Travelling by train with a small child is common for Indian families. If your child is below 5 years, the ticket booking rules are different from adults and often create confusion. Indian Railways has clear guidelines on whether a ticket is required, how to add child details, and when charges apply.
Below is a complete, easy-to-understand guide explaining everything step by step.
⭐ Is Train Ticket Required for a Child Below 5 Years?
No paid ticket is required for a child below 5 years of age if:
- The child does not need a separate seat/berth
- The child travels with an adult passenger on the same ticket
👉 In such cases, the child travels free of cost.
However, child details are mandatory while booking the ticket.
⭐ Important Rules for Children Below 5 Years
✔ Age must be below 5 years on the date of journey
✔ Child travels without a separate seat/berth
✔ Child must be added in passenger details (even for free travel)
✔ Maximum 2 children below 5 years are allowed with one adult
✔ Valid age proof may be checked during the journey
⚠️ If age is found to be 5 years or more, full fare + penalty can be charged.
⭐ How to Book Train Ticket for Child Below 5 Years (Online – IRCTC)
Follow these steps while booking from IRCTC:
🪜 Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Log in to your IRCTC account
Step 2: Enter journey details (From, To, Date, Class)
Step 3: Select train and click Book Now
Step 4: Add adult passenger details
Step 5: Click on “Add Child (Below 5 Years)”
Step 6: Enter child’s:
- Name
- Age (below 5)
- Gender
Step 7: Continue to payment
Step 8: Complete booking and download e-ticket
👉 The fare will not increase for the child.
⭐ How to Book at Railway Reservation Counter (Offline)
If booking from a PRS counter:
- Fill journey details in reservation form
- Mention child’s name and age below 5
- Ticket clerk will add child as free passenger
- Pay fare only for adults
- Collect printed ticket
⭐ What If You Want a Separate Seat for a Child Below 5 Years?
If you want a separate seat or berth for your child:
✔ You must book a full ticket
✔ Child will be treated as a normal passenger
✔ Full adult fare applies
👉 This is useful for long journeys or night travel.
⭐ Child Ticket Rules (Age-Wise Comparison)
| Child Age | Ticket Required | Seat/Berth | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 years | ❌ No paid ticket | ❌ No | Free |
| Below 5 (seat needed) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | Full fare |
| 5 to 12 years | ✔ Yes | Optional | Half / Full (as selected) |
| Above 12 years | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | Full fare |
⭐ Documents Required for Child Travel
Usually, documents are not asked, but keep one as safety:
- Birth Certificate
- Aadhaar (if available)
- Hospital discharge card (newborn)
Railway staff may verify age if doubt arises.
⭐ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not adding child details at booking
❌ Entering wrong age
❌ Assuming free seat is available
❌ Forgetting age proof during travel
These can lead to penalty or fare recovery during checking.
🔚 Conclusion
Booking a train ticket for a child below 5 years is simple once you know the rules. No fare is charged, but adding child details is compulsory. If you want comfort with a separate seat, you can always opt for a full ticket.
For more clear, updated, and step-by-step railway rules explained in simple English, visit Sarkari Bakery.