The train ticket cancellation refund you receive depends on your class of travel and on how close to departure you cancel. Indian Railways’ published refund rules set a minimum charge for each class, then add a percentage cut as the departure time approaches. This guide explains the charges, the time slabs and the special cases for RAC and waitlisted tickets.

Rules can change, so treat this as a map and confirm figures on the IRCTC site before you cancel. The figures below come from the refund rules page on Indian Railways’ website. That page describes the revised rules that took effect on 12 November 2015.

Quick answer

  • More than 48 hours before departure: only the minimum cancellation charge applies.
  • 48 to 12 hours: 25 percent of the fare, subject to the minimum charge.
  • 12 to 4 hours: 50 percent of the fare, subject to the minimum charge.
  • Within 4 hours: no refund on a confirmed ticket.
  • Waitlisted or RAC: clerkage is deducted, and cancellation is allowed until 30 minutes before departure.

Minimum cancellation charge by class

The minimum charge is a flat amount per passenger. It applies even if you cancel well in advance. The page lists these amounts for confirmed tickets.

  • First AC or Executive Class: Rs 240.
  • Second AC or First Class: Rs 200.
  • Third AC, AC Chair Car or Third AC Economy: Rs 180.
  • Sleeper: Rs 120.
  • Second class: Rs 60.

Because the minimum is per passenger, a family of four in Third AC pays Rs 720 in minimum charges. That adds up on longer journeys. So cancel early if your plans are uncertain.

How the time slabs change your refund

The slabs depend on the time between cancellation and the scheduled departure. If you cancel more than 48 hours ahead, you lose only the minimum charge. Between 48 and 12 hours, the railway keeps 25 percent of the fare, or the minimum charge, whichever is higher.

Between 12 and 4 hours, the cut rises to 50 percent of the fare, again subject to the minimum. Within 4 hours of departure, a confirmed ticket gets no refund. Remember that the clock runs to the scheduled departure, not the time you reach the station.

Worked examples

These examples are illustrations, not quotes of real fares. Say a Third AC ticket costs Rs 1,500 and you cancel 30 hours before departure. Twenty five percent is Rs 375, which is higher than the Rs 180 minimum, so you lose Rs 375 and get Rs 1,125 back.

Now take a Sleeper ticket of Rs 500 cancelled 60 hours ahead. Only the Rs 120 minimum applies, so you get Rs 380 back. If you cancel the same ticket three hours before departure, you get nothing.

RAC, waitlisted and partly confirmed tickets

Clerkage applies when you cancel an unreserved, RAC or waitlisted ticket. The page lists it as Rs 30 per passenger for unreserved second class and Rs 60 for reserved second class and other classes. This is far lower than the charge on a confirmed ticket.

For partly confirmed tickets, the refund window now closes half an hour before scheduled departure. The same cut off applies to unused RAC or waitlisted tickets, minus clerkage. Our guide to waiting list tickets explains how confirmation works.

When the railway cancels the train

If Indian Railways cancels a train, e-ticket holders get an automatic refund. The page says this has been the case since 1 July 2015, so no TDR filing is needed for e-tickets. Counter tickets for reserved travel were not changed by that rule.

Tips to lose less money

Cancel at least 48 hours ahead whenever you can. If you book in a hurry, read our note on Tatkal booking rules first.

Finally, cancel through the same channel you used to book. Check your refund message for the exact amount deducted. If the figure looks wrong, compare it with the slab above and raise a query with IRCTC.

FAQ

How much is deducted when I cancel a confirmed train ticket?

At least the minimum charge for your class, which ranges from Rs 60 to Rs 240 per passenger. If you cancel within 48 hours of departure, 25 or 50 percent of the fare may apply instead. Within 4 hours, a confirmed ticket gets no refund.

Can I cancel a waitlisted ticket after the chart is ready?

The published rules say unused RAC and waitlisted tickets can be cancelled until 30 minutes before scheduled departure, minus clerkage. Check IRCTC for current handling of waitlisted e-tickets.

Do I get a refund if the railway cancels my train?

Yes. For e-tickets, the refund is automatic, according to the rules page. You do not need to file a TDR for an e-ticket on a cancelled train.