Hey there, fellow travelers! Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn’t board your train due to unforeseeable circumstances? Maybe you had a sudden change in your travel plans, or your train got canceled without any prior notice. Whatever the reason may be, we understand that it can be frustrating and unfair to lose your hard-earned money on a train ticket that you couldn’t even use.
But here’s the good news – if you’ve booked an Indian Railways ticket and couldn’t board the train, you’re eligible for a refund! The amount of refund you’ll receive depends on when you decide to cancel your ticket – before or after chart preparation. For those who don’t know, chart preparation is the process of finalizing the reservation status of all seats on a train, which happens a few hours before the train’s scheduled departure time.
So, if you couldn’t board your train after chart preparation, don’t worry – you can still get a refund. The refund amount will vary depending on the class of your ticket – whether it’s a sleeper or an AC class. You’ll receive a certain percentage of the total cost of your ticket, minus a small cancellation fee. So, if you’re wondering how much refund will I get after chart preparation, keep reading! We’ll walk you through the exact refund amount you can expect for different types of train tickets.
IRCTC Refund Policy
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has a robust refund policy in place for passengers who wish to cancel their tickets. The amount of refund that you will get after chart preparation depends on several factors. Let’s take a closer look at the IRCTC refund policy:
- Train Cancellation by Railways – If the train gets canceled by Indian Railways due to unavoidable circumstances, the full fare is refunded to the passengers.
- Confirmed Tickets – If you cancel your confirmed ticket more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, the refund amount will be calculated after deducting the clerkage charges. If you cancel your confirmed ticket between 48 hours and 12 hours prior to the scheduled departure, then 25% of the total fare will be deducted as cancellation charges. If you cancel your ticket within 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure, then 50% of the total fare will be deducted as cancellation charges. No refund is allowed if you cancel your confirmed ticket within 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
- Waitlisted Tickets – If you cancel your waitlisted ticket up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, you will get a full refund. If the waitlisted ticket does not get confirmed during chart preparation, then the full fare will be refunded to the passenger’s bank account within five to seven days after the scheduled departure of the train.
It is important to note that the refund amount is directly proportional to the time before the scheduled departure of the train and whether the ticket is confirmed or waitlisted.
Factors Affecting the Refund Amount
There are several factors that can affect the amount of refund that you will get after chart preparation:
- Class of Ticket – The refund amount is directly proportional to the class of ticket that you have booked. The higher the class, the more the refund amount.
- Time of Cancellation – If you cancel your ticket before the chart preparation, you will get a higher refund amount as compared to cancelling it after the chart preparation.
- Mode of Booking – If you have booked your ticket through an authorized travel agent, the refund amount might be different than if you had booked it directly through the IRCTC website.
Refund Rules for Tatkal Tickets
If you have booked a Tatkal ticket and you wish to cancel it, the cancellation charges are different than the normal tickets. If you cancel a confirmed Tatkal ticket, 50% of the fare will be deducted as cancellation charges. If the Tatkal ticket is waitlisted and it does not get confirmed before the chart preparation, the entire amount will be refunded to the passenger.
| Cancellation Timings | Cancellation Charges |
|---|---|
| Between 24 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train | 50% of the total fare |
| Within 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train | No refund |
It is important to check the refund policy before cancelling your ticket to ensure that you get the maximum refund amount possible.
Cancellation charges for train tickets
When cancelling a ticket, Indian Railways levies a cancellation charge that is deducted from the amount paid during booking. The exact amount of cancellation charge depends on various factors such as time of cancellation, class of travel, type of ticket, etc.
Factors affecting cancellation charges
- Time of cancellation: The earlier a ticket is cancelled, the lower the cancellation charge.
- Class of travel: The higher the class of travel, the higher the cancellation charge.
- Type of ticket: E-tickets and tatkal tickets have higher cancellation charges than regular tickets.
