Question 1

What is PNR number?

Accepted Answer

PNR (Passenger Name Record) is a unique 10-digit number assigned to every train ticket booked through IRCTC or authorized agents. It contains all journey and passenger information including train details, travel date, coach, seat/berth allocation, and booking status.

Question 2

How to check PNR status online?

Accepted Answer

Enter your 10-digit PNR number in the search box above and click 'Check Status'. You will instantly see your train details, journey date, class, and current booking status for all passengers. You can also check PNR status via the IRCTC website, SMS (send PNR <number> to 139), or by calling 139.

Question 3

What do CNF, RAC, and WL mean in PNR status?

Accepted Answer

CNF (Confirmed) means your seat/berth is confirmed. RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) means you have a shared berth and can board the train. WL (Waitlist) means your ticket is not confirmed yet and you may get a seat if someone cancels. GNWL is General Waitlist, RLWL is Remote Location Waitlist, and PQWL is Pooled Quota Waitlist.

Question 4

When does the train chart get prepared?

Accepted Answer

The train chart is usually prepared 4-6 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. After chart preparation, the final PNR status is updated. If your ticket is still on the waitlist after chart preparation, it automatically gets cancelled and a refund is initiated.

Question 5

Can I travel with RAC ticket?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can board the train with an RAC ticket. RAC passengers are allotted a shared berth (typically a side-lower berth shared between two RAC passengers). RAC tickets often get confirmed after chart preparation or during the journey as passengers cancel or don't board.

Question 6

How to check PNR status via SMS?

Accepted Answer

Send an SMS in the format 'PNR <10-digit PNR number>' to 139. For example: 'PNR 4823156789'. You will receive your booking status via SMS. Standard SMS charges apply. You can also call 139 for IVRS-based PNR status checking.

Question 7

What happens if my waitlisted ticket is not confirmed?

Accepted Answer

If your waitlisted (WL) ticket is not confirmed after chart preparation, the ticket is automatically cancelled by the system. The refund is processed to the original payment method within 5-7 working days. No cancellation charges are deducted for auto-cancelled waitlisted tickets.

Popular Flight Routes

Popular Hotels

Popular Bus Routes

Popular Train Routes

Top Destinations

Things to Do

Best Restaurants

Airlines

Check PNR Status

Recent PNR Checks

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PNR number?

How to check PNR status online?

What do CNF, RAC, and WL mean in PNR status?

When does the train chart get prepared?

Can I travel with RAC ticket?

How to check PNR status via SMS?

What happens if my waitlisted ticket is not confirmed?

Popular Flight Routes

Popular Hotels

Popular Bus Routes

Popular Train Routes

Top Destinations

Things to Do

Best Restaurants

Airlines

Check PNR Status

Recent PNR Checks

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PNR number?

How to check PNR status online?

What do CNF, RAC, and WL mean in PNR status?

When does the train chart get prepared?

Can I travel with RAC ticket?

How to check PNR status via SMS?

What happens if my waitlisted ticket is not confirmed?