Indian Railways Train Ticket Cancellation Policy – Updated April 2026

Know the updated April 2026 Indian Railways train ticket cancellation policy. New time windows: 72h, 24h, 8h. Learn refund slabs, charges and the process for online ticket cancellation.

Updated 31 Mar 2026

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Indian Railways updated its cancellation policy effective 1 April 2026. The new rules extend all time windows: 72 hours for full refund, 72-24 hours for 25% deduction, 24-8 hours for 50% deduction, and less than 8 hours for no refund. Previously these were 48h, 12h, and 4h. Cancelling earlier still maximises your refund.

Key Information

  • Indian Railways updated its cancellation policy effective 1 April 2026.
  • The new rules extend all time windows: 72 hours for full refund, 72-24 hours for 25% deduction, 24-8 hours for 50% deduction, and less than 8 hours for no refund.
  • Previously these were 48h, 12h, and 4h.
  • Cancelling earlier still maximises your refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my train ticket online?
Yes, you can cancel e-tickets through the official railway website or mobile app up to chart preparation time.
How long does it take to get a refund after cancellation?
Refunds for online cancellations are typically credited back to the original payment method within 5-7 business days.
What are the new cancellation time windows from April 2026?
New windows: 72+ hours for full refund (flat charge). 72-24 hours: 25% deducted. 24-8 hours: 50% deducted. Less than 8 hours: no refund. Previously the windows were 48h, 12h, and 4h.
Can I cancel a counter ticket online?
No. Counter tickets (PRS tickets) must be cancelled at the booking counter or a reservation office. Only e-tickets booked through the IRCTC website or app can be cancelled online.

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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