Railway
Plain-language guides to booking, managing and cancelling Indian Railways tickets on IRCTC, from Tatkal booking to refunds, PNR and live running status. Each guide follows the current IRCTC rules and links to the official IRCTC and Indian Railways (NTES) services.
Booking tickets
- IRCTC Tatkal booking: timings, Aadhaar rule and a fast booking routine
- Check seat availability before you book
- Find and book special trains
- Change your boarding station
Cancellations and refunds
Tracking your train
- Check PNR status online
- Live train running status, or get it by SMS on 139 without internet
Easy Guide India is not affiliated with IRCTC or Indian Railways. Book only on irctc.co.in or the official IRCTC Rail Connect app.
All Railway Guides
Frequently asked questions
What time does Tatkal booking open?
Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey (excluding the journey date): 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.
How long does an IRCTC refund take?
For tickets cancelled online, the refund goes back to the original payment method, usually within a few working days depending on your bank. See our refund rules guide for charges by class and timing.