As an avid traveler in India, there’s nothing that quite beats the exhilarating experience of booking train tickets through IRCTC. But what happens when plans change and you’re left with no choice but to cancel your tickets? The refund process can often be a game of chance, leaving many travelers frustrated and uncertain of when they’ll see their money back in their account. So, just how many days does it take to refund money from IRCTC?
After several rounds of trial and error, I’m here to answer that question for you. From personal experience, I’ve found that the refund process from IRCTC usually takes anywhere from 3 to 7 business days. While this may seem like a wide range, the exact number of days is often dependant on a variety of factors such as your bank and the time of cancellation.
It’s important to keep in mind that IRCTC does have a refund policy in place, so as long as you’ve followed the necessary steps, you can expect to see your money back in your account within the given time frame. So, before you start pacing back and forth while waiting for your refund, take a deep breath and rest assured that your money is on its way back to you.
IRCTC Refund Policy
IRCTC, short for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, is India’s largest e-ticketing portal for trains. It also provides online catering, tourism, and travel services. Sometimes, due to several reasons like train cancellation, delays, or wrong payment, passengers may cancel their tickets and request a refund. IRCTC has a refund policy that specifies the number of days required to process and credit the refund amount to the customer’s bank account. In this article, we will discuss how many days it takes to refund money from IRCTC.
IRCTC Refund Policy Duration
- For e-tickets cancellations: The refund process initiates within 2-3 days of canceling tickets. It usually takes 5-7 business days to credit the refund amount to the passenger’s bank account.
- For tickets canceled due to train cancellations: The refund amount gets refunded automatically to the passenger’s bank account within 3-7 working days.
- For fully confirmed RAC tickets and Waitlisted tickets: The refund amount gets refunded automatically to the passenger’s bank account within 3-5 working days after the train has departed from the source station.
Cancellation Charges Deducted by IRCTC
It is essential to note that IRCTC charges a certain amount of cancellation fees to the passengers at the time of canceling tickets. The cancellation amount varies depending on the class of ticket, time of cancellation, and other factors. Therefore, the refund amount that the passenger receives will be the original ticket amount minus the cancellation fees. For example, if the ticket amount is INR 1000 and the cancellation fee is INR 200, the refund amount will be INR 800.
IRCTC Refund Policy Table
| Ticket Type | Refund Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Cancellation of e-tickets | 5-7 business days |
| Train cancellations | 3-7 working days |
| Fully confirmed RAC tickets and Waitlisted tickets | 3-5 working days after the train has departed from the source station |
IRCTC ensures a transparent and efficient system of refunds for the convenience of passengers. However, it is advisable to check the refund policy and cancellation charges before booking tickets to avoid any confusion later.
IRCTC Cancellation Charges
When it comes to cancelling your train ticket with IRCTC, it’s important to understand the associated cancellation charges. These charges depend on when you choose to cancel your ticket and can vary depending on the class of travel.
- If you cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, the ticket cancellation charge is 1% of the fare, subject to a minimum of Rs. 30 for AC classes and Rs. 15 for Non-AC classes.
- If you cancel your ticket within 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, cancellation charges are 25% of the fare paid subject to a minimum of Rs. 120 for AC classes and Rs. 60 for Non-AC classes.
- If you cancel your ticket within 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, cancellation charges are 50% of the fare paid subject to a minimum of Rs. 240 for AC classes and Rs. 120 for Non-AC classes.
- If you cancel your ticket less than 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, or you do not cancel your ticket and do not board the train, no refund will be provided.
It’s important to note that these cancellation charges are applicable for all types of tickets, including regular tickets, Tatkal tickets, and Premium Tatkal tickets. Additionally, the cancellation charges are exclusive of GST (Goods and Services Tax) which is charged separately.
If you’re wondering how to request a refund from IRCTC, the refund amount will be credited back to the account used for booking the ticket. It usually takes around 5-7 business days for the refund to be processed and reflect in your account. Some banks may take longer to process the refund, so it’s best to check with your bank in case you don’t receive the refund within the stipulated time.
