How to Check IRCTC PNR Status: A Complete Guide for Train Travelers

IRCTC PNR Status Check: A Complete Guide to Monitor Your Train Booking

When booking a train ticket on Indian Railways, your ticket is assigned a PNR (Passenger Name Record) number. This unique 10-digit code holds all the essential details of your train journey, including the status of your booking. Whether your ticket is confirmed, waitlisted (WL), or under RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), checking your PNR status is crucial for planning your trip.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how to check your IRCTC PNR status using multiple methods—online, through the mobile app, via SMS, and more.

What is PNR?

PNR (Passenger Name Record) is a 10-digit unique number assigned to every train ticket booked through the Indian Railways. The PNR number stores crucial information about your journey, including:

• Passenger details (name, age, and gender)

• Train details (train number, boarding and destination stations)

• Travel date and time

• Booking status (Confirmed, RAC, or Waitlisted)

How to Check IRCTC PNR Status

There are several methods to check the PNR status of your train ticket, making it easy to track your booking and travel plans.

1. Check PNR Status Online via IRCTC Website

You can check your PNR status online directly from the official IRCTC website. Here’s how:

1. Visit the IRCTC website.

2. On the homepage, you will find a PNR Status option.

3. Enter your 10-digit PNR number in the given field.

4. Click on "Get Status."

5. The current booking status and seat information will be displayed, including whether your ticket is confirmed, RAC, or waitlisted.

2. Check PNR Status via IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile App

The IRCTC Rail Connect app provides a seamless way to track your PNR status on-the-go. Here’s how:

1. Download and install the IRCTC Rail Connect app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Log in to your IRCTC account using your credentials.

3. From the dashboard, go to the "PNR Status" section.

4. Enter your PNR number, and the app will display the real-time status of your booking.

3. Check PNR Status via SMS

If you don’t have internet access, you can still check your PNR status using SMS. Follow these steps:

1. Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.

2. Type PNR <Your PNR Number> and send it to 139.

3. You will receive an SMS with the current status of your train ticket, including seat confirmation, RAC, or waitlist information.

4. Check PNR Status via Phone Call

You can also check your PNR status by calling 139 (Indian Railways inquiry number). Just follow the voice prompts and enter your PNR number when prompted.

Method	Steps
IRCTC Website	Enter PNR number on the official IRCTC website and click “Get Status”
IRCTC Rail Connect App	Log in to the app, enter PNR number, and view status
SMS (139)	Send "PNR <PNR Number>" to 139
Phone Call (139)	Call 139 and follow the prompts to enter your PNR

PNR Status Terms Explained

When checking your PNR status, you may encounter the following terms:

• CNF (Confirmed): Your booking is confirmed, and your seat/berth details are assigned.

• RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): You have a shared seat, and it may convert to a full berth if confirmed passengers cancel.

• WL (Waitlist): Your ticket is on the waitlist, and confirmation is pending based on cancellations.

• GNWL (General Waitlist): You are on the general waiting list, the most common waitlist type.

• TQWL (Tatkal Waitlist): Your ticket is waitlisted under the Tatkal quota, and will be confirmed only if a Tatkal ticket is canceled.

• RLWL (Remote Location Waitlist): You are waitlisted for tickets from a station that is not the train's origin.

When to Check PNR Status?

It’s essential to check your PNR status at different intervals:

• Immediately after booking: To ensure your ticket details and status.

• 24 hours before your journey: This is when cancellations are more likely, increasing your chances of confirmation if you're on a waitlist.

• Before boarding the train: To get the latest updates on your seat or berth assignment.

FAQs About IRCTC PNR Status Check

1. How can I know if my waitlisted ticket is confirmed?You can regularly check your PNR status via the IRCTC website, app, or SMS. If your status changes from WL (Waitlist) to CNF (Confirmed), your seat is confirmed.

2. Can I travel with an RAC ticket?Yes, passengers with RAC tickets can travel. They are assigned shared seats and may get a full berth if confirmed passengers cancel.

3. What happens if my waitlisted ticket doesn't get confirmed?If your waitlisted ticket does not get confirmed or move to RAC before chart preparation, it will be automatically canceled, and a refund will be processed.

4. How often is the PNR status updated?PNR status is updated in real-time, especially after chart preparation (usually 3-4 hours before the train's departure).

5. Can I check the PNR status for a group booking?Yes, for group bookings, a single PNR number is assigned to all passengers, and you can check the status for all travelers using that one PNR.

Conclusion: Keep Track of Your Journey with IRCTC PNR Status Check

Checking your IRCTC PNR status regularly ensures you're informed about the status of your ticket and seat assignment. With various convenient methods—online, via mobile app, SMS, or a phone call—you can stay updated anytime, anywhere. Make sure to check your PNR status closer to your journey for the most accurate information, especially if your ticket is waitlisted.