Planning a train journey? Use our free Indian Railway Ticket Booking Date Calculator to find out when General Reservation and Tatkal bookings open. You can also learn about Current Booking, which gives passengers another chance to get a confirmed ticket if vacant seats are available after chart preparation.
Enter your train’s departure date from its originating station to calculate the applicable booking dates and timings.
How to Use the Calculator
Select your train’s departure date from its originating station and click Calculate to find the General Reservation or Tatkal booking date and time. All timings are displayed in Indian Standard Time (IST).
Find out when your train tickets become available for booking.
General Reservation
Tatkal Booking
Indian Railway Ticket Booking Rules
General Reservation
For most trains, General Reservation opens 60 days before the journey date, excluding the date of travel. The usual opening time is 8:00 AM IST. Some trains have a shorter advance reservation period.
Tatkal Booking
Tatkal tickets are available one day before the train departs from its originating station.
- AC classes: 10:00 AM IST
- Non-AC classes: 11:00 AM IST
Tatkal dates are calculated using the train's departure date from its originating station, not the passenger's boarding date.
What Is Current Booking in Indian Railways?
Current Booking is a facility that allows passengers to book vacant seats or berths remaining on a train after the reservation chart has been prepared.
For example, if some passengers cancel their tickets or certain berths remain unoccupied, those vacancies may become available for booking through Current Booking. This gives passengers another opportunity to get a confirmed ticket, even after the regular reservation period has ended.
Here are a few things to know:
- Current Booking starts after chart preparation, subject to vacant accommodation.
- Only confirmed e-tickets are issued.
- Tickets are available only if seats or berths remain vacant.
- Booking is subject to the applicable booking time limit.
You can check and book available tickets through the Current Booking option on the IRCTC website or app. Availability is not guaranteed, as it depends on vacant accommodation on the train.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the railway reservation chart prepared?
The first reservation chart is generally prepared several hours before the train's departure. A second chart is also prepared closer to departure. The exact timing can vary depending on the train and its departure schedule.
Can I book a ticket after the first chart is prepared?
Yes. If vacant accommodation is available, you can try booking through Current Booking on IRCTC. Only confirmed tickets are issued through this facility.
Is Current Booking the same as Tatkal booking?
No. Tatkal booking opens one day before the train's departure, at fixed timings for AC and Non-AC classes. Current Booking is available after chart preparation, depending on the vacant seats or berths remaining.
Does this calculator show live seat availability?
No. It calculates the expected General Reservation and Tatkal opening dates and times. For Current Booking and live seat availability, check the IRCTC website or app.
