Do you know the meaning of RAC in train booking and its impact during travel? Yes, Indian Railways is one of the most trusted and popular modes of Indian transportation. Therefore, it’s hard to find a confirmed train ticket every time, but you have a higher chance of getting an RAC ticket. So, check the details to find the ticket status and enjoy a comfortable journey. To stay informed, regularly check your Train PNR Status to know whether your RAC ticket has been upgraded to confirmed or remains RAC before the journey.

So, you must understand what the RAC in train means. It will help to find your position during train travel. So, keep reading this post to gain a detailed understanding of the RAC ticket, its meaning, and the relevant rules. This complete guide can reduce travel stress and improve the overall journey.

What is RAC in Train Booking?

RAC full form in railway is Reservation Against Cancellation, but do you know what it means?

• As it is named RAC, it allows passengers to get a confirmed seat if any passenger cancels their confirmed ticket.
• It is not limited to offering confirmed seats against cancellation but also provides immunity against being denied travel.
• RAC in train booking allows train passengers to travel on lower berths while sharing a seat with another traveller.
• It is a better option than WL in a train that does not allow you to travel when you require it most.

Difference Between CNF, WL & RAC in Train Ticket Booking

Before the journey, you must understand what RAC means in train booking, along with other ticket statuses in Indian Railways.

RAC vs WL vs CNF

RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation)

• A ticket with RAC status means partially confirmed.
• RAC status allows passengers to travel legally, and TTE can’t impose fines.
• Passengers with RAC tickets are allotted a shared seat with another RAC passenger.
• RAC in train ticket booking allows upgradation when confirmed seats are cancelled or stay vacant.
• Indian Railways offers priority to RAC tickets over WL.
• If RAC tickets remain RAC after chart preparation, travel is allowed if not confirmed.
• RAC passengers have a valid 10-digit PNR number that allows them to book their food on train online  with RailMitra or the RailRestro train app.

WL (Waitlist)

• A ticket with WL status means the ticket is not confirmed.
• Indian Railways doesn’t allow WL passengers to travel.
• Passengers with WL tickets are not allotted any seat.
• WL can be confirmed after all the RAC tickets are confirmed.
• Passengers with WL status are given priority after the RAC passengers.
• If WL is not confirmed after chart preparation, then WL is automatically cancelled.
• WL does not allow you to book your food online because PNR status is not valid after chart preparation.

CNF (Confirmed)

• A ticket with CNF status is a confirmed ticket.
• Passengers with CNF status are provided a full berth for travel.
• Confirmed tickets allow passengers to travel.
• A confirmed ticket is fully comfortable with bedding available for AC coaches.
• Confirmed tickets do not require further upgrade.
• Travel and berths are both legal under Indian Railways.

Explore the RAC Rules and Improve Travel Experience

If you are a train traveller, then you should be aware of the rules for RAC in train booking that make your journey more comfortable.

RAC Rules in Indian Railways

• Passengers with RAC tickets can travel, but with some limitations in side-lower berths.
• Passengers can get only half a seat, full seats when any confirmed ticket is cancelled.
• RAC ticket upgrades are prioritised over WL (waitlisted) tickets.
• Upgrades are based on RAC number, which means RAC 1 will get upgraded before RAC 2.
• Children with ticket status RAC in railway will be treated as normal passengers.
• Final chart preparation 4 hours before departure or earlier for morning trains.
• TTE can convert the RAC ticket to a full berth if a vacant berth is available.
• RAC e-tickets can be cancelled 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, and no refund is permissible after this time.
• The refund amount will be credited to the original bank account after deducting the clerkage charges.

RAC Rules Improving Comfort

• RAC, meaning in train ticket booking and its rules, can make train travel more comfortable and avoid confusion among passengers regarding journeys.
• These rules enable passengers to make informed decisions and plan alternatives.
• Understanding rules offers a way to get a refund without losing your money if you don’t want to travel.
• It helps to choose whether you are comfortable travelling with a shared seat or not.
• RAC rules help to plan your packaging to carry essentials for a short trip.
• Passengers aware of RAC rules can confidently request TTE against vacant berths.
• RAC rules can offer better comfort by removing uncertainty during travel.

Tips for Passengers to Avoid RAC Status

Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) is a common situation for train passengers, especially during peak travel seasons. Here are tips you must know. 

• While RAC still allows travel, many passengers prefer a fully confirmed berth for comfort and convenience and also keep track of the Check Live Train Running Status to plan boarding, delays, and arrival time better.
• One of the most effective ways to avoid RAC status is to book tickets early that have a much higher chance of getting confirmed, particularly on popular routes.
• Planning travel dates and avoiding last-minute bookings reduces the risk of ending up in a RAC. 
• Another practical approach is to choose trains and routes accordingly. Premium trains or those operating on less crowded days often have better availability. 
• Travelling on weekdays instead of weekends or festive periods can also improve confirmation chances. 
• If opting for alternate trains or flexible travel times helps passengers avoid heavily booked services. 
• Passengers can also consider long journeys into two segments, which sometimes increases the likelihood of getting confirmed seats compared to booking a single long-distance ticket.  

Benefits of Checking RAC Status

Following up on the status of RAC tickets regularly has multiple benefits for the passengers. Check how. 

• Another point that supports checking the RAC status is the possibility of better preparation for the trip. In case the ticket is still in RAC on the date of travelling, the person can very well be and even practically prepared for the shared seating arrangement, while on the other hand, if the status gets changed to confirmed, it will be free of stress as the person will not have to get ready at the last minute. 
• To know the status further supports the decision-making process regarding whether to proceed with the journey or consider alternative travel options, like another train or even a different mode.
• Routine checks of the RAC status provide more benefits to the passengers since they can tell how likely confirmation is by seeing the trend in the movement. 
• This knowledge is very helpful for those who travel frequently and want to be able to make the right decisions in the future. 
• To sum up, keeping track of the RAC status gives the passengers information in good time and more power over their travel plans.

Check RAC Status on RailMitra

RailMitra makes it easy and user-friendly to check the status of the RAC without any hassles. By providing the basic info of the PNR number, a customer will immediately have access to the train ticket’s real-time information. Now no more switching between various places or standing in lines at the railway counters. The website clearly displays the current status, making it easy for even first-time users to understand the position of their booking.

RailMitra RAC status checking has turned travel into a hassle-free and relaxing experience. Passengers will not have to face uncertainty, but instead have clear information on their booking that allows them to make the right decision at the right time. For anyone travelling via train, particularly during peak season, RailMitra is like a smart and well-informed companion that keeps you updated and helps you travel better.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is RAC in a train ticket?

RAC in train ticket booking means​ you get a partially confirmed seat to travel. However, your seat will be shared with other RAC tickets.

• What if my RAC is not confirmed?

Even if your RAC is not confirmed, you are still allowed to travel in a train with a half-seat allotted (shared seat with one other passenger) to complete your journey.

• What are the refund rules for RAC tickets?

You can get a refund if you cancelled your RAC ticket before 30 minutes of the scheduled departure. You will get a refund after a certain deduction as per the Indian Railways cancellation rules.

• What if RAC co-passengers do not board?

In such a case, it will be treated as a vacant seat and contacting TTE can help to get you the full berth.

• Can I get a refund if I complete travel with RAC status?

No, Indian Railways treat journeys as complete even if you travel with RAC status. Discomfort is not the ground for a refund in Indian Railways.

• Where can I check my PNR status?

You can check the RailMitra train app to find whether your RAC ticket is confirmed or not. You can check PNR status with RailMitra or RailRestro in just a few clicks.