IRCTC Ticket Cancellation Process and Charges (2026)
You can cancel an IRCTC e-ticket online from the website or app. The refund depends on how early you cancel. Here are the steps and the revised charges in force since April 2026.
Key Points
- E-tickets are cancelled online through Booked Ticket History. Counter tickets are cancelled at the counter.
- Cancellation charges depend on time left before departure and are counted per passenger.
- Confirmed Tatkal tickets are normally not refundable.
- If a train runs late by more than 3 hours or the chart is prepared, a TDR may be needed.
Steps to Cancel Online
- Log in to IRCTC and open My Transactions > Booked Ticket History.
- Select the ticket and tap Cancel Ticket.
- Choose full ticket or selected passengers if partial cancellation is allowed.
- Read the cancellation charge shown and confirm with OTP if asked.
- Save the cancellation message. The refund goes to your payment source.
Cancellation Slabs
| Cancel confirmed ticket | Deduction (from 1-15 April 2026 rollout) |
|---|---|
| More than 72 hours before departure | Flat charge per passenger only (maximum refund) |
| 72 to 24 hours | 25% of fare (minimum charge applies) |
| 24 to 8 hours | 50% of fare (minimum charge applies) |
| Less than 8 hours | No refund |
- Rule check: The revised cancellation slabs were announced in March 2026 and rolled out between 1 and 15 April 2026. Always confirm the exact charge on the IRCTC cancellation screen before you confirm.
Special Cases
- Waitlisted tickets that stay unconfirmed are cancelled automatically and refunded with a small charge.
- Train fully cancelled: automatic full refund, no action needed.
- Partial journey, AC failure or similar issues: file TDR with the right reason.
- Counter tickets can reportedly now be cancelled at any railway station.
Tips
- Cancel as early as you can. The deduction rises as departure gets closer.
- Check the refund amount on the screen before you confirm.
- Do not use fake cancellation links from SMS or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel after chart preparation?
Not online in the normal way. A TDR may be needed.
Is Tatkal ticket refundable?
Confirmed Tatkal tickets are normally not. Waitlisted Tatkal tickets are refundable after the small charge.
How long does refund take?
Usually about a week to the original payment source.
Can I cancel one passenger only?
Yes, where partial cancellation is allowed on the ticket.
Official Links
- Use only the official IRCTC website or app. Never click refund links from SMS or WhatsApp, and never share your OTP, card PIN or CVV. IRCTC e-ticket helpline: 14646.
Need Help?
Facing trouble with your IRCTC refund, TDR or Aadhaar verification? Send your details on WhatsApp and the Emitrawala.com team will guide you.
Get Help on WhatsApp Call: +91 94606 26065Disclaimer: Emitrawala.com is not a government website and is not connected with IRCTC or Indian Railways. This page is for information only and is based on railway announcements and news reports. Rules, charges and app screens can change, so confirm on the official IRCTC website or app before acting.
