“RAC” in Indian Railways stands for “Reservation Against Cancellation”. It’s a type of confirmed train ticket that gets automatically upgraded to a full berth if other confirmed passengers cancel their bookings before the chart preparation time. Here’s a breakdown of RAC tickets:
What it means:
- RAC passengers have a confirmed seat, but not necessarily a full berth.
- They share a berth with other RAC passengers of the same gender (for non-AC classes) or any gender (for AC classes).
- The number next to RAC indicates your position in the waitlist for a full berth upgrade. Lower numbers have a higher chance of getting upgraded.
Chances of upgrade:
- The chances of RAC getting upgraded depend on several factors, including:
- Train occupancy: Higher occupancy increases the likelihood of cancellations and upgrades.
- Travel date and class: RAC tickets in peak season or lower travel classes generally have lower upgrade chances.
- Cancellation pattern: Early cancellations increase the chances for RAC passengers.
Information on RAC tickets:
- You can check your RAC confirmation status and position on the waitlist online or through the IRCTC app.
- RAC tickets cannot be cancelled or waitlisted further.
- Upgraded RAC berths are allotted automatically before chart preparation, usually 4 hours before departure for most trains.
- If your RAC doesn’t get upgraded, you’ll be accommodated in the same seating arrangement you booked (sharing a berth with other RAC passengers).
Additional Tips:
- Consider booking Tatkal tickets if you need a confirmed berth with higher upgrade chances, especially during peak season.
- Plan your travel dates and choose less crowded trains for better chances of RAC upgrade.
- Keep checking your booking status online or through the app closer to the travel date for updates.
I hope this comprehensive information clarifies everything about RAC tickets in Indian Railways. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!
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