IRCTC Chart Preparation Time 2025: New 8-Hour Rule & Complete Booking Guide

IRCTC Chart Preparation Time 2025: New 8-Hour Rule & Complete Booking Guide
If you are planning to travel by train in India this year, the rules have changed significantly. In a massive overhaul for 2025, Indian Railways has shifted from the traditional 4-hour system to a new 8-hour advance chart preparation schedule.
 
Along with this, the launch of the RailOne SuperApp, mandatory Aadhaar verification for Tatkal, and new booking windows have transformed how we book tickets.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the IRCTC train chart preparation time in 2025 and how to ensure your journey is confirmed.

New Chart Preparation Timing Rules (2025)

The most urgent update for passengers is the timeline. The Railway Board has officially transitioned to an 8-hour advance chart preparation system.

Why the change? The old 4-hour window caused panic. If your ticket wasn't confirmed, you had very little time to find an alternative. The new 8-hour window gives waitlisted passengers ample time to book a bus, flight, or alternate train if their ticket remains unconfirmed.

Current Chart Preparation Schedule

Here is exactly when you should check your PNR status to see if your seat is confirmed:

Train Departure Time First Chart Preparation Final Chart
After 2:00 PM (14:00) 8 hours before departure 30 mins before departure
5:00 AM – 2:00 PM 9:00 PM the previous night 30 mins before departure
Midnight – 5:00 AM 8:00 PM previous evening 30 mins before departure

Important Note: The Final Chart is still prepared 30 minutes before the train leaves. This is when last-minute upgrades or RAC clearances happen.

Major Booking Rule Changes (Effective Nov 21, 2025)

Indian Railways has introduced stricter booking windows to stop agents and bots from crashing the system.

1. New Booking Time Window

You can no longer book tickets 24/7.

  • New Hours: Ticket booking is open only between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

  • System Maintenance: The hours between 11:30 PM and 5:30 AM are reserved for system upgrades and maintenance to ensure smoother processing during the day.

2. Mandatory Aadhaar for Tatkal

As of July 1, 2025, Aadhaar verification is mandatory for all Tatkal bookings.

  • You must have an Aadhaar-linked mobile number to receive an OTP.

  • Priority Access: The first 15 minutes of the Tatkal window (10:00 AM for AC, 11:00 AM for Non-AC) are reserved exclusively for Aadhaar-verified individual users. Agents are blocked during this time.

The RailOne SuperApp: Your New Travel Hub

Launched by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the RailOne SuperApp has replaced the old IRCTC Connect and UTS apps. It is the new "All-in-One" platform for 2025.

Top Features of RailOne:

  • Unified Booking: Book Reserved, Platform, and Unreserved tickets in one place.

  • R-Wallet Discount: Get a 3% discount on unreserved tickets when paying via the built-in R-Wallet.

  • Live Train Tracking: Accurate, real-time GPS location of your train.

  • Guest Mode: Check PNR status and train schedules without logging in.

Cancellation Charges & Refund Rules 2025

If your plan changes or your ticket remains waitlisted, here is what you will pay.

Flat Cancellation Charges (48+ Hours Before Departure)

Class Charge per Passenger
AC First / Executive ₹240 + GST
AC 2-Tier (2A) ₹200 + GST
AC 3-Tier / Chair Car ₹180 + GST
Sleeper (SL) ₹120
Second Sitting (2S) ₹60

Waitlisted Ticket Refunds

  • Automatic Refund: If your ticket is fully waitlisted after chart preparation, it is automatically cancelled.

  • Refund Speed: The amount is credited back to your bank account within 5-7 working days.

  • Deduction: A clerical charge of ₹20 + GST is deducted per passenger.

Tatkal Refund Rules

  • Confirmed Tatkal: Zero refund if you cancel.

  • Waitlisted Tatkal: If it remains waitlisted after charting, you get a refund (minus clerical charges).

  • Train Issues: Full refund is granted if the train is delayed by more than 3 hours or cancelled by the Railways.

How to Handle Waitlisted (WL) & RAC Tickets

With the new 8-hour chart, the strategy for handling waitlists has changed.

What to do if you are still Waitlisted (WL)?

  1. Check at the 8-Hour Mark: Once the first chart is out, check your Current Status on the RailOne app.

  2. Wait for Final Chart: If you are close to confirmation (e.g., WL 1 or WL 2), wait for the Final Chart (30 mins before departure).

  3. Alternative Options: If you are still WL after the first chart, use the "Vikalp" scheme or look for Tatkal options in other trains running on the same route.

Understanding RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation)

  • RAC Meaning: You have a confirmed ticket, but you must share a side-lower berth with another passenger.

  • Movement: RAC passengers are most likely to get confirmed berths when the Final Chart is prepared 30 minutes before departure, utilizing seats from last-minute cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the exact time for chart preparation in 2025?

For most trains leaving after 2 PM, the chart is prepared 8 hours before departure. Morning trains have their charts prepared the previous night between 8 PM and 11 PM.

Q: Can I book tickets at 1 AM?

No. Under the new November 2025 rules, booking is closed between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

Q: Is the 8-hour rule applicable to all trains?

It applies to almost all express and superfast trains. However, always check the RailOne app for specific train exceptions.

Q: Do I need Aadhaar for general booking?

No, Aadhaar verification is currently mandatory only for Tatkal bookings to prevent black-marketing.

Q: How do I link PNRs for connecting trains?

You can use the PNR Linking feature on the RailOne app. This protects your refund if the first train is delayed and you miss the second one.