🚄 How to Use IRCTC App in 2025: A Real Person’s Guide
Navigating the IRCTC app can either feel like cracking a safe or like second nature—depends on who’s guiding you. This guide is written for actual travelers (not bots), the kind who just want to book a train without ten browser tabs open.
If you’ve ever wondered how to create an IRCTC account, change your boarding station, or file a TDR without pulling your hair out, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get to the good stuff.
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🔑 Key Highlights
- ✅ Step-by-step on how to create IRCTC account in the app
- 🚊 How to book tickets, cancel, change boarding station, and more
- 📅 Understand RAC, Regret status, VIKALP, Auto Upgradation, and other features
- 🛍️ Guide to use Tatkal booking, add passenger details, and file a TDR
- 💳 Learn how to add money in IRCTC eWallet and check your ticket download history
📅 1. How to Create IRCTC Account in Mobile (Step-by-Step)
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Creating an account in the IRCTC app is your first step. Here’s how:
- Download the official IRCTC Rail Connect App from Play Store or App Store
- Tap Register on the home screen
- Fill in your details: name, mobile, email, Aadhaar (optional)
- Choose a unique username (this is your IRCTC user ID)
- Set password, answer a security question
- Verify via OTP
📉 Your IRCTC user ID is the key to everything – booking, cancellations, TDRs, and more.
🛸 2. How to Book Tatkal Ticket in IRCTC App + Add Passenger
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To book Tatkal tickets:
- Log in to the app before 10 AM (AC) or 11 AM (Sleeper)
- Select source, destination, and travel date
- Choose Tatkal under “Quota”
- Add passenger name, age, ID details manually or from saved list
🔗 Shortcut: Save frequent passengers in profile > Master List to auto-fill during rush.
❌ 3. How to Cancel Ticket in IRCTC App (Even Partially)
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- Go to “My Bookings”
- Select the ticket
- Choose Cancel Ticket
- Confirm full or partial cancellation
IRCTC refunds depend on timing and class. Tatkal has no refund unless the train gets canceled.
🛍️ 4. How to Change Boarding Station in IRCTC App
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Changing boarding point:
- Open the app > Booked Ticket History
- Choose ticket > Tap on Change Boarding Point
- Select new station (must be before your original station)
- Done! (Must be done 24+ hours before departure)
🌐 5. What Is Regret in IRCTC?
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“Regret WL” means all quotas are full. You can’t book anymore, even on waitlist. It’s IRCTC’s polite way of saying, “Try another train.”
📊 Alternative: Try same train on different day or enable VIKALP.
🚕 6. What Is VIKALP in IRCTC?
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VIKALP = Alternate train option for waitlisted passengers
- Get shifted to a different train/route (no extra cost)
- Confirmed seat possible
- Can’t choose train manually
Use this if you’re flexible on time but want a confirmed seat.
💼 7. What Is Auto Upgradation in IRCTC?
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IRCTC might upgrade your class (e.g., from Sleeper to 3AC) for free if there are seats available. You must opt-in while booking.
🚀 Pro Tip: Only possible for confirmed and RAC tickets.
💳 8. How to Add Money in IRCTC eWallet
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- Go to “IRCTC eWallet”
- Tap Add Money
- Choose amount
- Pay via UPI, card, or net banking
💡 Bonus: Transactions via eWallet are faster and less likely to fail during Tatkal.
🤔 9. How Many Tickets Can Be Booked in IRCTC?
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- Default: 6 tickets/month
- Aadhaar-linked user: 12 tickets/month
Booking more? Use multiple verified family accounts.
📝 10. How to File TDR in IRCTC App
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Missed the train? Train late? Seat not provided? File a TDR:
- Open IRCTC App > My Bookings
- Select ticket
- Tap File TDR > Choose reason > Submit
📰 You usually have up to 72 hours after train departure.
🔍 11. How to Download Ticket from IRCTC App
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- Go to My Bookings
- Select ticket > Tap Download or Email
📲 No printout needed. Just show the SMS or app e-ticket while boarding.
❌ 12. How to Delete IRCTC Account
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There’s no self-delete option. Here’s what to do:
- Email: [email protected]
- Use registered ID, request for permanent deletion
- Include user ID, name, and mobile
Takes 7–10 days (yep, old school).
📆 Final Words: The IRCTC App Isn’t Perfect, But It Works
Using the IRCTC app in 2025 can still feel outdated at times. But it gets the job done. Whether you’re looking to book a Tatkal ticket, cancel a trip, or just figure out what VIKALP even means, this app—for all its quirks—has your back.
Just be patient. Save your passenger lists. Keep your eWallet topped up. And double-check that boarding point.
Happy travels! 🚆️
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