Indian railways are considered one of the most extensive rail networks globally. It is ranked in the top 4, having more than 20,000 trains running on its tracks. Most of the population in India has given the first choice to Indian Railways for its exceptional services. As the years passed and technology advanced, Indian railways booking has become hassle-free and uncomplicated. No more worries about train inquiries; you can make train inquiries using a smart device with an internet connection.
Do remember that, one day, one single train ticket will be the one way for your journey.
What is a Tatkal Ticket?
This tatkal ticket scheme has been introduced to help the passengers who plan for sudden trips. This scheme is also being used by passengers whose ticket is not confirmed on the general quota. Some seats are kept unreserved in the general quota for these tatkal reservations, and then the seats are open to Book for tatkal reservations.
Passengers need to book their Tatkal tickets by paying extra charges compared to the general ticket booking price. This tatkal quota is open for bookings to all classes except for the general or unreserved class and reserved first AC class.
What are the Charges for Tatkal Tickets?
The charges for tatkal reservations are higher when compared to general and other ticket booking quotas. The ticket charges for tatkal depend upon the basic charge. Then, a particular percentage of the basic charge will be added to the basic charge. You must consider that the additional charges will have the minimum and maximum price.
The minimum and maximum tatkal charges are different for different travel classes. They are as follows:
- For executive travel class, the additional minimum charge is 400, and the maximum is 500
- For AC chair car, the minimum charge is 125, and the maximum is 225
- For AC 3 Tier (3 AC), the minimum charge is 300, and the maximum is 400
- For AC 2 Tier (2 AC), the minimum charge is 400, and the maximum is 500
- For sleeper travel class, the minimum charge is 100, and the maximum is 200
- For second seater (2S), the minimum charge is ten, and the maximum is 15
We all know about the flowchart process, right, which is a step-by-step process. In the same way, there is a step-by-step procedure to book a tatkal ticket.
Follow the guidelines:
Step 1:
Visit the official IRCTC website.
Step 2:
If you are already a registered member, log on to the website using your login credentials. If you are not still registered to the site, first do the registration. Create a username and a password.
Step 3:
Enter the source station and the destination station, journey date, and travel class. Then, click “Find Trains.”
Step 4:
The page is displayed with a complete list of trains available between the two stations you have entered. Choose the Tatkal option from the dropdown menu and select the travel class of your preference. Then, click on the availability button of your specific train.
Step 5:
Now, the page is displayed with the tatkal seat availability. Then, click Book Now button.
Step 6:
Fill in the passenger name, age, gender, and berth preference.
Step 7:
Go with a complete review of your booking
Step 8:
Complete the payment process using your preferred mode. It can be done through debit or credit cards, digital wallets, net banking, etc.
Timings for Tatkal Bookings:
- Bookings are open at 10:00 am for all AC classes except 1 AC
- And bookings are available at 11:00 am for the sleeper, first-class (FC), and reserved second seater (SS)
Every passenger will have different queries and doubts. So, here are some frequently asked questions by the users? Please review it and get more idea about the Indian Railways booking.
Is it possible for Advance Bookings for Tatkal Tickets?
- Advance Reservation Period in tatkal tickets is meant for one day before the journey date.
- Let us see, for instance, if your date of journey is tomorrow and the train starting from the initial station is also tomorrow, the booking can be made today itself.
- And, if your date of journey is the day after tomorrow and the train starting from the initial station is tomorrow, you can book tickets from yesterday.
Is it possible to book seats for six passengers on one tatkal booking?
As for general bookings, one cannot book the seats for six passengers on tatkal tickets. You can book tickets for up to four passengers on one tatkal booking. If you want to book tickets for more than four members, you need to make the booking twice.
Can I get a refund for the cancellation of my tatkal ticket?
A refund depends upon your ticket type, which means a confirmed tatkal ticket or waitlist tatkal ticket. No refund has been added if you cancel a confirmed tatkal ticket. You can get a refund if you cancel your waitlisted tatkal ticket.
Is it possible that a tatkal waiting list ticket is getting confirmed?
It totally depends. The prior rule is that the preference will be given to a general quota waitlist than a tatkal quota waitlist during the chart preparation. But the best thing about the tatkal ticket is, if the ticket moves forward, it does not enter into the RAC quota; the ticket directly gets confirmed.
Is it possible to book tatkal tickets via train ticket agents?
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has not allowed agents to book train tickets for a particular time. It is from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. You can book the ticket through agents after the time ends and if the tickets are still available.
