list tickets after chart preparation
- Duplicate bookings
- Invalid bookings
Refund is processed automatically as per refund policy of IRCTC.
Tips to Reduce IRCTC Ticket Cancellation Charges
- Cancel early (before 48 hours)
- Avoid Tatkal unless necessary
- Double-check travel dates before booking
- Use partial cancellation instead of full
Smart planning saves money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I cancel IRCTC ticket online?
Log in to IRCTC, go to booked ticket history, select the ticket, and click cancel.
2. What are IRCTC ticket cancellation charges?
Charges depend on ticket class, type, and time of cancellation.
3. Is refund available for Tatkal ticket?
Confirmed Tatkal tickets are non-refundable. RAC/WL Tatkal tickets are refundable.
4. What is IRCTC refund time?
Refund usually takes 2 to 10 working days depending on payment method.
5. How to check IRCTC refund status?
Log in to IRCTC → Booked Ticket History → View refund details.
6. Can I raise IRCTC complaint for refund?
Yes, through IRCTC Help Desk if refund is delayed or incorrect.
7. Is IRCTC e ticket cancellation different from counter ticket?
Yes. E-tickets are canceled online; counter tickets require physical visit.
8. Will waiting list ticket get refund automatically?
Yes, if it remains waiting list after chart preparation.
9. Can I cancel only one passenger from my ticket?
Yes, partial cancellation is allowed before chart preparation.
10. What happens if train is cancelled?
Full refund is issued automatically with zero cancellation charges.
Understanding how to cancel IRCTC ticket properly can save both time and money. Whether it’s knowing the exact IRCTC cancellation charges, tracking your IRCTC refund status, or raising an IRCTC complaint for refund, being informed puts you in control.
Always cancel early, follow the correct steps, and keep an eye on refund timelines. This way, even canceled journeys remain hassle-free and stress-free.