Cancellation charges for train tickets
The cancellation charge for a confirmed ticket varies from 25% to 50% of the fare depending on when the ticket is cancelled. The following table illustrates the cancellation charges for different classes of travel:
| Time of cancellation | Cancellation charge for AC First/Executive class | Cancellation charge for AC 2 Tier/First class | Cancellation charge for AC 3 Tier/AC Chair car/Sleeper class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 hours before departure of the train | Rs. 240 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 180 |
| Between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure of the train | 25% of the fare | 25% of the fare | 25% of the fare |
| Between 12 hours and 4 hours before departure of the train | 50% of the fare | 50% of the fare | 50% of the fare |
| Less than 4 hours before departure of the train | No refund | No refund | No refund |
For example, if a passenger cancels a confirmed AC 3 tier ticket 24 hours before departure of the train, the cancellation charge will be 25% of the fare.
Factors affecting train ticket refund
Train ticket refund policies can be confusing, and passengers often wonder how much refund they will get after chart preparation. Several factors come into play when determining the amount of refund a passenger is eligible for.
- Class of travel: The refund amount depends on the class of travel chosen by the passenger. Typically, higher-class tickets have higher cancellation charges and lower refund amounts.
- Type of ticket: The type of ticket purchased also plays a role in determining the refund amount. E-tickets and Tatkal tickets have different refund policies compared to regular tickets.
- Time of cancellation: The timing of the cancellation also affects the amount of refund. If the passenger cancels the ticket well in advance, they may receive a higher refund than if they cancel the ticket closer to the departure time.
In addition to these factors, the Indian Railways also has specific refund rules for different scenarios, such as trains canceled by the Railways or trains diverted due to natural disasters. The refund for these situations may vary and may require passengers to submit additional paperwork.
Passengers can refer to the Indian Railways website for more information on specific refund rules and policies for train tickets.
Refund Rules for Indian Railways Train Tickets
The Indian Railways has a comprehensive set of refund rules and policies that outline the refund amount and cancellation charges for different scenarios. Passengers can refer to these rules to understand their eligibility for a refund and the amount they are entitled to. The following are some of the commonly applicable refund rules:
- If the passenger cancels the ticket up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, they may receive a refund after deducting the cancellation charges.
- If the passenger cancels the ticket within 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure time, they may receive a 50% refund after deducting the cancellation charges.
- If the passenger cancels the ticket less than 12 hours before the scheduled departure time, they are not eligible for a refund.
- Passengers who have to cancel their tickets due to a train cancellation or diversion are eligible for a full refund without any cancellation charges.
Refund Calculation Table
Refund calculation for train ticket cancellation of RAC/Waitlisted, Confirmed tickets, and Tatkal Tickets are different. Here is a table that can help passengers understand the refund amount they can expect based on the type of ticket they have:
| Type of Ticket | Deductions | Refund Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Ticket | Cancellation Charges | Balance Fare |
| RAC/Waitlisted Ticket | Cancellation Charges | Refund of Fare after deducting cancellation charges |
| Tatkal Ticket | Cancellation Charges | Refund of Fare after deducting cancellation charges and Tatkal charges |
It is essential for passengers to understand the refund rules and policies before canceling their train tickets. Knowing the refundable amount of the ticket can help in decision-making and reducing the financial impact of ticket cancellations.
How to check refund status of train ticket
If you have cancelled your train ticket, you may be wondering how long it will take for you to receive your refund. Fortunately, you can easily check the refund status of your train ticket by following these simple steps:
- Visit the Indian Railways website – https://www.irctc.co.in/
- Log in to your account using your User ID and Password.
- Click on ‘Booked Tickets’ under the ‘Enquiries’ menu on the homepage.
- Find the cancelled ticket you want to track.
- The refund status will be shown against the cancelled ticket.
It is important to note that it may take up to 7-14 days for the refund to be credited to your account, depending on the payment method used for the ticket.
Refund Policy for cancelled train tickets
If you have cancelled your train ticket, the refund amount you will receive depends on when you cancelled your ticket and the fare rules applicable to your ticket. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- If a confirmed ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a flat cancellation fee is deducted from the total fare and the remaining amount is refunded.
- If a confirmed ticket is cancelled between 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee is deducted equal to 25% of the total fare and the remaining amount is refunded.
- If a confirmed ticket is cancelled between 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee is deducted equal to 50% of the total fare and the remaining amount is refunded.
