Cancelling an IRCTC train ticket is easy once you know where to click, but many travellers still get confused—especially when the refund amount changes based on timing and ticket type. This updated 2026 guide shows you exactly how to cancel your ticket on the IRCTC website and mobile app, how much refund you'll get, and what to do after charting.
Want to know your exact refund before cancelling?
Use our homepage Train Ticket Cancellation Calculator. It applies all IRCTC rules automatically and shows your refund instantly.
Use Calculator Now →📖 Related Guides: Understand all IRCTC refund rules 2026 in our Complete IRCTC Refund Rules Guide, Tatkal Refund Rules Guide, TDR Filing Guide, RAC vs WL Guide, Train Delay Refund Rules, and Best Credit Cards for IRCTC.
1. How to Cancel IRCTC Ticket on Website (Desktop/Laptop)
Follow these simple steps to cancel your ticket online:
Step 1 — Log in to IRCTC
Go to www.irctc.co.in, click "Login," and enter your username + password.
Step 2 — Open Booked Ticket History
On the top menu, click "My Account" → "Booked Ticket History."
This page shows all upcoming and completed journeys.
Step 3 — Select the Ticket You Want to Cancel
Find the ticket, check the journey date, and click "Cancel Ticket."
Step 4 — Select Passengers
If multiple passengers are listed, you can:
- Cancel all passengers, or
- Cancel selected passengers only (partial cancellation)
Refund will change based on who you cancel.
Step 5 — Review Refund Amount
IRCTC will display:
- Refund amount
- Deduction amount
- Clerkage or cancellation charges
- Whether Tatkal charges are refundable (usually not)
Step 6 — Confirm Cancellation
Click "Ok/Confirm" and your cancellation is complete.
A confirmation SMS and email will be sent automatically.
2. How to Cancel IRCTC Ticket on Mobile App (Rail Connect)
If you prefer using your phone, the IRCTC Rail Connect app is even simpler.
Step-by-step:
- Open IRCTC Rail Connect app
- Login to your account
- Tap "My Bookings"
- Select the ticket you want to cancel
- Tap "Cancel Ticket"
- Choose passengers
- Review refund
- Confirm
The app experience is quicker, and cancellation happens instantly.
3. Cancellation Deadlines You MUST Know
Before charting: You can cancel online and get refund as per rules.
After charting: You cannot cancel online. Your only option is to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt).
Approx charting time: 4 hours before departure for most trains, or 1–2 hours before departure for early morning trains.
Your refund amount depends heavily on when you cancel. Refund rules for Confirmed, RAC, and WL tickets are different, which is why using the refund calculator saves time and avoids mistakes.
4. IRCTC Cancellation Charges (Quick Summary)
Confirmed Tickets: Cancel ≥48 hours (fixed deduction), 48–12 hours (25% deduction, min fixed charge), 12–4 hours (50% deduction), <4 hours (no refund).
RAC / WL Tickets: Before charting (small clerkage deducted), WL unconfirmed (full refund automatically).
Tatkal: No refund on voluntary cancellation. Refund only if train is cancelled or delayed 3+ hours.
These rules can feel complicated — your calculator instantly computes the correct refund.
5. How Refund Is Received
Refund goes back to the same method you used for payment:
- UPI / Net banking → 3–5 days
- Credit/Debit card → 3–7 days
- IRCTC Wallet (iPay) → instant
If booked through an agent, the refund goes to the agent first.
6. When You Should File a TDR Instead of Cancelling
You must file a TDR when:
- The chart is already prepared
- Train is delayed by 3+ hours and you decide not to travel
- Train is cancelled
- You have a medical emergency
- Passenger died or cannot travel
TDR increases your chance of getting a full or partial refund even after the cancellation window closes.
7. Avoid Losing Money — Check Refund Before Cancelling
Before you cancel, always check:
- Refund amount
- Loss due to deduction
- Whether partial cancellation gives better value
- Whether you should file TDR instead
Our IRCTC Train Cancellation Calculator shows: Exact refund, deduction breakdown, best cancellation window, and chart preparation time.
This helps you avoid unnecessary losses and make smart decisions.
Calculate Your Refund Now
Get instant, accurate refund calculations before you cancel your ticket.
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