Table Of Content
When Are You Eligible for an IRCTC Refund? (Clear Eligibility Rules)
IRCTC Refund Rules for Confirmed, RAC & Waitlisted Tickets
How IRCTC Refund Works for Cancelled & Missed Trains
Step-by-Step Process to Get Refund from IRCTC Online
How Long IRCTC Takes to Process Refunds
What to Do If IRCTC Refund Is Delayed or Not Received
When Are You Eligible for an IRCTC Refund? (Clear Eligibility Rules)
Most passengers assume that IRCTC refunds are automatic in every case, but that is not always true.
Refund eligibility depends on ticket status, cancellation time, and reason.
You are generally eligible for an IRCTC refund if:
- Your ticket is Waitlisted or RAC and not confirmed
- You cancel a confirmed ticket within the allowed time
- The train is cancelled, diverted, or terminated
- You miss the train due to official reasons (specific cases only)
If conditions are not met, IRCTC may deduct charges or reject the refund entirely.
IRCTC Refund Rules for Confirmed, RAC & Waitlisted Tickets
IRCTC follows different refund rules for different ticket statuses, and misunderstanding this is the #1 reason refunds get stuck.
Waitlisted Tickets
- Auto-cancelled after chart preparation
- Full fare refunded automatically
- No action required from the passenger
RAC Tickets
- Refund depends on time of cancellation
- Partial refund after clerkage charges
- Refund is processed only after proper cancellation
Confirmed Tickets
- Refund amount varies based on how early you cancel
- Higher deductions if cancelled close to departure
- No refund if cancelled after chart preparation (with few exceptions)
Many users lose money simply because they cancel at the wrong time.
How IRCTC Refund Works for Cancelled & Missed Trains
Refund rules are more favorable when the issue is from IRCTC or Railways’ side.
You get full refund if:
- Train is cancelled by Railways
- Train is delayed beyond notified hours
- Train route is changed and you don’t travel
Refund may be denied if:
- You miss the train due to personal reasons
- No proper TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is filed where required
- Claim is made after the deadline
In many such cases, lack of clarity from IRCTC leads to silent rejection.
Important Things Most Passengers Don’t Know (Refund Traps)
Before moving to the step-by-step process, keep these critical points in mind:
- Refunds are not instant
- Payment gateway failures require manual follow-up
- Bank delays are not always IRCTC’s fault
- No SMS ≠ no refund (status must be checked)
This is where many passengers give up too early, assuming refund is “under process” forever.
Step-by-Step Process to Get IRCTC Refund Online
In most cases, IRCTC refunds are processed only after correct cancellation or action. Follow the steps carefully to avoid refund failure.
Step 1: Log in to IRCTC Account
- Visit the official IRCTC website or app
- Login using your registered username and password
Step 2: Go to “Booked Ticket History”
- Click on My Account
- Select Booked Ticket History
- Find the ticket for which refund is required
Step 3: Cancel the Ticket (If Not Already Cancelled)
- Click Cancel Ticket
- Confirm passenger details
- Submit cancellation before chart preparation (important)
If the train is cancelled or delayed by Railways, do not cancel blindly—refund rules differ.
How to File TDR for IRCTC Refund (When Cancellation Is Not Enough)
Many refunds fail because users skip TDR filing, which is mandatory in specific cases.
You MUST file TDR if:
- You missed the train
- Train was delayed beyond allowed hours
- AC failure, lower class travel, or partial journey
- Ticket was confirmed but unused
Steps to File TDR:
- Go to My Transactions → File TDR
- Select the ticket
- Choose the correct reason (very important)
- Submit within the allowed time window
Wrong reason or late TDR = refund rejection
How to Check IRCTC Refund Status Correctly
Never rely only on SMS or email. Always check refund status manually.
Steps to Check Refund Status:
- Login to IRCTC account
- Go to My Transactions
- Open Refund History
- Check refund amount, reference number, and status
Refund status may show:
- Refund Initiated (IRCTC has processed it)
- Pending with Bank (bank delay)
- Refund Failed (needs action)
Many users panic unnecessarily when the refund is already initiated.
How Long IRCTC Takes to Process Refunds (Real Timeline)
Understanding timelines helps avoid confusion and panic.
- UPI / Wallet / Card payments: 3–7 working days
- Net Banking: 5–10 working days
- TDR-based refunds: 15–45 days
- Bank-side delays may extend timelines
Important:
IRCTC releases the refund first. After that, banks control the delay.
Common Mistakes That Stop IRCTC Refunds
Avoid these mistakes to prevent refund loss:
- Cancelling ticket after chart preparation unknowingly
- Not filing TDR where required
- Selecting wrong TDR reason
- Waiting too long without checking refund status
- Assuming refund is automatic in every case
Most refund issues happen due to lack of correct action, not system failure.
What to Do If IRCTC Refund Is Delayed or Not Received
If your IRCTC refund has crossed the normal timeline, do not wait silently. IRCTC does not auto-resolve stuck refunds.
First, verify these points:
- Refund status shows “Refund Initiated” or “Refund Failed”
- Payment mode used (UPI, card, net banking)
- Days passed since cancellation or TDR filing
If 7–10 working days have passed (or 45 days for TDR cases) and money is not credited, escalation is required.
How to Raise IRCTC Refund Complaint Properly (Step-by-Step)
Most complaints fail because users raise them incorrectly or incomplete.
Correct Way to Raise Complaint:
- Login to IRCTC account
- Go to Customer Care → File Complaint
- Select Refund / Payment Related Issue
- Mention PNR, Transaction ID, Date, Refund Status
- Attach screenshot if available
Avoid emotional or long messages.
Short, factual complaints get faster responses.
What If IRCTC Gives No Reply or Gives Generic Responses
Common replies users receive:
- “Refund already processed”
- “Contact your bank”
- “Under process, please wait”
If you receive copy-paste replies or no reply even after multiple follow-ups, this indicates:
- Lack of internal tracking
- Bank-IRCTC blame shifting
- Your case needs documented accountability
At this stage, normal complaints stop working.
How RTI Helps in IRCTC Refund Delays (Most Effective Step)
This is the least known but most effective method.
Through RTI, you can legally ask:
- Exact date refund was processed by IRCTC
- Name of officer handling the refund
- Payment gateway reference details
- Reason for delay beyond prescribed timeline
- Whether refund is stuck with IRCTC or bank
Once RTI is filed, IRCTC cannot ignore or give vague replies.
Most delayed refunds get resolved after RTI response.
Use Anonymous RTI for Refund Cases (Safety Advantage)
Many users hesitate to file RTI due to fear of harassment or misuse of personal details.
Using Anonymous RTI, your:
- Identity remains confidential
- Address and personal details are protected
- Legal accountability is still enforced
This is especially useful for:
- High-value refunds
- Repeated refund failures
- Long-pending TDR refunds
10 Final Checklist Before Giving Up on IRCTC Refund
Before you assume your money is lost, confirm:
- Ticket was cancelled correctly
- TDR filed within time (if required)
- Refund status checked manually
- Complaint raised properly
- RTI used for accountability
Most refunds are not denied, they are just stuck due to negligence.
Final Takeaway for IRCTC Passengers
If your IRCTC refund is delayed:
- Don’t wait endlessly
- Don’t rely only on emails or SMS
- Don’t accept generic replies
Accountability fixes refunds faster than waiting.
Need Help Recovering Your IRCTC Refund?
If you’re confused, stuck, or tired of follow-ups:
Call: +91-7999-50-6996
Visit: www.rtiwala.com
RTIwala helps track refund delays, file Anonymous RTI, and push authorities to respond legally and transparently
