Chart Preparation Time — When Is the IRCTC Chart Prepared?

Departure date (from origin)

Departure time

Use the train's scheduled departure from its origin station.

schedule

Enter your departure date and time to estimate chart preparation.

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How chart preparation works

As of 2026, Indian Railways prepares the first reservation chart about 8 hours beforethe train departs its origin station — earlier than the old 4-hour rule, to give waitlisted passengers more certainty. This is the moment waitlisted tickets clear (or don't): confirmed and RAC berths are finalised, and remaining seats are released for current booking.

For trains departing between 5 AM and 2 PM, the first chart is prepared by around 9 PM the previous night. A second, final chart is prepared around 30 minutes before departure to reflect last-minute cancellations. These timings are being rolled out in phases, so check IRCTC the day before.

If you're holding a waitlisted ticket, the honest fix is to not be waitlisted in the first place — book the moment the window opens. See the booking window calculator and our guide on the waiting list and RAC.

Frequently asked questions

When is the IRCTC reservation chart prepared?

As of 2026, the first reservation chart is prepared about 8 hours before the train's scheduled departure from its origin station. For trains departing between 5 AM and 2 PM, the first chart is prepared by around 9 PM the previous night. A second, final chart is prepared roughly 30 minutes before departure. These timings are being rolled out in phases, so check IRCTC the day before.

What happens to a waitlisted ticket after chart preparation?

Fully waitlisted e-tickets (all passengers still WL) are automatically cancelled after chart preparation and refunded minus a small clerkage charge — you don't need to cancel manually. Confirmed and RAC tickets remain valid.

Can I book after the chart is prepared?

Yes — any seats still vacant after the first chart are opened for current booking (post-chart booking) until a short time before departure, often at a lower fare.