- No refund is given if a confirmed ticket is cancelled less than 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
For waitlisted and RAC tickets, the refund amount depends on the status of the ticket at the time of cancellation.
Refund rules for train e-tickets
If you have cancelled a train e-ticket, the refund rules are slightly different from those for physical tickets. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- If a train e-ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, the refund amount after deducting the cancellation charges will be credited back to the source account after due verification.
- If a train e-ticket is cancelled between 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, the refund amount after deducting the cancellation charges will be credited back to the source account after due verification.
- If a train e-ticket is cancelled between 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, the refund amount after deducting the cancellation charges will be credited back to the source account after due verification.
- No refund is given if a train e-ticket is cancelled less than 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
| Type of Ticket | Cancellation Time | Deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Ticket | More than 48 hours before scheduled departure | Rs. 240 per passenger |
| Confirmed Ticket | Between 48 hours and up to 12 hours before scheduled departure | 25% of the fare + Rs. 240 per passenger |
| Confirmed Ticket | Between 12 hours and up to 4 hours before scheduled departure | 50% of the fare + Rs. 240 per passenger |
| Waitlisted/RAC Ticket | Anytime before scheduled departure | Rs. 60 per passenger |
If you have cancelled your train ticket and are eligible for a refund, make sure to track the refund status using the steps mentioned above. This will help you stay informed about the status of your refund and ensure that you receive it in a timely manner.
Refund process for e-tickets vs. counter tickets
Whether you bought your train ticket online or at the counter, you may need to cancel your travel plans and request a refund. However, the refund process for e-tickets and counter tickets is different. Here’s what you need to know:
- E-tickets: If you bought your ticket online, cancelling it is easy. You just need to visit the website of the booking agency or the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and log in to your account. Then, go to the ‘Booked Tickets’ section, select the ticket you want to cancel, and confirm the cancellation. The refund will be credited to the same account you used to pay for the ticket, usually within 3-7 business days.
- Counter tickets: If you bought your ticket at the counter, cancelling it can be a bit more complicated. You need to visit the station where you bought the ticket and fill out a cancellation form. Then, submit the form and your ticket to the clerk and collect the refund amount. The refund will be in cash and based on the station where you are cancelling the ticket, and the time of cancellation.
Factors that affect the refund amount for counter tickets
If you are cancelling a counter ticket, the refund amount will depend on the following factors:
- The time of cancellation: The cancellation charges depend on the time of cancellation. If you cancel your ticket more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, you will get a refund after deducting a small cancellation charge. The amount of cancellation charge varies depending on the class of travel, and the distance of the journey. If you cancel your ticket within 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, you will get a refund after deducting 25% of the fare, excluding the reservation charge. If you cancel your ticket within 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, you will get a refund after deducting 50% of the fare, excluding the reservation charge. If you cancel your ticket within 4 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, you will not get any refund.
- The class of travel: The cancellation charges for first-class tickets are higher than those of second-class tickets. If you have an AC class ticket, the cancellation charges are higher than non-AC class tickets. If you have an executive class ticket, the cancellation charges are the highest.
- The distance of the journey: If you cancel your ticket for a shorter distance journey, the cancellation charges will be lower than those of a longer distance journey.
Sample refund chart for counter tickets
Here’s a table that shows the cancellation charges for counter tickets:
| Time of cancellation | Cancellation charge |
|---|---|
| more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train | Small cancellation charge as per rules |
| between 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train | 25% of the fare, excluding the reservation charge |
| between 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train | 50% of the fare, excluding the reservation charge |
| less than 4 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train | No refund |
It’s important to note that these charges are subject to change. Always check with the railway authorities or the booking agency to get the latest information about cancellation charges and refund policies.
Partial Refund vs. Full Refund for Cancelled Train Tickets
When a train is cancelled, passengers are entitled to receive a refund. The amount of the refund depends on whether the passenger had a partial or full cancellation.
A partial cancellation is when only part of the journey is cancelled, and the passenger is still able to complete some part of their journey. In this case, the passenger is entitled to a partial refund. The refund amount is calculated based on the distance between the cancelled portion of the journey and the final destination.