Conclusion
Understanding the cancellation charges associated with cancelling a train ticket with IRCTC is important to avoid any surprises during the cancellation process. With this guide, you’ll be able to calculate the cancellation charges depending on when you intend to cancel your ticket and the class of travel.
| Class of Travel | Cancellation Charges (up to 48 hrs before) | Cancellation Charges (48-12 hrs before) | Cancellation Charges (12-4 hrs before) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Class (SL) | Rs. 15 | Rs. 60 | Rs. 120 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Rs. 15 | Rs. 60 | Rs. 120 |
| AC 3 Tier (3A) | Rs. 40 | Rs. 120 | Rs. 240 |
| AC 2 Tier (2A) | Rs. 100 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 400 |
| First Class AC (1A) | Rs. 100 | Rs. 240 | Rs. 480 |
With this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether to cancel your ticket or not, and when to do so in order to minimize the cancellation charges.
IRCTC Ticket Confirmation Process
IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is the official online platform for booking train tickets in India. With the growth in technology, the process of booking train tickets have become more convenient and accessible to people. However, the ticket confirmation process can be a bit tricky sometimes.
When a passenger books a ticket on IRCTC, they are given a booking status which notifies about whether the ticket has been confirmed, waiting, or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation). These statuses depend on the availability of seats and how many tickets have been booked before the passenger.
- Confirmed: This status means that the passenger’s seat has been confirmed, and they will have a confirmed seat for the journey.
- Waiting: This status means that the passenger has booked a ticket, but it has not been confirmed yet. The status may change depending on cancellations or other reasons.
- RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): This status means that the passenger’s ticket has been partly confirmed, and they will have a shared seat with another passenger in the same category.
In some cases, when the passenger cancels their ticket, they may be eligible for a refund. The refund process of IRCTC varies and depends on the type of ticket booked, such as e-ticket or counter ticket. In some cases, the passenger may even get a full refund of the ticket.
How Many Days Take to Refund Money from IRCTC?
The refund process for IRCTC can take anywhere from 2 days to 5 days, depending on various factors. The process of refund usually starts when the passenger cancels their ticket on the IRCTC platform.
The refund amount depends on many factors, such as the time the ticket was cancelled and the type of ticket booked. For example, if the passenger books a ticket through net banking, the process of refund may take longer than a ticket booked through another payment method. In general, e-tickets are processed faster than counter tickets.
| Type of Ticket | Refund Time Period |
|---|---|
| E-Ticket (Cancelled Online) | 2-3 working days after the transaction is completed. |
| Counter Ticket (Cancelled Online) | Refund amount will be credited to the passenger’s bank account within 3-5 working days by IRCTC. |
| Counter Ticket (Cancelled at Station) | Refund amount will be credited to the passenger’s bank account within 7-10 working days by IRCTC. |
In conclusion, IRCTC is making a sincere effort to make the process of ticket booking more convenient and accessible for passengers. However, the refund process can take some time, and passengers should keep in mind that it depends on various factors. So, if anyone is planning to book a train ticket, they must keep an eye on their ticket status and be aware of the refund policies of IRCTC.
IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules
Tatkal ticket booking is a boon for those who wish to travel by train at immediate notice, but it comes with its own set of rules and regulations. One such rule is about refunding the money in case of cancellation of the Tatkal ticket. Let’s consider how many days does IRCTC take to refund money from the cancellation of a Tatkal ticket.
- According to IRCTC’s refund rules, in case of a confirmed Tatkal ticket, no refund will be granted on cancellation.
- In case of a RAC/waitlisted Tatkal ticket, if the ticket is cancelled up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train, a refund of fare minus clerkage charges will be granted.
- For e-tickets, refunds are processed automatically. The amount will be credited back to the same account used for booking the Tatkal ticket within 2-3 business days.
In case of physical tickets, it takes about 7-15 business days for the refund to be processed and credited back to the account used for booking the Tatkal ticket.
