Train Chart Preparation Time Rules for Indian Railways

Indian Railway Chart Preparation Timings Guide

If you are planning to travel by train in India, you may have come across terms like “charting,” “chart prepared,” or “chart not prepared” while booking your tickets or checking your PNR status. These terms refer to the process of allocating seats and berths to passengers based on their reservation status and quota. In this guide, we will explain the basics of chart preparation, how it affects your ticket confirmation, and what you can do if the chart is not prepared for your train.

Train Chart preparation is the process of finalizing the passenger list and seat allocation for a train. It involves the following steps:

1. Initial booking and allocation of seats under different quotas: When you book a ticket online or offline, you are assigned a reservation status based on the availability of seats under your chosen quota. Quotas are special categories of seats reserved for different types of passengers, such as senior citizens, women, defence personnel, etc. You can check the availability of seats under different quotas on the IRCTC website or app.
2. Preparation of first chart and subsequent charts: The first chart for a train is prepared approximately 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train from the originating station. This chart shows the confirmed and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) passengers, as well as the waiting list of passengers who have a chance of getting a seat. If there are any vacant seats left after the first chart, they are made available for booking online or at the current reservation counters at the station. The subsequent charts are prepared after every hour until 30 minutes before the departure of the train. These charts show the latest status of the passengers and any changes in their seat allocation.
3. Confirmation of RAC and WL tickets based on chart availability: If you have a RAC ticket, it means that you have a seat but not a berth. You will have to share the seat with another passenger until a berth becomes available. If you have a WL ticket, it means that you are on the waiting list and do not have a seat or a berth. You will have to wait until a seat becomes available due to cancellation or no-show of other passengers. The confirmation of RAC and WL tickets depends on the availability of seats in the chart. You can check the status of your ticket online or by sending an SMS to 139 with your PNR number.

Final Chart Preparation and Implications: The final chart is prepared 30 minutes before the departure of the train. This chart displays the final status of the passengers along with their assigned seat and berth numbers. Once the final chart is prepared, no further changes are possible in the seat allocation. If you have a confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket, you can board the train with your valid ID proof and occupy your seat or berth.

However, if you have an e-ticket and it is still on the waiting list, it will be automatically cancelled, and the refund will be processed to your account. Similarly, if you have a paper ticket and it is still on the waiting list, you can either cancel it at the station or file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) online for a refund.

Also Know- Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings & Charges for AC or Non-AC Trains Tickets

PNR Status Chart: An Overview

PNR (Passenger Name Record) is a unique 10-digit number that is generated when you book a ticket. It contains the details of your journey, such as train number, date, class, quota, fare, etc. Additionally, it also shows your reservation status, such as confirmed, RAC, or waiting list. You can check your PNR status online or by sending an SMS to 139 along with your PNR number.

The PNR status chart is a document that is displayed at the station and on the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website or app after the final chart is prepared. It shows the following information for each passenger:

– Name of the Passenger: The name of the passenger entered during the booking. If there are more than one passenger in the same PNR, their names will be separated by commas. The name, age, and gender of the passenger as entered during the booking. If there are more than one passenger in the same PNR, their details will be separated by commas.

– Train Number: The 5-digit number that identifies the train. You can check the train number on your ticket or on the IRCTC website or app.

– Coach: The coaches like 1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, Sleeper & 3E in train, number where your seat or berth is located. The coach number is usually a combination of letters and numbers, such as A1, B2, S3, etc. The letters indicate the class of the coach, such as AC, Sleeper, General, etc.

– Seat/Berth: The seat or berth number where you can sit or sleep during the journey. The seat or berth number is usually a combination of letters and numbers, such as 23A, 45B, 67L, etc. The letters indicate the position of the seat or berth, such as lower, middle, upper, side lower, side upper, etc.

The PNR status chart is a helpful tool that allows you to locate your seat or berth and identify your co-passengers. It also allows you to verify your reservation status and any changes in your seat allocation.

