IRCTC Train eTicketing System

IRCTC introduced online train ticket booking in 2002. As the number of people booking tickets online grew, the IRCTC Next Generation eTicketing System was launched in 2014 to make the process faster and handle more bookings.

The system has changed a lot since then. Today, IRCTC Next Generation e-ticketing covers everything from checking trains and seat availability to making a reservation and getting your e-ticket online. A new beta version launched in 2026 has made the process shorter, with fewer steps and a simpler booking screen.

The IRCTC Next Generation e-ticketing system makes railway ticket booking easy with the following features:

• Fewer Booking Steps: The new beta version of the IRCTC Next Generation E-Ticket system reduces the number of steps needed to book your tickets.
• Single-Screen Availability: You can see available seats across different travel classes (such as sleeper, 2A, 3A, etc.) on one screen instead of checking each class separately.
• Saved Passenger Details: You can save passenger details and use them again when booking, instead of typing the same details each time.
• Different Booking Quotas: You can search and book seats under General, Tatkal, Ladies, Lower Berth, and other quotas for your train.
• Multiple payment modes: You can make the ticket payment securely using any preferred online mode, including UPI, debit or credit cards, netbanking, and IRCTC eWallet.
• Ticket Cancellation: You can cancel eligible e-tickets online. You can also submit an online cancellation request for eligible tickets booked at railway reservation counters. 
• Access Other Railway Services: You can also check train schedules, track your train, cancel tickets online, or book meals and retiring rooms through IRCTC.

Here’s how you can complete your IRCTC Next Generation ticket booking online:

Step 1: Open the IRCTC Next Generation e-ticketing website.

Step 2: Use your IRCTC username and password to log in (if you don’t have an IRCTC account, register first).

Step 3: Enter the names of your source and destination stations, travel date, preferred class, and booking quota details.

Step 4: Click ‘Search Trains’ to see available trains along with departure times, journey duration, and train schedule.

Step 5: Choose a train and travel class to check the number of seats available and ticket fare. Click ‘Book Now’ to continue.

Step 6: Enter passenger details such as name, gender, age, and berth preference*. You also need to provide a contact number.

Step 7: Select any other preferences and travel insurance details.

Step 8: Choose your preferred payment method, such as UPI, credit/debit card, or net banking.

Step 9: Click ‘Continue’, check your journey and passenger details once more, and complete the payment.

Step 10: Once the payment is successful, your booking confirmation will be displayed. Your IRCTC Next Generation reservation details and PNR will also be sent to you via SMS and email. 

*Your preferred berth is given only when available. Selecting upper, lower, middle, or side berth does not guarantee that you will get the chosen berth.

The IRCTC Next Generation e-ticketing system lets you book and manage train tickets online. The newer version also makes it easier to search for trains, compare options, and complete your booking. 

Here are all the key benefits of booking tickets using the IRCTC NextGen website:

• Convenient booking process: You can search for trains, check seat availability, and complete your IRCTC NextGen ticket booking from your phone or computer, without visiting a railway reservation counter.
• Shows booking information: You can check train timings, fares, travel classes, and current seat availability before choosing a train and booking your ticket.
• Easy ticket management: After booking, you can check your PNR and ticket history, and cancel eligible e-tickets.
• Simple Interface: The beta website has fewer pop-ups, flashing banners, and CAPTCHA interruptions, making the booking pages easier to use.
• No paper ticket needed: You get your IRCTC Next-Generation E-Ticket sent to you by SMS and email. This way, you don’t need a paper ticket for the journey.

When booking a train ticket, you will find different quota options on the IRCTC Next Generation e-ticketing website. Some are open to all passengers, while others are meant for specific travellers such as women, senior citizens, foreign tourists, or railway staff. Each quota has its own booking rules and seat availability. 

Here are the common quotas you’ll see when using the IRCTC Next Generation Ticket Booking website:

• General Quota (GN)

This is the regular booking quota that’s open to all passengers. Booking for the general quota opens 60 days before travel on the IRCTC NextGen website. Once confirmed seats fill up, bookings move to RAC and waiting lists like GNWL, RLWL, PQWL, or RQWL. RAC passengers are allowed to travel, while fully waitlisted e-tickets are cancelled after charting.

• Ladies Quota (LD)

This quota reserves seats for solo women travellers and women travelling with kids below 12 years. Under the LD quota, around 6 berths are reserved in Sleeper Class and 3A coaches on long-distance mail and express trains.

• Lower Berth/Senior Citizen Quota (SS)

This quota has lower berths reserved for men aged 60 years or above, women aged 45 years or above, and pregnant women. A lower berth is easier to use as they do not have to climb to a middle or upper berth. The system auto-assigns these berths based on availability.

• Tatkal Quota (TQ)

Tatkal is a special quota where some seats are kept aside for last-minute booking. Booking opens one day before the journey (10 AM for AC and 11 AM for Non-AC). Once seats are full, tickets move to TQWL. You cannot travel if your e-ticket remains fully waitlisted after chart preparation.

• Premium Tatkal Quota (PT)

Available on select high-demand trains, Premium Tatkal reserves even fewer seats for last-minute booking. The fare for this quota changes with demand (dynamic pricing) and can increase as seats are booked. Only confirmed tickets are issued under this quota, so there is no RAC or waiting list.

• Person with Disabilities Quota (Divyangjan Quota)

Under the Divyangjan Quota, around 4 berths are kept for passengers who have disabilities and their escorts on Mail and Express trains. Fare concessions are also available. To get the concession online, passengers need to enter their 11-digit Railway-issued Divyangjan Concession ID. 

• Duty Pass Quota (DP)

This quota is only for eligible railway staff travelling using a railway pass. Limited seats are kept under this quota and once these seats are filled, further bookings are placed on a separate waiting list for Duty Pass passengers.

• Foreign Tourist Quota (FT)

Foreign tourists as well as NRIs travelling in India can book tickets for eligible trains under this quota. You can reserve these tickets up to 365 days in advance on the IRCTC Next Generation E-Ticketing website.