Tatkal Scheme from Indian Railways

The introduction of 'Tatkal' Scheme by Indian Railways has been proved beneficial for latecomers. 'Tatkal' is an emergency reservation scheme. The 'Tatkal' scheme is applicable to more than 100 trains throughout India. Under this scheme, people can book their train tickets just 5 days before the actual date of journey. The booking for 'Tatkal' opens at 08:00 hrs IST five days prior to the definite date of journey. In case, the train is leaving on the 26th, 'Tatkal' booking will start at 08:00 hrs IST on the 21st of the respective month.

At present, the whole coach is not designated as Tatkal Coach. In each train, there is a 'Tatkal' quota in 2A, 3A, AC Chair Car and Sleeper Classes. After offering the seats in 'Tatkal' quota, if any seats are left, then they will be released to the passengers' in the waiting list. The trains and classes with standard utilization of 80% or above (from Apr' to Sep') will be realized from regular 'Tatkal' charges that are applicable for the peak period.

Things to be kept in mind before going for 'Tatkal Scheme':

'Tatkal' bookings are permitted in all classes except First AC and Executive Class.
Identity proof is not required under 'Tatkal' scheme in any case.
One cannot opt for Ladies and General quota with 'Tatkal' quota.
One must check for 'Tatkal' quota in advance because for some trains/ class/ locations 'Tatkal' quota could not be available.
In 'Tatkal' booking, no concessions are allowed, not even to senior citizens.
'Tatkal' bookings can be done up to five days in advance.
The delivery time for 'Tatkal' tickets remains the same like normal tickets, so it is recommended to book tickets considering the delivery time.
Tatkal tickets can be booked simply from the source station to destination station.
Change of name is not allowed on the bookings made under this scheme.
Reservation under this scheme would be offered till the time of charts preparation.
The booking under Tatkal Scheme will be done only from originating to terminating point of the train with boarding facility from intermediate station.
On cancellation of ticket, one would receive an amount of 25% of total fare charged on non-confirmed ticket (excluding Tatkal Charges). The ticket can be cancelled up to 24 hrs before the scheduled time for the departure of train. No refund would be granted on the confirmed 'Tatkal' tickets, if cancelled within 24 hrs of the scheduled departure, Indian Railways