A clear explanation of IRCTC refund/cancellation basics: before/after charting, delays, cancellations, and how to verify official rules (updated 2026).
Refunds depend on your ticket type (e-ticket/counter), cancellation time, train status (cancelled/delayed), and whether the chart is prepared. Always confirm the latest official rules on IRCTC.
Cancelling earlier usually results in higher refund (after applicable charges). The closer to departure, the lower the refund may be.
After charting, cancellation and refund rules become stricter and may require different steps. In some cases you must file TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) on IRCTC depending on the situation.
If the train is cancelled or rescheduled heavily, special refund rules may apply. Verify on IRCTC and keep SMS/email alerts as proof.
Because rules can change, treat any blog post (including this one) as guidance. For the final word, open IRCTC’s refund/cancellation rules and your booking page.
Not always. Refund processing time depends on payment method and bank/UPI.
A Ticket Deposit Receipt filed for specific cases after charting or for partial travel issues.
IRCTC is the official source for e-ticket refund and cancellation rules.
Estimate waitlist confirmation band from WL type/number + days to chart (not official).
Open estimator