IRCTC Train Ticket Booking: How To Book Reservations Ticket Online? Step-By-Step Guide, & New Update

Indian Railways catering services provider, IRCTC has announced new update in booking reservation tickets for future travel plans. With effect from November 1, 2024, IRCTC has halved the timeline required to book reservations to 60 days from earlier 120 days. Notably, this new update does not apply to all the reserved tickets booked before November 1. Here is a step-by-step guide to reserve tickets online.

IRCTC 60 Days Timeline:

As per the regulatory filing, IRCTC announced that it has reduced the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) to 60 days instead of 120 days. However, it added, there is no change in the number of trains running daily. Hence, the reserved ticket capacity will be the same as it is now.

As such, there will be no impact on the Internet Ticketing revenue of IRCTC through convenience fees charged on e-tickets booked through its platform, the filing added.

How To Book E-Tickets At IRCTC Website?

Step 1: Register as an individual. Registration is FREE.

Step 2: Provide your desired From-to station, Date of Journey and Class of travel.

Step 3: In case, you do not have any fixed date for the journey, select the "Flexible with Date" option.

Step 4: Divyaang passengers should select the "Divyaang" option to avail of corresponding benefits.

Step 5: To find the train list, click on the "Search" option

Step 6: The next page displays the list of trains available for the selected route.

Step 7: If you wish to know the route and the timings, click on the Train Schedule link.

Step 8: To select the train from the train list, click on the type of class available in the selected train.

Step 9: The fare appearing is for a single adult passenger.

Step 10: To book an e-ticket in the selected train, click on the "Book Now" button.

Step 11: Passenger Reservation Page will appear; check whether the train name, station names, class and journey date displayed on the page are the same as desired by you.

Step 12: Enter the Name of the Passengers, Age, Gender, Berth Preference etc. details for each passenger.

Step 13: The maximum length of names should be restricted to 16 characters. If the Passenger is a senior citizen (60 years and above for males and 58 years and above for females) and wants to avail of Senior Citizens' concession (40% of Base fare for males and 50% of base fare for females), select the avail concession from the drop-down list. Senior citizens are requested to carry some proof of age in origin during their journey. The allotment of your required berth depends on availability.

Step 14: After providing the correct details, click on the "Continue" button. To change any details related to Train, Class, Quota etc. "Back" button may be used.

Step 15: The ticket details, Total fare (including GST & Convenience Fee) and availability of berths at the particular time appear on the screen.

Step 16: To change any details related to Passengers, Back button may be used.

Step 17: After checking all details, click on Continue button for Payment process

Step 18: All payment options are grouped under specific categories (viz. Credit cards, Net banking, Wallets and Multiple payment service etc.)

Step 19: Select the desired payment option from the displayed Payment Gateway menus.

Step 20: Click on "Pay & Book" button for redirection to selected Bank website.

Step 21: After successful payment and booking of accommodations, Ticket Confirmation Page will appear.