Objective
To provide clear guidelines on processing refunds for passengers with Waiting List (WL) tickets or in cases of train cancellations, partial confirmations, and system-triggered refunds, ensuring timely communication and transparency.
Standard Procedure
Waiting List Ticket Refund (Chart Not Prepared)
If the passenger cancels the ticket before chart preparation:
- Refund (excluding nominal clerkage charges).
- IRCTC e-ticket: Refund is auto-processed to the original payment method.
Waiting List Ticket Refund (Chart Prepared)
If the WL ticket is not confirmed and the chart is prepared:
- Auto cancellation and automatic refund processed by IRCTC.
- Refund initiated within 1–2 working days, reflected in 7–10 working days depending on the bank.
Partial Confirmation (Mixed Status)
If 1 passenger is Confirmed and another is WL/RAC:
- Cancellation needs to be done manually.
- Refund processed only for the Cancelled passenger
Train Cancellation (By Indian Railways)
Full refund issued automatically for all passengers, regardless of ticket status.
- Initiated within 1–2 working days.
Restored Trains After Cancellation
If the train was cancelled and later restored:
- Passenger may cancel the ticket voluntarily.
- No automatic cancellation if train is restored.
- No refund if passenger travels on alternate confirmed ticket and doesn't cancel the restored one. Passenger can also file TDR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
My train has been cancelled, when will I receive the refund?
If your train is officially cancelled by Indian Railways, the refund is initiated automatically within 1–2 working days. It may take 7–10 working days to reflect in your account depending on your bank.
My ticket is in WL and chart is prepared. How much refund will I get?
If your e-ticket remains in WL after chart preparation, it is automatically cancelled and you get a refund (excluding clerkage charges).
My ticket is in WL and I want to cancel it. Can I get my refund instantly?
Yes, if you cancel before chart preparation, refund is initiated instantly to the wallet/IMM. The amount may still take a few days to reflect in your bank account.
In my ticket, one passenger is WL and another is confirmed. Will I get refund automatically or do I have to cancel it?
You have to cancel the ticket manually.
I got a message that my train was cancelled, then another saying it's restored. I've booked another train, what should I do?
If you've already booked another train, you can cancel the original one. Refund will be processed as per standard rules.
Why is there cancellation in my WL ticket? There should be complete refund, right?
Yes, for fully WL e-tickets not confirmed after charting, the system cancels them automatically and refund (minus clerkage) is processed. For partial WL, you must cancel manually to receive applicable refund.
I received less amount in my account from ConfirmTkt but IRCTC message shows more. Why?
service/convenience fees are non refundable
What is the status of my WL ticket and will it get confirmed?
You can check live status on the ConfirmTkt apps. Confirmation depends on cancellation trends and seat availability. Use PNR prediction for estimated chances.
Why do I have to wait 48 hours for the refund to be initiated? Why can't it be processed immediately?
Refund initiation is automated but depends on banking partners, weekends, and holidays. ConfirmTkt processes refunds quickly, but the reflection in your account depends on payment gateway and bank timelines.