Tatkal ticket booking is a popular option for passengers who need to travel urgently by train. However, many people are confused about Tatkal ticket cancellation rules, especially whether a refund is allowed or not. In this detailed guide, we explain every single rule related to Tatkal ticket cancellation, refunds, waitlisted tickets, RAC tickets, and TDR—so that nothing is missed.
What Is a Tatkal Ticket?
A Tatkal ticket is a last-minute train ticket booking facility provided by Indian Railways through IRCTC.
It allows passengers to book tickets one day before the date of journey by paying extra Tatkal charges.
Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Rules (Important Overview)
Before going into details, here is the most important rule you should remember:
❌ No refund is allowed on confirmed Tatkal tickets if you cancel them.
However, this rule changes depending on the ticket status (Confirmed, RAC, or Waitlisted).
Let’s understand each case clearly.
1. Cancellation of Confirmed Tatkal Ticket
If your Tatkal ticket is confirmed, then:
- ❌ No refund is allowed
- Tatkal charges + base fare are not refunded
- It does not matter how early you cancel
- The rule applies to online and counter tickets
👉 Even if you cancel immediately after booking, refund = ₹0
Example:
- Ticket Fare: ₹1,200
- Tatkal Charges: ₹400
- Total Paid: ₹1,600
➡️ After cancellation, refund amount = ₹0
2. Cancellation of RAC Tatkal Ticket
If your Tatkal ticket status is RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation):
- ✅ Refund is allowed
- Cancellation must be done up to 30 minutes before train departure
- Standard IRCTC cancellation charges apply
- Tatkal charges are not refunded
Important Points:
- Refund = Fare – clerkage/charges
- If RAC ticket becomes confirmed, refund rules of confirmed Tatkal apply (no refund)
3. Cancellation of Waitlisted Tatkal Ticket (TQWL)
If your Tatkal ticket is waitlisted (TQWL – Tatkal Quota Waiting List):
- ✅ Refund is allowed
- You can cancel online or it may auto-cancel
- Tatkal charges are not refunded
- Only clerkage is deducted
Auto-Cancellation Rule:
- If TQWL ticket is not confirmed after chart preparation, it is:
- Automatically cancelled
- Refund is credited to your bank account
4. Tatkal Ticket Refund If Train Is Cancelled
If the train itself is cancelled by Indian Railways:
- ✅ Full refund is allowed
- Includes base fare + Tatkal charges
- Refund is processed automatically (online tickets)
- No cancellation charges apply
5. Tatkal Refund If Train Is Running Late
If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at your boarding station:
- You can file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt)
- Refund is allowed after verification
- Applies to confirmed Tatkal tickets also
👉 TDR must be filed before actual departure of the train
6. Tatkal Ticket Cancellation After Chart Preparation
| Ticket Status | Refund Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Tatkal | ❌ No |
| RAC Tatkal | ✅ Yes (with charges) |
| Waitlisted Tatkal | ✅ Yes |
| Train Cancelled | ✅ Full Refund |
| Train Late > 3 hrs (TDR) | ✅ Yes |
7. Tatkal Cancellation Charges (Summary)
| Ticket Type | Refund |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Tatkal | ❌ No refund |
| RAC Tatkal | ✅ Refund after deduction |
| Waitlisted Tatkal | ✅ Refund |
| Cancelled Train | ✅ Full refund |
| TDR Filed (Delay / Cancellation) | ✅ Refund |
⚠️ Tatkal charges are non-refundable in normal cancellation cases.
8. Can Tatkal Ticket Be Cancelled Online?
Yes, Tatkal tickets booked online can be cancelled through the IRCTC website or app, but:
- Refund depends on ticket status
- Cancellation rules remain the same
- Offline/counter tickets must be cancelled at PRS counters
9. Difference Between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal (Refund)
| Feature | Tatkal | Premium Tatkal |
|---|---|---|
| Refund on cancellation | RAC/WL only | ❌ No refund |
| Waitlist allowed | Yes | No |
| Fare | Fixed | Dynamic |
| Cancellation allowed | Yes | No |
Important Things to Remember
- Tatkal charges are never refunded except when the train is cancelled
- Confirmed Tatkal = No refund
- Always check ticket status before cancelling
- File TDR if eligible
- Refund usually credited within 3–7 working days
Conclusion
The Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Rules are strict, especially for confirmed tickets. If your Tatkal ticket is confirmed, do not expect any refund on cancellation. However, RAC and waitlisted Tatkal tickets are eligible for partial refunds, and special cases like train cancellation or long delays allow full or partial refunds through TDR.
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