It is worth noting that IRCTC charges a certain amount of cancellation charges on Tatkal tickets based on when the ticket is cancelled. Refer to the table below for details.
| Tatkal Cancellation Charges | Time of Cancellation |
|---|---|
| For AC Classes | Between 24 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train – Cancellation Charges will be 25% of the fare. |
| Between 4 hours and up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure of the train – Cancellation Charges will be 50% of the fare. | |
| Less than 2 hours before the scheduled departure of the train – Cancellation Charges will be 75% of the fare. | |
| For Non-AC Classes | Between 24 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train – Cancellation Charges will be 25% of the fare. |
| Between 4 hours and up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure of the train – Cancellation Charges will be 50% of the fare.. | |
| Less than 2 hours before the scheduled departure of the train – Cancellation Charges will be 100% of the fare. |
So, it is essential to be aware of these rules while booking a Tatkal ticket and cancel them accordingly to avoid unnecessary charges and delays in refunding the money.
IRCTC Premium Tatkal Booking Rules
If you are a frequent train traveler or often book tickets for others, you must be aware of the Tatkal quota. It is a ticket booking facility introduced by Indian Railways for last-minute travelers who want to book their tickets at a premium, and the same goes for premium Tatkal. Premium Tatkal is an upgraded version of Tatkal tickets, introduced in 2016 by IRCTC, where the prices of tickets are dynamically fixed and vary depending upon the demand for seats. In this article, we will take a closer look at IRCTC premium Tatkal booking rules and refund policy.
Refunding Rules for Premium Tatkal Tickets
- IRCTC initiates the refund process as soon as the cancellation or TDR filing request is raised by the user.
- The refund amount is based on the time of cancellation and the number of tickets canceled.
- If a train is running late by more than three hours, and the passenger is unable to take the journey, a full refund is initiated by IRCTC.
- If a train is canceled by the Railways, a full refund is initiated by IRCTC without any deduction or cancellation charges.
- The refund time for premium Tatkal tickets is the same as the Tatkal ticket booking refunds, i.e., within 24 hours of the train’s departure.
IRCTC Premium Tatkal Booking Rules
The following are some of the essential rules for booking premium Tatkal tickets on IRCTC:
- Premium Tatkal booking window opens at 10 AM for AC classes (2A, 3A, CC, EC) and 11 AM for non-AC classes (SL, 1A, 2S).
- Booking can be done through IRCTC website or any authorized travel agents.
- A maximum of 4 passengers can be booked on a premium Tatkal ticket.
- No concession is allowed for premium Tatkal tickets, and child passengers are charged the full fare.
- Dynamic pricing is applicable for premium Tatkal tickets, i.e., the fare can increase up to 30% of the base fare, depending upon the demand.
Premium Tatkal Charges and Fare
The premium Tatkal charges levied by IRCTC are over and above the train fare, and the same for the dynamic pricing. The charges for premium Tatkal bookings are as follows(table):
| Train Class | Minimum Premium Tatkal Charges (in INR) | Maximum Premium Tatkal Charges (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Seating (2S) | 15 | 40 |
| Sleeper (SL) | 30 | 80 |
| Third Ac (3A) | 300 | 400 |
| Second Ac (2A) | 400 | 500 |
| First Ac (1A) | 200 | 500 |
So, these are some of the rules, charges, and refund policies for IRCTC premium Tatkal bookings. To avoid any hassle, it is recommended to go through all the terms and conditions before booking.
IRCTC Train Fare and Refund Guidelines
If you’ve booked a train ticket through IRCTC and want to cancel it, you might be wondering about the refund process. Here’s what you need to know about IRCTC train fare and refund guidelines:
How much money will you get back if you cancel a train ticket?
- If you cancel your train ticket more than 48 hours before departure, you’ll get a full refund minus a small cancellation charge.
- If you cancel your train ticket between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure, you’ll get a 25% refund.
- If you cancel your train ticket between 12 hours and 4 hours before departure, you’ll get a 50% refund.
- If you cancel your train ticket less than 4 hours before departure, you won’t get any refund.
