Operations Railway Reservation Rules

Railway Reservation Rules – Indian Railways (Operations GK)

1. Reservation Eligibility & Quotas (Total Berths = 100%)

2. Reservation Time-Lines (IST)

3. Refund Rules – Time-Table (w.e.f. 12-11-2015)

4. Key Operational Numbers

• Chart Preparation Time: 1st chart – 4 hrs before; 2nd/final – 30 min before departure
• Maximum Tickets per single e-Transaction: 6
• Maximum berths allowed in one PNR: 6 (only 2 Tatkal)
• Minimum distance charged (Passenger train): 50 km
• Child fare age: 5–12 yrs (full berth at adult fare if berth sought)
• Infant age: <5 yrs (free, no berth)
• Duplicate ticket charge: ₹50 (<400 km), ₹100 (>400 km)
• MST (Monthly Season Ticket) validity: Calendar month; QST – 3 months
• Concession for journalist on tour: 30% in 2/SL/1AC/2AC
• Vikalp (free alternate train) opt-in time: booking – upto chart prep

5. Quick-List: Documents accepted as ID in train

1. Voter ID
2. Aadhaar (physical/digital)
3. PAN card
4. Passport
5. Driving Licence
6. Photo ID card issued by Central/State Govt/PSU/Local body
7. Nationalized bank passbook with photo

(For e-ticket, any one passenger must carry ORIGINAL ID)

Frequently Asked RRB Questions (Operations)

Question:01 Within how many hours before train departure is the first reservation chart prepared?

A) 2 hours

B) 3 hours

C) 4 hours

D) 5 hours

Question:02 What is the Tatkal booking opening time for AC classes in 2026?

A) 08:00 AM (IST) two days prior to departure

B) 09:00 AM (IST) one day prior to departure

C) 10:00 AM (IST) one day prior to departure

D) 11:00 AM (IST) on the day of departure

Question:03 What is the flat cancellation charge for a Sleeper class confirmed ticket when cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure in 2026?

A) ₹240 per passenger

B) ₹200 per passenger

C) ₹180 per passenger

D) ₹120 per passenger

Question:04 What is the minimum age for senior citizen concession for females?

A) 55 years

B) 58 years

C) 60 years

D) 62 years

Question:05 What is the maximum number of berths that can be booked in a single PNR?

A) 4 berths

B) 6 berths

C) 8 berths

D) 10 berths

Master Table – Reservation Abbreviations

Practice MCQs (15) – Railway Reservation Rules

1. The advance reservation period for all classes except the foreign tourist quota is
   a) 30 days b) 60 days c) 90 days d) 120 days
   Ans: b

2. Tatkal charges are recovered on which component of fare?
   a) Only Basic Fare b) Basic + Superfast + Other charges c) Total fare including GST d) Only catering charges
   Ans: b

3. A confirmed Sleeper ticket cancelled 10 hrs before departure will attract what deduction?
   a) 25% b) 50% c) ₹240 flat d) 30%
   Ans: a

4. Premium Tatkal quota opens at
   a) 08:00 b) 10:00 c) 11:00 d) 12:00
   Ans: b

5. Which of the following is NOT accepted as travel ID?
   a) PAN b) Aadhaar c) Ration card d) Passport
   Ans: c

6. Opting for Vikalp is allowed
   a) Only at booking time b) Upto chart preparation c) After chart preparation d) Not allowed in e-tickets
   Ans: b

7. Flat cancellation charge for Wait-list e-ticket after charting is
   a) ₹60 b) ₹120 c) ₹240 d) Zero
   Ans: a

8. Female senior citizen concession starts at age
   a) 55 b) 58 c) 60 d) 62
   Ans: b

9. Maximum berths under Tatkal in a single PNR are
   a) 2 b) 4 c) 6 d) No limit
   Ans: a

10. A child of 4 years travelling without berth must pay
    a) Adult fare b) Half fare c) No fare d) ₹60 flat
    Ans: c

11. TDR for online ticket must be filed within
    a) 30 min after departure b) 1 hr c) 4 hrs d) 24 hrs
    Ans: b

12. The second/final chart is prepared
    a) 4 hrs b) 2 hrs c) 30 min d) 10 min before dep
    Ans: c

13. Duplicate ticket charge for journey >400 km is
    a) ₹50 b) ₹100 c) ₹150 d) ₹200
    Ans: b

14. Which quota has dynamic fare pricing?
    a) GN b) LD c) PT d) DF
    Ans: c

15. Minimum distance charged for passenger train ticket is
    a) 10 km b) 30 km c) 50 km d) 70 km
    Ans: c

Revision Tip: Remember “60-4-30” – 60 days ARP, 4 hrs 1st chart, 30 min final chart.