Tatkal Waiting Ticket Cancellation Charges 2026: Booking a Tatkal ticket is often the last hope for passengers needing urgent train travel. However, many travelers are confused about Tatkal cancellation rules, refunds for waitlisted tickets, and charges applicable in 2026. Understanding these rules can help you avoid unnecessary losses and make smarter booking decisions.
Here’s a complete, easy-to-understand guide to IRCTC Tatkal cancellation rules in 2026, including e-tickets, counter tickets, waitlisted refunds, and new Aadhaar authentication updates.
What Is a Tatkal Ticket?
Tatkal is an emergency quota offered by Indian Railways that allows passengers to book tickets one day before the journey date. Tatkal tickets have higher fares and stricter cancellation rules compared to normal tickets.
Tatkal Waiting Ticket Cancellation Charges 2026
| Ticket Type | Class | Cancellation Charges | Refund Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Waitlisted (Auto-cancelled) | AC Classes | ₹60 + GST per passenger | Balance fare credited automatically within 3–7 days |
| Fully Waitlisted (Auto-cancelled) | Sleeper / 2S | ₹60 per passenger | Balance fare credited automatically within 3–7 days |
| Manual Cancellation Before Charting | Any Class | ₹60 per passenger (₹60 + GST for AC) | Refund processed after deduction of clerkage |
| Waitlisted PRS/Counter Tickets | Any Class | ₹60 per passenger | Must be cancelled at PRS counter at least 30 min before departure |
| Partially Confirmed Tatkal | Any Class | ₹60 per waitlisted passenger | Confirmed passengers follow standard refund rules; TDR may be required |
How to Manage Tatkal Refunds Easily
Passengers can:
- Check booking status on the IRCTC website
- File TDRs online via IRCTC
- Use the IRCTC Rail Connect App for tracking refunds and cancellations
Read more: Train Ticket Fine in India 2026
Tatkal Cancellation Rules for Waitlisted E-Tickets (IRCTC Online)
If you book a Tatkal ticket online through IRCTC and it remains waitlisted, the refund rules depend on the final chart status.
Automatic Cancellation After Chart Preparation
- If all passengers on the PNR are waitlisted, the ticket is automatically cancelled
- No action is required from the passenger
Cancellation Charges
- Sleeper (SL) & Second Sitting (2S): ₹60 per passenger
- All AC classes: ₹60 + GST per passenger
Refund Timeline
- Refund is automatically credited to the original payment method
- Usually processed within 3 to 7 working days
Manual Cancellation of Waitlisted Tatkal Tickets (Before Charting)
Passengers can choose to cancel a waitlisted Tatkal ticket before chart preparation.
Charges Applicable
- Same clerkage applies:
- ₹60 per passenger (₹60 + GST for AC classes)
Important Warning
If your ticket gets confirmed during chart preparation, it becomes a confirmed Tatkal ticket, and no refund will be allowed after cancellation.
Tatkal Cancellation Rules for Counter (PRS) Tickets
Tatkal tickets booked at railway reservation counters follow different rules.
Key Points
- Counter Tatkal tickets are not auto-cancelled
- You must visit the reservation counter to cancel
Deadline
- Ticket must be surrendered at least 30 minutes before train departure
Charges
- ₹60 clerkage per passenger deducted from the refund
Partially Confirmed Tatkal Tickets Explained
A partially confirmed ticket means:
- Some passengers are confirmed
- Others are still waitlisted on the same PNR
Before Departure
- If the entire ticket is cancelled online, waitlisted passengers get a refund (minus clerkage)
- Refund for confirmed passengers depends on timing and rules
After Chart Preparation
- If waitlisted passengers do not travel, a TDR must be filed
- In some cases, a TTE certificate is required to claim a refund
Confirmed Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Rules
Confirmed Tatkal tickets are non-refundable in almost all cases.
No Refund If:
- Ticket is confirmed
- Passenger cancels voluntarily
Refund Allowed Only If:
- Train is cancelled
- Train is delayed by more than 3 hours at the boarding station
New Tatkal Rule Update: Aadhaar Authentication
Indian Railways is introducing mandatory e-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal bookings.
Why This Matters
- Reduces agent misuse and ticket fraud
- Improves fairness in Tatkal booking
- Ensures genuine passengers get priority
This rule is expected to apply to all Tatkal bookings made via IRCTC.
Tatkal Ticket Do’s & Don’ts – 2026
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Check your ticket status before chart preparation | Don’t assume waitlisted tickets are automatically refundable (for PRS/counter tickets) |
| Cancel tickets before charting if not needed | Don’t cancel confirmed Tatkal tickets expecting a refund |
| File TDR for non-travelled waitlisted passengers after charting | Don’t miss the 30-minute counter cancellation deadline |
| Keep your Aadhaar linked for authentication | Don’t rely on cash payments for online Tatkal bookings |
| Use IRCTC website or Rail Connect App for cancellation & refunds | Don’t share your login credentials or book through unauthorized agents |
| Arrive on time at the train boarding point | Don’t ignore IRCTC rules; cancellations after charting may not be refunded |
FAQs
1. What happens to a Tatkal e-ticket if it remains waitlisted after charting?
If all passengers on a Tatkal e-ticket remain waitlisted, IRCTC automatically cancels the ticket. Refunds are processed within 3–7 working days after deducting clerkage charges.
2. How much is deducted from a waitlisted Tatkal ticket refund?
- Sleeper (SL) / 2S: ₹60 per passenger
- All AC classes: ₹60 + GST per passenger
3. Can I cancel a waitlisted Tatkal ticket before charting?
Yes. Manual cancellation before chart preparation is allowed. The same clerkage charges apply.
4. What happens if my Tatkal ticket gets confirmed during charting?
Once confirmed, a Tatkal ticket becomes non-refundable, except in special cases like train cancellation or delay over 3 hours.
5. Are counter (PRS) Tatkal tickets auto-cancelled?
No. Counter tickets must be manually cancelled at the reservation counter at least 30 minutes before departure.
6. What is a partially confirmed Tatkal ticket?
A partially confirmed ticket has some passengers confirmed and some still waitlisted. Refund for waitlisted passengers is allowed if cancelled on time; confirmed passengers follow standard Tatkal rules.
7. Do I need to file TDR for waitlisted passengers after charting?
Yes. If the waitlisted passengers do not travel post-charting, a TDR must be filed, or a TTE certificate obtained for a refund.
8. Is there any refund for confirmed Tatkal tickets?
No refund is provided for confirmed Tatkal tickets, except if the train is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours.
9. Will Aadhaar authentication be required for Tatkal booking?
Yes. Mandatory e-Aadhaar authentication is being implemented to reduce fraud and ensure fair Tatkal bookings.
10. Where can I cancel Tatkal tickets and claim refunds?
- E-Tickets: IRCTC website or Rail Connect App
- Counter tickets: Railway reservation counter
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