How many days does it take to get a refund?
After you cancel your train ticket, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 business days to get a refund. The exact timing depends on the payment method you used:
- If you used a debit or credit card to pay for your train ticket, your refund will usually be credited back to the same account within 2-3 business days.
- If you used net banking to pay for your train ticket, your refund will usually be credited back to the same account within 4-5 business days.
IRCTC train fare and refund guidelines table
| Cancellation time before departure | Refund amount |
|---|---|
| More than 48 hours | Full refund (minus cancellation charge) |
| 48 hours to 12 hours | 25% refund |
| 12 hours to 4 hours | 50% refund |
| Less than 4 hours | No refund |
Keep in mind that cancellation charges and refund amounts can vary depending on the train fare and class of travel. It’s always a good idea to check the specific cancellation and refund policies for your train ticket before you book.
IRCTC Customer Service Contact Information
When it comes to getting in touch with IRCTC customer service, there are several ways to go about it. Depending on your preference, you can choose to contact them via phone, email, or social media. Here are the different methods you can use to get in touch with IRCTC customer service:
- Phone: If you prefer to speak to someone directly, you can call the IRCTC customer service number at 139. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can use this number to make inquiries about refunds, cancellations, or any other issues you may be experiencing with IRCTC.
- Email: If you prefer to communicate via email, you can send an email to care@irctc.co.in. This email address is monitored by IRCTC customer service representatives, who will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible.
- Social Media: IRCTC is active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. You can use these platforms to get in touch with them and make your inquiries or complaints. Additionally, you can use the IRCTC mobile app to contact customer service representatives through the app.
It’s important to note that response times may vary depending on the method of communication you choose. Some inquiries may be resolved immediately, while others may take a few days to resolve. If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable amount of time, consider reaching out using another method of communication.
How Many Days Does it Take to Refund Money from IRCTC?
If you’ve cancelled a ticket or experienced an issue that requires a refund from IRCTC, you may be wondering how long it will take for your refund to come through. According to IRCTC, refunds are generally processed within 7-15 business days. However, the actual time it takes to receive your refund may vary depending on several factors.
One factor that can impact the amount of time it takes to receive a refund is the payment method used to purchase the ticket. If you paid for your ticket using a credit card or debit card, it may take longer for the refund to show up in your account than if you paid with a digital wallet like Paytm. Additionally, refunds for tatkal tickets or tickets cancelled during holidays may take longer to process.
| Payment Method | Average Refund Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | 7-15 business days |
| Net Banking | 5-7 business days |
| IRCTC Wallet | 24 hours |
If you’re concerned about the status of your refund, you can check your refund status on the IRCTC website. Simply enter your PNR number, and the site will display the status of your refund. If you’re still experiencing issues with your refund, you can reach out to IRCTC customer service using the methods outlined above for assistance.
FAQs: How many days take to refund money from IRCTC?
Q: How many days does it take for a canceled ticket refund to be processed by IRCTC?
A: Generally, it takes 5-7 business days for IRCTC to process a refund for a canceled ticket.
Q: What happens if I don’t receive a refund within the expected timeframe?
A: In such cases, you can reach out to the IRCTC customer care team to know the status of the refund.
Q: What happens if I paid for my ticket with cash?
A: If you booked your ticket with cash, you will need to provide your bank details to IRCTC for the refund to be processed.
Q: Is there any additional charge for the refund process?
A: No, there is no additional charge for the refund process, although it may take some time for the amount to reflect in your account.
Q: Can I cancel my Tatkal ticket and get a refund?
A: Tatkal tickets are non-refundable. However, if a train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours, the passenger can claim a full refund.
Q: What if I canceled my ticket but the refund amount is incorrect?
A: In such cases, you can contact the IRCTC customer care team with your query, and they will assist you further.
Closing Thoughts
We hope these FAQs have helped in understanding how many days it takes to get a refund from IRCTC. It is important to note that while the refund process may take some time, IRCTC ensures that the correct amount is refunded to the passenger. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the IRCTC customer care team. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you soon.