Indian Railways refund rules confuse almost every passenger, mainly because the rules change based on ticket type, timing, and train status. This guide explains the exact IRCTC refund rules for 2026 in simple language so you always know how much money you'll get back—and when.
Want to know your refund instantly?
Use our Train Ticket Cancellation Charges Calculator on the homepage. It applies the rules automatically and gives you the refund in seconds.
Use Calculator Now →📝 Related Guides: Learn about How to Cancel IRCTC Tickets, Tatkal Refund Rules, TDR Filing Guide, RAC vs WL Guide, Train Delay Refund Rules, and Best Credit Cards for IRCTC.
1. Refund Rules for Confirmed Tickets
Refund for a confirmed ticket depends on how early you cancel before departure. IRCTC follows four clear time windows:
➤ Cancel ≥ 48 hours before departure
A fixed deduction is applied based on travel class:
- ₹240 for 1A
- ₹200 for 2A
- ₹180 for 3A/CC
- ₹120 for Sleeper
- ₹60 for 2S
Refund = Fare – fixed charge (above).
Cancel between 48–12 hours: 25% of the base fare is deducted, or the fixed charge—whichever is higher.
Cancel between 12–4 hours: 50% of base fare is deducted.
Cancel < 4 hours (after charting): No refund for confirmed tickets once chart is prepared.
👉 Tip: Instead of memorising all this, just use the calculator to get the exact number instantly.
2. Refund Rules for RAC & Waitlisted Tickets (WL)
RAC and WL tickets are simpler.
➤ Cancel before charting
You get a refund minus a small clerkage fee:
₹60 per passenger (all classes)
If WL doesn't confirm: If a WL ticket remains WL after charting, IRCTC automatically refunds the full fare to your payment method.
If RAC doesn't confirm: If RAC stays RAC and you choose not to travel, you must cancel before charting to get refund.
RAC/WL refunds are quick and predictable, but confirmed-ticket rules are more complex—again, the calculator handles it for you.
3. Tatkal Refund Rules
Tatkal refund rules cause the most confusion.
➤ Voluntary cancellation → No refund
If you cancel a Tatkal ticket by choice, there is zero refund.
➤ But you DO get refund in special cases:
- Train cancelled
- Train delayed by 3+ hours
- Train diverted
- Passenger doesn't travel due to operational reasons
In these cases, IRCTC refunds the entire fare including Tatkal charges.
Tatkal rules are strict, so always book Tatkal only when absolutely necessary.
📖 Detailed Guide: For a complete explanation of Tatkal refund rules, exceptions, and special cases, read our Tatkal Refund Rules 2026 Guide.
4. Full Refund When Train Is Cancelled
If your train is cancelled for any reason—floods, track issues, operational problems—you receive a 100% refund automatically, regardless of ticket type (Confirmed, RAC, WL, Tatkal).
No cancellation fee is applied. If you booked through an agent, refund may take longer, but IRCTC processes the refund instantly on their side.
5. Refund for Train Delayed by 3+ Hours
This is another important rule for 2026:
If your train is delayed by more than 3 hours at your boarding station, you are eligible for a full refund, even for confirmed or Tatkal tickets.
But to get it, you must:
- Not board the train
- File a TDR or cancel before charting
This rule helps passengers avoid losing money due to railway delays.
6. Service Charges & Fees Not Refunded
Even when you are eligible for refund, IRCTC does not refund:
- Convenience fee
- Payment gateway charges
- Agent charges (if booked through agent)
Only the ticket fare is refundable.
7. Quick Summary Table (Easy Reference)
| Ticket Type | Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Confirmed ≥48h | Fare – fixed deduction |
| Confirmed 48–12h | Fare – max(25% OR fixed deduction) |
| Confirmed 12–4h | 50% refund |
| Confirmed <4h | No refund |
| RAC/WL before charting | Fare – clerkage |
| WL unconfirmed | Full automatic refund |
| Tatkal cancel voluntarily | No refund |
| Tatkal (train cancelled/delayed) | Full refund |
| Train cancelled (any ticket) | Full refund |
8. Check Your Exact Refund Instantly
Instead of manually calculating charges, use our Train Ticket Cancellation Calculator.
It shows: Exact refund amount, best time window to cancel, chart preparation time, and deduction breakdown.
This saves you money and eliminates guesswork.
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