Counter Ticket Cancellation: If you booked your railway ticket at a station counter and now need to cancel it, the process is slightly different from cancelling an online e-ticket. In 2026, Indian Railways continues to follow a hybrid cancellation system for PRS (Passenger Reservation System) tickets.
Counter Ticket Cancellation Information
| Category | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Valid mobile number must be given at time of booking |
| Online Cancellation Limit (Confirmed) | Up to 4 hours before scheduled departure |
| Online Cancellation Limit (RAC/Waitlist) | Up to 30 minutes before departure |
| Not Allowed Online | Train cancelled / Late running cases |
| OTP Process | OTP sent to registered mobile after submitting PNR & Train No. |
| Seat Status After Cancellation | Seat/Berth released immediately |
| Refund Status | PNR marked cancelled but refund not auto-credited |
| Refund Collection | Must surrender original ticket at PRS counter |
| Refund Collection (Day Trains 0601–1800 hrs) | Within 4 hours after departure |
| Refund Collection (Night Trains 1801–0600 hrs) | First 2 hours of next day PRS opening |
| Late Refund Collection | Only at journey commencing station or satellite PRS locations |
| Boarding Point Change | Allowed before departure |
| Pass / PTO Tickets | Can be cancelled online; pass revalidation required at counter |
| Refund Mode | Cash at PRS counter only |
What Is a Counter Ticket (PRS Ticket)?
A counter ticket, also known as a PRS ticket, is a physical railway ticket booked at a computerized railway reservation counter.
Difference Between Counter Ticket and E-Ticket
| Feature | Counter Ticket (PRS) | E-Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Mode | Railway station counter | Online |
| Ticket Format | Physical printed ticket | Digital |
| Refund Mode | Cash at counter | Bank account |
| Cancellation | Online + Physical refund | Fully online |
Unlike e-tickets, counter tickets require physical surrender to receive your refund.
Read more: Train Ticket Fine in India 2026
Can You Cancel a Counter Ticket Online?
Yes — but partially.
Through the official portal of IRCTC, you can:
- Initiate cancellation
- Release your berth/seat
- Freeze the booking
However, you must still visit a PRS counter to collect your refund in cash.
Important: Online cancellation is allowed only if you provided a valid mobile number during booking.
How to Cancel Counter Ticket Online (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Via IRCTC Website
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the IRCTC Counter Ticket Cancellation page
- Enter:
- PNR Number
- Train Number
- Captcha
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
- Verify passenger details
- Click on “Cancel Ticket”
Once confirmed:
- Your seat is released
- Cancellation is recorded
Refund must be collected at a PRS counter.
Method 2: Via SMS (139 Railway Helpline)
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Send SMS | Type: CANCEL <PNR Number> <Train Number> |
| 2 | Send To | 139 (Railway Helpline) |
| 3 | Receive OTP | OTP sent to registered mobile number |
| 4 | Confirm Cancellation | Reply: OTP <OTP Number> |
| 5 | Collect Refund | Visit PRS counter with original ticket |
Offline Counter Ticket Cancellation Process
If you prefer direct cancellation:
- Visit any computerized PRS counter
- Fill out the cancellation form
- Submit the form along with your original ticket
- Refund is processed as per applicable rules
This method is straightforward and ideal if you’re near a station.
Counter Ticket Cancellation Deadlines (Very Important)
Timing plays a major role in refund eligibility.
| Ticket Type | Cancellation Deadline |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Ticket | Up to 4 hours before departure |
| RAC / Waitlisted | Up to 30 minutes before departure |
| Tatkal (Confirmed) | No refund |
Missing these deadlines may result in refund rejection.
Counter Ticket Refund Rules
Even if you cancel online, you must surrender the original ticket.
For Daytime Trains (6:01 AM – 6:00 PM)
Refund available up to 4 hours after departure.
For Late Night / Early Morning Trains (6:01 PM – 6:00 AM)
Refund can be collected within first 2 hours of next day’s PRS counter opening.
Failure to collect refund within the permitted window may lead to forfeiture.
Cancellation Charges for Counter Tickets (2026)
For confirmed tickets cancelled 48 hours or more before departure:
| Class | Cancellation Charge (Per Passenger) |
|---|---|
| AC First Class / Executive | ₹240 |
| AC 2 Tier / First Class | ₹200 |
| AC 3 Tier / AC Chair Car | ₹180 |
| Sleeper Class | ₹120 |
| Second Class | ₹60 |
Charges increase if cancelled closer to departure.
2026 New Rule – Travel Date Modification Without Penalty
In 2026, Indian Railways introduced a passenger-friendly update.
Passengers can now:
- Change travel dates on confirmed tickets
- Avoid cancellation charges
- Pay only fare difference (if applicable)
This option is available:
- Via IRCTC portal
- At reservation counters
If your plans shift slightly, modifying the date is often better than full cancellation.
Special Cases You Should Know
| Situation | Rule | Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Train Cancelled | Visit PRS counter | Full refund available |
| Train Delayed More Than 3 Hours | Online cancellation not allowed | Visit counter for full refund |
| Lost Counter Ticket | Original ticket required | Refund generally not issued |
| Tatkal Confirmed Ticket | Non-refundable | Refund only if train cancelled |
| Boarding Point Change | Allowed before departure | Can be done at PRS counter |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not registering mobile number while booking
- Missing cancellation deadlines
- Losing original ticket
- Assuming online cancellation automatically refunds money
- Waiting until after chart preparation
Being proactive can save money and stress.
FAQs
1. Can I cancel a counter ticket online?
Yes. You can initiate cancellation online through the official portal of IRCTC or via SMS (139), provided you gave a valid mobile number during booking. However, refund must be collected physically at a PRS counter.
2. How late can I cancel a confirmed counter ticket?
Online cancellation is allowed up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train under Indian Railways rules.
3. What is the cancellation deadline for RAC or waitlisted tickets?
RAC or waitlisted counter tickets can be cancelled online up to 30 minutes before departure.
4. Is refund automatically credited to my bank account?
No. For PRS counter tickets, refund is paid in cash at a PRS counter after surrendering the original ticket.
5. What happens if the train is cancelled?
If the train is fully cancelled, you are eligible for a full refund, which must be collected at the railway counter.
6. Can I cancel a ticket if the train is delayed by more than 3 hours?
Online cancellation is not permitted in such cases. You must visit the reservation counter to claim refund.
7. Is a confirmed Tatkal counter ticket refundable?
No. Confirmed Tatkal tickets are generally non-refundable, except in special situations such as train cancellation.
8. What if I lose my original counter ticket?
Refund is usually not issued without the original physical ticket, as it must be surrendered at the PRS counter.
9. Can I change the boarding point instead of cancelling?
Yes. Boarding point change is allowed before departure by visiting a PRS counter.
10. What if I don’t receive the OTP for online cancellation?
Ensure the mobile number provided during booking is active and correct. Without OTP verification, online cancellation cannot proceed.
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