RAC Means in Railway
RAC full form in railway stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. It is a type of train ticket status issued when all available confirmed seats in a particular class are fully booked. Instead of being placed directly on the waiting list, passengers with an RAC in train ticket are allocated a seat but not a full berth. This system allows passengers to board the train and travel, albeit with a shared seating arrangement until a confirmed seat is available due to cancellations.
Confirmation Chances of WL or RAC Seat in Trains
When booking a train ticket through the IRCTC system, passengers may find themselves on a Waiting List (WL) or RAC status. The chances of an RAC ticket getting confirmed depend on several factors, including:
- The total number of RAC seats allocated in a train’s coach.
- The frequency of ticket cancellations before chart preparation.
- The train route and passenger demand.
- The class of travel (Sleeper class, AC, etc.).
- Special quotas such as Tatkal, senior citizen, or ladies’ quota adjustments.
Generally, RAC tickets have a higher chance of confirmation compared to waiting list tickets. The railway system prioritizes RAC over WL, meaning that when confirmed tickets are canceled, RAC ticket holders get full berths first before WL passengers.
Also Know- How to Download Train Ticket with PNR Number
When Does an RAC Ticket Become Confirmed?
An RAC ticket in train reservation gets confirmed under the following scenarios:
- If another passenger cancels their confirmed ticket, the vacant berth is assigned to the next RAC passenger in line.
- After the final chart is prepared, some additional cancellations might lead to RAC tickets getting confirmed automatically.
- Sometimes, the Ticket Examiner (TTE) on board may allot a vacant seat to an RAC passenger if there are last-minute no-shows or emergency cancellations.
- In trains with multiple coaches, additional seats may be released, leading to RAC status being upgraded to a fully confirmed berth.
Also Read- Lower Berth for IRCTC Senior Citizen Quota: Rules, Benefits, and Booking Process
RAC Ticket Cancellation & Refund Rules
Passengers holding an RAC ticket in railway have specific cancellation and refund policies:
- If an RAC ticket is canceled before the chart is prepared, a nominal cancellation fee is deducted, and the remaining amount is refunded.
- If the ticket remains in RAC after the chart is prepared and the passenger does not travel, the refund policy follows standard railway rules where a certain amount is deducted.
- If an RAC ticket moves to a Confirmed status, it follows the standard confirmed ticket cancellation rules.
- Tatkal RAC tickets, once confirmed, have stricter refund conditions, and the amount refunded is minimal.
How Can I Check My RAC Ticket Status?
Checking the RAC ticket status is simple and can be done through various methods:
- IRCTC Website/App: Log in to your account, enter the PNR (Passenger Name Record) number, and check the ticket status.
- Indian Railways Inquiry Portal: Use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) to track your RAC ticket.
- SMS Service: Send an SMS with your PNR number to 139, the official railway inquiry number.
- Railway Counters: Visit a railway station reservation counter and inquire about your seat number and RAC ticket status.
- Ticket Collector (TTE): While on board, consult the TTE for any last-minute seat upgrades.
Tips for Increasing Chances of Getting a Confirmed Seat
If you hold an RAC seat in train, here are some ways to improve your chances of getting a confirmed berth:
- Book tickets early: The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a confirmed berth.
- Opt for less crowded routes: Popular trains and peak season bookings have lower confirmation chances.
- Consider alternate travel dates: A day earlier or later might have better seat availability.
- Choose different train classes: At its outermost edge, sleeper class and AC classes have different RAC quotas and zeroing in on a class might increase your chances.
- Check for Special Quotas: Look out for government quotas like senior citizen, ladies, or Tatkal tickets because they may offer better availability.
- Keep checking ticket status: Since the RAC is sometimes upgraded with no notice, checking back almost every day keeps you abreast of all changes.
With these strategies, you can navigate the railway reservation system effectively and increase your likelihood of getting a confirmed seat.
- Also Know- Tips to Book Confirm Tatkal Ticket on IRCTC
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