IRCTC Chart Preparation Timings: First Chart, Second Chart & Current Booking Ticket Rules Explained

First Reservation Chart: 4 Hours Before Departure

Indian Railways generates the First Reservation Chart at least 4 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the train from its originating station. For trains departing before 11:00 AM, the first chart is prepared the previous evening at 8:00 PM.

At First Chart preparation, emergency quotas (VIP/EQ), defence quotas, and general cancellations are processed, and confirmed coach/berth numbers are allotted to waiting passengers.

Second Reservation Chart: 30 Minutes Before Departure

The Second and Final Reservation Chart is finalized 30 minutes before the train departs. During the window between First Chart and Second Chart (roughly 3.5 hours), passengers can book vacant berths via IRCTC online or PRS railway counters through the Current Booking facility.

Current Booking Tickets: 10-30% Discounted Empty Berths

If seats remain vacant after the first chart is prepared, Indian Railways opens Current Reservation. In select trains (Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, and Special trains), empty berths are offered with an automatic 10% to 30% discount on basic fare!

Can You Board a Train with a Fully Waitlisted Online Ticket?

NO! If an e-ticket booked on IRCTC remains on the waitlist (WL) after the second chart is prepared, the ticket is automatically cancelled by the system, and the fare is refunded directly to your bank account within 3 to 5 business days. Passengers caught travelling on an auto-cancelled online e-ticket are treated as ticketless travelers and fined under Section 138 of the Railways Act.