Indian Railways Child Ticket Rules:
Many families in India travel by train, and it is one of the most comfortable and budget-friendly travel options. However, not everyone clearly understands the railway rules for children’s tickets. To avoid confusion, the Ministry of Railways issued a circular in 2020 explaining how tickets should be booked for children of different age groups. Knowing these rules can help parents plan better and save money during travel.

Indian Railways Child Ticket Rules:

According to the latest circular, children below 5 years of age do not need a train ticket. They can travel for free with their parents. But there is an important condition. If parents want a separate seat or berth for the child, then they must pay the full adult fare. During festival seasons and holidays, when trains are crowded, parents often prefer a separate berth for small children. In such cases, the charges will be the same as an adult ticket.

For children between 5 and 12 years, Indian Railways offers a special reduced fare. This is applicable only when a separate seat or berth is not required. If parents choose to book a berth for the child, the system will automatically charge the full adult fare. This rule gives parents flexibility to choose based on their budget and the comfort of the child. Therefore, it is very important to enter the correct age while booking the ticket.

Children above 12 years of age are treated as adults under railway rules. They must pay the full fare for both reserved and unreserved tickets. If incorrect age details are provided, passengers may face a fine during ticket checking. This ensures fairness during seat allocation and fare calculation.

Booking child tickets on IRCTC is simple. When parents enter the child’s date of birth, the system calculates the age and applies the correct fare. For children under 5 years who do not need a separate berth, their details can be added under the “Additional Passenger” section at no extra cost. The same rules apply for offline booking as well.

Understanding these rules helps families avoid last-minute confusion, saves money, and makes the journey smooth and comfortable for everyone.

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