IRCTC General Quota (GN) Explained

Understand the IRCTC General Quota (GN quota). Learn what general quota means, how it differs from other quotas and how to book.

Updated 29 Apr 2026

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The General Quota (GN) is the main booking quota on Indian Railways, forming the bulk of available seats in each train. When you book a regular ticket, you are typically booking under the General Quota. Other quotas include Ladies Quota, Senior Citizen Quota, Defence Quota, and Tatkal Quota.

Key Information

  • The General Quota (GN) is the main booking quota on Indian Railways, forming the bulk of available seats in each train.
  • When you book a regular ticket, you are typically booking under the General Quota.
  • Other quotas include Ladies Quota, Senior Citizen Quota, Defence Quota, and Tatkal Quota.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the General Quota (GN) in train booking?
The General Quota (GN) is the standard quota for all passengers. It forms the largest share of available berths on every train.
What other quotas are available in Indian Railways?
Other quotas include Ladies Quota (LD), Tatkal Quota (TQ), Senior Citizen Quota (SR), Defence Quota (DF), and Emergency Quota (EQ).
How does General Quota differ from Tatkal Quota?
General Quota is available from 60 days before journey at 8 AM. Tatkal Quota opens 1 day before at 10/11 AM with a premium surcharge and stricter cancellation rules.
Can I select a specific quota when booking?
Yes. When searching for trains on IRCTC, you can select the desired quota (General, Tatkal, Ladies, etc.) from a dropdown. If no quota is selected, the system defaults to General.

Disclaimer: RailWise is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with Indian Railways or IRCTC. All information is provided for general guidance only. Railway rules can change — always verify current policies on the official Indian Railways website.

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