IRCTC Refund Rules in 2025: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has revised its refund rules for 2025 to make them more transparent and convenient for the passengers. The new rules are designed to simplify cancellation, delay, and refunding process and make them passenger-friendly. Below is a summary of the new refund rules which all passengers need to be aware of.
As of 2025, IRCTC continues to permit tickets to be cancelled online four hours prior to confirmed ticket departure and 30 minutes for waitlist and RAC tickets. The new policy has nevertheless cut the time taken to receive the refund to less than 2 hours from the time of cancellation.
Cancellation fee according to the time of cancellation:
48+ hours to departure: ₹240 (AC), ₹120 (Sleeper)
12–48 hours: 25% of ticket value
Less than 12 hours: 50% of ticket cost
E-tickets cannot be canceled from the station counter. Passengers have to use the IRCTC website, app, or customer care portal.
Train Delays & Refunds
If a train is delayed by over 3 hours, travelers will be liable for a full refund. In such a situation:
You should submit a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) in 72 hours from the time of the train’s departure.
Refunds are typically made within 5–7 working days in the case of online payments.
If the traveler doesn’t board due to lateness, the full fare is refunded if the TDR is presented prior to the train’s departure.
Train Cancellations
If an Indian Railways train is cancelled, the full fare is refunded automatically on the initial mode of payment. No manual intervention or TDR is needed.
Instant Refunds on Premium Trains
New in 2025, IRCTC launched instant refund processing for premium trains such as Tejas Express and Vande Bharat Express. These are now refunded within 2 hours, particularly when booked through IRCTC Wallet or UPI.
IRCTC’s revised refund rules in 2025 focus on speed, automation, and convenience. Whether you’re dealing with delays, cancellations, or last-minute changes, understanding these guidelines ensures a stress-free journey. Always keep your ticket and transaction details handy for a smooth refund process.
ALSO READ: How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account – Step-by-Step Guide
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