Have you ever seen the RAC status while booking a train ticket and gotten confused? Do you want to know What is RAC in a train? means and whether you will be allowed to travel with this status? If your answer is yes, then this guide is for you! What is RAC in a train?
People are often confused about RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) when booking tickets on IRCTC. Is it a confirmed seat? Will you be able to travel? Today, we will provide complete information on this topic with train facts and IRCTC tips. What is RAC in a train?
What is RAC in a train? Understand in simple terms
RAC stands for “Radd Hone Ke Viruddh Aarakshan” (Reservation against cancellation). This is a situation where your ticket is not fully confirmed, but it’s not completely on the waiting list either.
In simple terms: RAC status means that you will be allowed to travel, but your own full seat/berth is not guaranteed. You will get a shared seat or berth.What is RAC in a train?
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What do you get with an RAC ticket? What is RAC in a train?
- Travel permission: You are allowed to board the train (this is the biggest difference from a waitlisted ticket). What is RAC in a train?
- Shared berth: You may have to share a berth (seat/sleeper) with another RAC passenger.
- Chance of a confirmed seat: If a passenger cancels their confirmed ticket before the journey, their seat is given to an RAC passenger first. What is RAC in a train?
How does RAC status change? PNR Status Journey
The RAC journey is quite interesting. Here’s how your status can change: What is RAC in a train?
- Beginning: Your ticket is booked with RAC status. What is RAC in a train?
- Before chart preparation: If any passenger cancels their ticket, RAC seats start getting upgraded to confirmed status. What is RAC in a train?
- After chart preparation: After the train chart is prepared, passengers with RAC tickets that haven’t been confirmed are allotted a shared seat. Typically, a sleeper berth is shared between two RAC passengers (each getting half a berth). What is RAC in a train?
- On the train: Even after the train departs, if a confirmed passenger doesn’t show up (no-show), the TTE (Ticket Examiner) can allot their seat to an RAC passenger. What is RAC in a train?
RAC vs WL vs CNF – Understand the differences (Comparison Chart): What is RAC in a train?
| S. No. | Status | Full Name | Travel Allowed? | Seat Guaranteed? | Upgrade Possibility |
| 1. | CNF | Confirmed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Full seat) | Already confirmed |
| 2. | RAC | Reservation Against Cancellation | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Half seat (shared) | Very likely (seat subject to cancellation) |
| 3. | WL | Waitlist | ❌ No | ❌ No | Based on cancellation |
Travel Tips for RAC Tickets TravelHacks : What is RAC in a train?
- Meet the TTE: Contact the TTE (Ticket Examiner) as soon as you board the train. He will allocate a berth to you and can inform you about any vacant seats. What is RAC in a train?
- Continuously Check Your PNR: 4-5 hours before your journey, when the chart is prepared, keep checking your PNR status. Your seat might get confirmed. What is RAC in a train?
- Make the Best Use of the Shared Seat: In RAC, the lower berth of a sleeper compartment is usually shared between two people. Decide on a seating/sleeping arrangement by mutual agreement. What is RAC in a train?
- Note: Only two passengers are allotted one berth on an RAC ticket. If the RAC numbers are 1 and 2, they will have to share the same berth. What is RAC in a train?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs in English) TrainFAQ
Q1: Can I board the train with an RAC ticket?
A: Yes! This is the biggest advantage of RAC status. Unlike WL, an RAC ticket holder has the right to travel on the train. What is RAC in a train?
Q2: What is the probability of an RAC ticket getting confirmed?
A: The probability is very high (more than 90%). Most RAC tickets get confirmed due to cancellations that occur before the chart is prepared.
Q3: What does RAC number 10 or 20 mean?
A: This is your priority sequence number. RAC 1 will get the first confirmed seat that becomes available due to cancellation, then RAC 2, and so on. The lower the RAC number, the higher the probability of seat confirmation.
Q4: What is the difference between RAC and WL?
A: The main difference is the permission to travel. RAC = Permission to travel (on a shared seat). WL = No permission to travel; a seat will only be allocated if the ticket gets confirmed.
Q5: What happens to RAC tickets after the chart is prepared?
A: After the chart is prepared, RAC tickets that are not confirmed are allotted a “shared seat.” Their status will still show as RAC on the ticket, but they will also be given a berth number (e.g., B4 – 1/2, meaning half of berth B4).
Q6: Do I get a full refund if I cancel an RAC ticket?
A: Yes! If you cancel an RAC ticket before the chart is prepared, you get a full refund (some nominal clerk charges may be deducted). This is another major advantage over WL tickets.
Q7: Which class is available for RAC tickets?
A: RAC status is available in Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Seating (2S). RAC is not available in AC coaches (3A, 2A, 1A). What is RAC in a train?
Conclusion:
What is RAC in a train? Next time your ticket shows RAC status, don’t panic! Check your PNR wisely and follow the tips given above. In most cases, your seat will get confirmed. Happy and smart traveling! 🚉 What is RAC in a train?
(This information is for general guidance only. Rules may change; please check for updates on the official IRCTC website.) What is RAC in a train?