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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: 👉 Even if you cancel immediately after booking, refund = ₹0 Example: ➡️ After cancellation, refund amount = ₹0 2. Cancellation of RAC Tatkal Ticket If your Tatkal ticket status is RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): Important Points: 3. Cancellation of Waitlisted Tatkal Ticket (TQWL) If your Tatkal ticket is waitlisted (TQWL – Tatkal Quota Waiting List): Auto-Cancellation Rule: 4. Tatkal Ticket Refund If Train Is Cancelled If the train itself is cancelled by Indian Railways: 5. Tatkal Refund If Train Is Running Late If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at your boarding station: 👉 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: 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 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. For more simple, accurate, and step-by-step guides on railway rules, tickets, and government schemes, visit 👉 Sarkari Bakery. FAQs – Tatkal Ticket Cancellation

Tatkal ticket booking is the most useful option when you need to travel urgently by train. However, many passengers miss out on confirmed tickets because they do not fully understand the Tatkal ticket booking timing, rules, and cancellation conditions. A small mistake in timing or process can lead to a waiting list or payment failure. This detailed guide explains everything step by step, so that nothing is missed — from booking time and eligibility to cancellation rules, refunds, and practical tips. ⭐ What Is Tatkal Ticket Booking? Tatkal is a special quota introduced by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) under Indian Railways.It is meant for last-minute travel needs and works on a first-come, first-served basis. Tatkal tickets are available: ⚠️ Seats under Tatkal quota are limited and usually sell out within minutes. ⭐ Tatkal Ticket Booking Timing (Most Important Part) Tatkal booking opens one day before the date of journey, excluding the journey date itself. 🕘 Exact Tatkal Booking Time (India Time) Class of Travel Tatkal Booking Time AC Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, CC, EC) 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM Non-AC Classes (Sleeper, 2S, FC) 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM 🔎 Example to Understand Timing Clearly ⛔ Tatkal booking is NOT available on the same day of journey. ⭐ Important Tatkal Booking Rules (Must Read) ⭐ Tatkal Ticket Charges (Extra Amount You Pay) Tatkal tickets cost more than normal tickets. Class Minimum Charge Maximum Charge Second Seating (2S) ₹10 ₹15 Sleeper (SL) ₹100 ₹200 AC Chair Car ₹125 ₹225 AC 3 Tier ₹300 ₹400 AC 2 Tier ₹400 ₹500 Executive Class ₹400 ₹500 📌 Charges are: ⭐ Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Rules (Very Important) This is where most people get confused. ❌ Confirmed Tatkal Ticket Cancellation ✅ RAC or Waiting List Tatkal Ticket 🔄 Automatic Cancellation 🧾 TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) Refund You can file TDR and claim refund if: ⭐ What Is TQWL in Tatkal? ⭐ Can You Book Tatkal on Mobile? Yes. Tatkal tickets can be booked via: ⚠️ Make sure: ⭐ Difference Between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Tatkal Premium Tatkal Fixed charges Dynamic pricing RAC / WL allowed Only confirmed tickets Cancellation allowed No cancellation Agents allowed Agents not allowed Available online & counters Online only ⭐ Practical Tips to Get Tatkal Ticket Successfully Conclusion Understanding the Tatkal ticket booking timing and rules is the key to successful last-minute train travel. From exact booking hours to cancellation and refund rules, every detail matters. A confirmed Tatkal ticket cannot be cancelled for refund, so booking carefully is very important. If you plan properly and follow the correct timing, your chances of getting a seat increase significantly. For more detailed railway guides, booking rules, and travel-related updates, visit Sarkari Bakery.