Know here: IRCTC Automation Tools for Fast Tatkal Ticket Booking

“Chart Not Prepared” What You Can Do Next to Secure Your Train Seat

If you encounter a situation where the chart is not prepared for your train even after the scheduled time of chart preparation, do not panic. This may be due to technical glitches, delays, cancellations, or other reasons, and is indicated by a message like “Chart Not Prepared” or “Charting Under Process” on the IRCTC website or app, or on the station display board.

Know- IRCTC Account Kaise Banaye?

To secure your train seat in this situation, here are some tips:

1. Check the status of your train: You can do this by entering your train number on the IRCTC website or app, or by sending an SMS to 139 with your train number. This will give you information about the current location, expected arrival, and departure time of your train, which will help you estimate the possible delay or cancellation of your train and plan accordingly.
2. Check the status of your ticket: You can do this by entering your PNR number on the IRCTC website or app, or by sending an SMS to 139 with your PNR number. This will give you information about your reservation status, such as confirmed, RAC, or waiting list, which will help you know the chances of getting a seat or berth in the chart.
3. Wait for the train chart preparation time: Usually, the chart is prepared within a few minutes or hours of the scheduled time. In some rare cases, it may take longer. You can keep checking the IRCTC website or app, or the station display board for any updates on the chart preparation. Once the chart is prepared, you can check your seat or berth number and board the train.
4. Look for alternative options: If the chart is not prepared even after a long time, and you are in a hurry, you can look for alternative options. You can try to book another ticket on a different train or a different class, if available. You can also try to find a seat or berth in the current reservation or tatkal quota, if available. You can also opt for a bus, taxi, or flight, if feasible. However, these options may cost you more money and time, so choose wisely.

Read: Check Platform Locations

Tips for using chart preparation time effectively

Train chart preparation time is the period between booking a ticket and the finalization of seat or berth allocation. It is a crucial time for passengers as it determines their chances of getting a confirmed or upgraded seat or berth. 

Here are some tips on how to use this time effectively:

1. Book your ticket early: The earlier you book your ticket, the better chances you have of getting a confirmed or upgraded seat or berth. You can book your ticket up to 120 days in advance on the IRCTC website or app or at the reservation counters. You can also book your ticket under the Tatkal quota, which opens one day before the train’s departure, or under the Premium Tatkal quota, which opens at 10 am on the same day of the train’s departure. However, these quotas have limited seats and higher fares, so book them only if necessary.
2. Check your PNR status regularly: Your PNR status may change due to various factors like cancellations, no-shows, and upgrades. You should check your PNR status regularly on the IRCTC website or app, or by sending an SMS to 139 with your PNR number. This will help you to know the latest status of your ticket and any changes in your seat or berth allocation.
3. Cancel or modify your ticket if required: If you have a change of plan or find a better option, you can cancel or modify your ticket before the chart preparation. You can do this online on the IRCTC website or app or offline at the reservation counters. You will get a refund as per the cancellation or modification rules. However, you should do this as early as possible, as the refund amount reduces as the departure time approaches. You should also note that you cannot cancel or modify your ticket after the chart preparation, unless you have a valid reason and file a TDR online.

FAQ Related to Train Chart Preparation Time-

When is the railway chart prepared?

The railway chart is usually prepared about 4 hours before the train is scheduled to depart from its starting station. This chart shows the confirmed and RAC passengers, as well as the waiting list passengers who may get a seat. Additional charts are prepared every hour until 30 minutes before the train’s departure to reflect the latest passenger status and any seat allocation changes.

How long before will a waiting list ticket be confirmed?

The confirmation of waiting list (WL) tickets depends on various factors such as cancellations, no-shows, and seat availability. As the chart preparation progresses, and seats become available due to cancellations, WL tickets may get confirmed. Passengers are advised to regularly check their PNR status leading up to the departure time to ascertain the status of their WL ticket.

In conclusion, understanding the process of chart preparation and the implications of different reservation statuses can help you plan your train journey better. Always check your PNR status regularly and keep track of any updates in the chart status. If your ticket is on the waiting list, you can check the availability of seats under different quotas and try booking under a different quota to increase your chances of confirmation. In case the chart is not prepared for your train, you can wait for the subsequent charts or file for a refund if your ticket is still on the waiting list. With these tips, you can enjoy a hassle-free train journey in India.