On the other hand, a full cancellation is when the entire journey is cancelled, and the passenger is unable to travel at all. In this case, the passenger is entitled to a full refund. The refund amount is calculated based on the fare paid minus the cancellation fees and any other applicable charges.
- For partial cancellations, the refund amount is based on the distance travelled. For example, if a passenger booked a ticket from Station A to Station D and the train was cancelled between Station B and Station C, the refund amount would be calculated based on the distance between Station C and Station D.
- For full cancellations, the refund amount is based on the fare paid minus cancellation charges and any other applicable fees such as service charges or taxes. Depending on the fare and the time of the cancellation, the cancellation fee can vary from a flat fee to a percentage of the fare paid.
- Some tickets are non-refundable, and in such cases, passengers are not entitled to any refund, regardless of whether the cancellation is partial or full.
If a passenger has booked a ticket through an agent or a travel website, the refund process can be slightly different. In most cases, the agent or website will handle the refund on behalf of the passenger. However, it is essential to check the terms and conditions of the agent or website to understand the refund policy and the process for claiming a refund.
| Type of Refund | Partial Cancellation | Full Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| Refund Amount | Based on the distance between the cancelled portion of the journey and the final destination | Based on the fare paid minus cancellation charges and any other applicable fees. |
| Non-refundable Tickets | No partial refund available | No refund available |
In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between partial and full cancellations to know what refund can be expected. If you have booked through an agent or a travel website, make sure to read the terms and conditions to understand the refund policy and the process for claiming a refund.
Time taken for train ticket refund processing
One question that often pops up when it comes to train ticket refunds is how long it takes for the refund to be processed. The answer to this question is not always straightforward, as there are several factors that can affect how quickly you will receive your refund.
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- The time taken for train ticket refund processing can vary depending on the railway company you booked with. Some companies are faster than others when it comes to processing refunds.
- The timing of your refund request can also make a difference. If you request a refund as soon as possible after making your booking, it is likely to be processed more quickly than if you wait until the last minute.
- The payment method you used when booking your train ticket can also play a role. If you paid with a credit or debit card, for example, the refund may be processed faster than if you paid with cash or a bank transfer.
Another important consideration is whether you requested a refund before or after chart preparation. Chart preparation is the process by which the seats on a train are assigned to passengers, and it takes place a few hours before the departure time of the train. If you request a refund before chart preparation, you are likely to receive your refund more quickly than if you request a refund after chart preparation.
To give you a better idea of how long train ticket refund processing can take, here is a table that shows the estimated processing times for some of the major railway companies in India:
| Railway Company | Estimated Refund Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Indian Railways | 5-7 business days |
| IRCTC | 3-7 business days |
| GoAir | 7-14 business days |
| SpiceJet | 5-7 business days |
It is important to remember that these are only estimates, and the actual processing time may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your refund request. If you are concerned about the status of your refund, it is always a good idea to follow up with the railway company directly.
How Much Refund Will I Get After Chart Preparation FAQs
Q: What is chart preparation?
A: Chart preparation is the process of finalizing the seat allocation status on a train. It usually happens around 2-3 hours before the train’s departure.
Q: Will I get a refund after chart preparation?
A: Yes, if your ticket is not confirmed, you will get a refund after chart preparation.
Q: How much refund will I get after chart preparation?
A: The amount of refund you will get after chart preparation depends on the type of ticket and the cancellation time. It can vary from 25% to 50% of the fare.
Q: How can I check my refund status after chart preparation?
A: You can check your refund status on the IRCTC website or by calling the customer care number.
Q: How long will it take for me to receive my refund after chart preparation?
A: It usually takes around 3-7 days for you to receive your refund after chart preparation.
Q: Can I get a full refund after chart preparation?
A: No, after chart preparation, you will only be eligible for a partial refund based on the cancellation time and type of ticket.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this article answered your questions about how much refund you will get after chart preparation. Remember, the refund amount depends on the type of ticket and the cancellation time, but you can always check your refund status on the IRCTC website or by calling customer care. Thanks for reading and visit us again for more helpful articles!