How to Cancel Confirmed Tickets on IRCTC and the Refund Process

Travelers often encounter situations where they need to cancel their confirmed tickets. Understanding the cancellation process and refund policy is crucial to avoid any inconvenience or financial loss. This guide will help you navigate the cancellation process on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) e-ticketing website and understand the refund details.

Can We Cancel Confirmed Tickets on IRCTC?

Yes, it is possible to cancel confirmed tickets on the IRCTC e-ticketing website. However, the refund amount will depend on when you decide to cancel. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cancellation policies and associated charges.

General Cancellation Charges

For confirming a ticket on IRCTC, if you decide to cancel the ticket, you will be charged a certain percentage of the fare, subject to a minimum flat rate. The refund amount will be as follows:

If cancellation is done after 12 hours but less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure: 25% of the fare, subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned in the IRCTC policy. If cancellation is done within 48 hours of the scheduled departure: 50% of the fare, subject to the minimum flat rate.

No Refund on Tatkal Tickets

Tatkal tickets, which are typically reserved for e-Tickets, do not have any refund option, even if you cancel before the departure. Any cancellation made after the scheduled departure date or time does not result in a refund or return of the fare paid.

Cancellation Charges for Air Tickets

The cancellation and refund policy for air tickets booked through IRCTC is different from train tickets. It depends on the fare class of the ticket:

Refundable Tickets: The refund amount will vary based on the time/days before the actual flight date, and a cancellation service charge may also be applied. The exact amount will be determined by the airline. Non-Refundable Tickets: These cannot be refunded, and therefore, the cancellation charges do not apply.

Refund Process and Account Debit

The refund process is straightforward. Regardless of whether the ticket is for train or air travel, the refund amount will be credited to the account/card/UPI used for the payment within 2 business days.

Important Cancellation Details

It is important to note that:

Cancellations made after the scheduled departure of the train do not qualify for a refund. To avoid cancellation charges, it is advisable to cancel at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure for a confirmed ticket, and half an hour for RAC/WL tickets. For train tickets, a confirmed ticket can be cancelled and a refund processed if presented before the final chart is printed four hours before the train departure.

Conclusion

Understanding the correct procedure for canceling confirmed tickets on IRCTC is crucial for ensuring you do not incur unnecessary charges or suffer financial loss. Always review the cancellation terms and conditions specific to the type of ticket and mode of travel before making any decisions. For more specific details, refer to the official IRCTC website and policies.

References and Further Reading

For detailed information on IRCTC cancellation and refund policies, visit the official website or contact the IRCTC customer support.