Learn everything about PNR Status — what it is, how to check it online, via SMS, and through the IRCTC app, and how to read your PNR details like a pro.
If you've ever booked a train ticket in India, you've encountered a 10-digit number printed at the top-left corner of your ticket. That number is your PNR — Passenger Name Record. It is a unique identifier assigned to every train booking made through Indian Railways or IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).
PNR Status refers to the current booking status of your train ticket. It tells you whether your seat is confirmed, waitlisted, or under the RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) category. Checking your PNR status is essential, especially when your ticket is on the waitlist, as it helps you plan your journey with confidence.
Understanding your PNR status matters for several key reasons:
Travel Planning: Knowing whether your berth is confirmed helps you decide whether to board the train or make alternative arrangements.
Waitlist Management: Indian Railways assigns waitlist numbers that change as passengers cancel tickets. Tracking your PNR lets you monitor your chances of confirmation.
Passenger Safety: PNR records store passenger details, making it easier for railway staff to verify identities and manage coaches.
Refund Processing: If your waitlisted ticket doesn't get confirmed, your refund is automatically processed — but only if you're aware of the final status.
A PNR number is a 10-digit numeric code generated at the time of booking. Here's what it contains:
Detail
Description
Train Number
The train you're booked on
Journey Date
Date of travel
Class
1A, 2A, 3A, SL, CC, etc.
Passenger Details
Name, age, gender
Booking Status
CNF, WL, RAC
Coach & Seat
Assigned berth (for confirmed tickets)
The PNR is generated the moment payment is successful and remains valid until your journey is completed or the ticket is cancelled.
When you check your PNR status, you'll see one of these status codes:
Your seat is confirmed. You'll see your coach number and berth number assigned here.
Your ticket is on the waitlist. The number next to WL (e.g., WL 12/5) shows your original waitlist position and current position. The closer to 1, the higher your chance of confirmation.
RAC status means you are entitled to board the train and share a berth (typically a side lower berth). You may get a full berth if a confirmed passenger cancels.
A waitlist for passengers boarding from intermediate stations. Clears separately from the main waitlist.
This waitlist combines quota from multiple stations. It is harder to clear than the main waitlist.
The most common waitlist type for the originating station quota. Has the best chance of clearing.
The ticket has been cancelled, or the booking has been modified.
There are multiple convenient ways to check your PNR status in real time.
Click on "PNR Status" from the top navigation
Enter your 10-digit PNR number
Click "Get Status"
Your current booking status will appear instantly
Navigate to "Passenger Services"
Enter your PNR number in the provided field
View your complete journey and status details
You can check your PNR status without internet access:
Send an SMS: PNR [Your 10-digit PNR Number] to 139
Example: PNR 1234567890 → Send to 139
You'll receive a reply with your current PNR status
This method works 24/7 and is especially useful when you're traveling in areas with limited connectivity.
Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app (Android/iOS)
Log in or continue as guest
Tap on "PNR Status"
Enter your PNR number
Your status, coach, and berth details will be displayed
The Rail Enquiry app and the NTES offer PNR status, train running status, and live train tracking in one place.
Simply type your 10-digit PNR number directly into Google search. Google will display your PNR status via the Indian Railways integration instantly — no need to visit any website.
Once you check your PNR status, here's how to interpret the results:
PNR Number : 1234567890 Train Number : 12345 – Rajdhani Express Date of Journey: 15-Jun-2025 From : New Delhi (NDLS) To : Mumbai Central (MMCT) Class : 3A (Third AC) Passenger 1: CNF / B2 / 34 (Coach B2, Berth 34, Lower) Passenger 2: RAC / B2 / 42 (Coach B2, Side Berth 42)
CNF / B2 / 34 → Confirmed, Coach B2, Berth 34 (Lower berth)
WL 5 → 5th on the waitlist; not yet confirmed
RAC 3 → RAC position 3; you can board but may share a berth
PNR status is updated at key intervals:
Immediately after booking — Initial status assigned (CNF, WL, RAC)
After cancellations — Waitlist numbers move up automatically
Chart Preparation — 4 hours before departure, the final chart is prepared and all remaining waitlisted tickets are either confirmed or marked as WL (no boarding allowed)
At departure — Final status is locked
Important: If your ticket still shows WL at chart preparation time, you will not be allowed to board the train, and an automatic refund will be initiated (for e-tickets).
Book Early: Tatkal and general quota tickets fill up fast. Earlier bookings have better confirmation chances.
Choose the Right Quota: General Quota (GNWL) clears faster than PQWL or RLWL.
Track Cancellations: Monitor your PNR status regularly as cancellations improve waitlist positions.
Use the Tatkal Quota: Available 1 day before departure for urgent travel — usually confirmed immediately.
Travel via Less Popular Routes: Trains on high-demand routes (Mumbai–Delhi, Chennai–Bangalore) fill up quickly.
Tatkal tickets booked under the Tatkal quota typically have a high confirmation rate since they are drawn from a reserved pool. However:
Tatkal WL tickets rarely get confirmed
No refund is provided for cancelled Tatkal tickets (except for train cancellations)
Check your Tatkal PNR status carefully before the journey
Q: Can I board the train on a RAC ticket? Yes. RAC passengers are allowed to board and are given a shared berth. You may get a full berth during the journey if confirmed passengers don't show up.
Q: Will I get a refund if my WL ticket doesn't get confirmed? Yes, for e-tickets booked on IRCTC, the refund is automatically processed to your original payment method after chart preparation.
Q: How many passengers can one PNR have? A single PNR can cover up to 6 passengers.
Q: Is PNR status available 24/7? Yes. You can check PNR status at any time via IRCTC website, SMS to 139, or the Rail Connect app.
Q: What happens to my PNR after the journey? Your PNR record is stored in the system and can be referenced for past travel history on your IRCTC account.
Your PNR status is the single most important piece of information for any Indian Railways traveler. From confirming your berth to tracking waitlist movement, checking it regularly — especially in the days leading up to your journey — ensures you're never caught off guard.
Use the IRCTC website, the SMS service (139), or the Rail Connect app for the fastest and most accurate updates. And remember: if your PNR is still on the waitlist when the chart is prepared, make alternate travel arrangements well in advance.
Safe travels! 🚂
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