1. Online Booking (via IRCTC) – Most Common & Convenient

Platforms:

 

• Website: www.irctc.co.in 

• App: IRCTC Rail Connect (Android/iOS)

Steps to Book via IRCTC:

1.Register/Login
Create an account at www.irctc.co.in. Registration is free.

2.Search Train

oEnter From and To stations.

oChoose Date of Journey, Class (e.g., Sleeper, 3A, 2A, 1A).

oClick "Find Trains."

3.Select Train

oCheck train availability, time, and fare.

oClick "Check Availability & Fare".

oClick "Book Now" if available.

4.Enter Passenger Details

oName, Age, Gender, Berth Preference, ID Card Type & Number.

oOption to select auto-upgradation and travel insurance.

5.Payment

oChoose mode: Net banking, UPI, Credit/Debit Card, Wallets, IRCTC e-wallet, Pay-on-Delivery (select cities).

oComplete the payment.

6.Get E-ticket

oTicket gets emailed and also available under “My Bookings” in your IRCTC account.

oYou can show the SMS/e-ticket on your mobile during travel (no printout needed).

2. Booking via Mobile Apps (Integrated with IRCTC)

Trusted Apps:

• IRCTC Rail Connect (Official)
• Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, MakeMyTrip, Amazon

Notes:

• Booking process is similar to IRCTC.
• These apps sometimes offer cashback or discounts.
• You need to link your IRCTC ID or create one during the first booking.

3. Offline Booking at PRS Counters (Railway Station)

How to Book:

1.Visit the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter at any railway station.

2.Fill out the Reservation Requisition Form with all journey and passenger details.

3.Submit the form at the counter and pay via cash/card.

4.You will receive a printed ticket (i-ticket) with PNR number.

Timings:

• Counters usually open 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM on weekdays, slightly shorter on Sundays.

4. Tatkal Booking (Urgent Travel)

What is Tatkal?

• For urgent, last-minute travel plans.
• Higher fare but faster booking.

Timings:

• AC Classes: Bookings open at 10:00 AM, 1 day before journey.
• Sleeper Class: Bookings open at 11:00 AM, 1 day before journey.

Documents:

• Same as regular booking. No additional ID required during booking (but required during travel)..

5. Premium Tatkal Booking

• A dynamic pricing scheme (like airlines).
• Available only on select trains.
• Higher fare than Tatkal, but higher chance of confirmation.

6. Concession Booking (Senior Citizens, Students, etc.)

Senior Citizen:

• Male (60+ years): 40% discount
• Female (58+ years): 50% discount
  Concession option currently disabled in e-tickets post COVID (except for Divyangjan).

Other Eligible Categories:

• Divyangjan (Disabled), Cancer patients, Students, Sports persons, War Widows, etc.

Note: Most concessions are currently only applicable via offline booking.

7. Group Booking / Bulk Booking

• More than 6 passengers (up to 6 via online booking, 12 via offline with request).
• For large groups: contact Chief Reservation Supervisor at the originating station.
• You may need to submit a written request with justification.

8. Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ)

• Reserved seats for foreign nationals.
• Can be booked at International Tourist Bureau counters (New Delhi, Mumbai, etc.).
• Passport and visa required.
• Select FTQ when searching trains (only on IRCTC Tourism portal or at counter).

Documents Required During Travel

• Any one valid ID proof per ticket:
  • Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, etc.
    (Mandatory for all passengers booked via e-ticket)