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Child Train Ticket Rule 2025
IRCTC Child Ticket Rules 2025
Children aged between 5 and 12 at the time of reservation will be charged full adult fees if requested in Perth / Seat (reserved class).
Rule of Tickets for Children 2025
However, if children between the ages of 5 and 12 do not request a Perth / Seat at the time of booking, they will continue to be charged a minimum distance of half the adult fee.
The required modifications will be carried in the reservation form so that the passenger can indicate the option of whether or not the child will need a full berth / seat.
There will be no change in the rules for child payment of non-booked tickets. This means that for children aged 5-12 for non-booked tickets, half the adult fee will be subject to the minimum distance for the charge.
Child train ticket rule below 5 years will continue to be carried free (without Perth).
Here’s the official and clarified policy on child train ticket rules effective as of April 21, 2025 under the Railway Ticket Rule 2025:
👶 Child Ticket Fare Structure – Updated Rules
1. Children Below 5 Years
- Ticket not required if no separate berth/seat is requested.
- Travels free of cost with a parent/guardian.
- If a berth or seat is required, parents must purchase a full adult ticket and standard fare applies.
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2. Children Aged 5 to 11 Years
Passengers must choose at booking:
- Fare charged is 50% of adult fare (subject to minimum distance rules).
- No berths/seats allocated.
- Suitable for short or shared travel with parent.
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Option B – Full Seat/Berth Requested
- Full adult fare is charged, same as an adult ticket.
- Seat or berth will be provided as allocated.
- Applicable if the child needs independent seating.
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3. Children Aged 12 Years & Above
- Treated as adult travelers; full fare mandatory.
- Seat or berth will be provided per standard reservation rules.
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📋 Summary Table
| Age Group | Seat/Berth Required? | Ticket Needed? | Fare Charged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | No | No | Free (no berth) |
| Under 5 years | Yes | Yes | Full adult fare |
| 5–11 years | No | Yes | 50% of adult fare |
| 5–11 years | Yes | Yes | Full adult fare |
| 12 years & above | Yes (default) | Yes | Full adult fare |
🛠 Booking Info – IRCTC & Counters
- At IRCTC website or app, input the child’s age; for ages 5–11, a prompt appears:
- “No berth” → 50% fare
- “Want berth” → full fare
- Booking automatically adjusts the fare based on selection.
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✅ Additional Guidelines
- Unreserved ticket bookings continue: children aged 5–11 pay half fare irrespective of berth availability.
- Proof of age may be requested by TTE if child’s age appears ambiguous—carry an Aadhaar, birth certificate, or school ID to avoid issues.
- There’s no change to earlier rules—free travel under age 5 continues, but seats cost full fare if requested.
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👀 Quick Note
- No changes have been implemented that force children aged 1–4 to buy tickets unless they need a berth—officially clarified by the Railways in August 2022.
turn0search10turn0search11 - Reddit users confirm there’s no enforcement issue if age is entered incorrectly as long as no discount is claimed, especially for infants.
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🧭 TL;DR
- Under 5 years: Free travel (no berth).
- 5–11 years: Option to travel half fare (no berth) or pay full fare (with berth).
- 12+ years: Booked and charged as adult.
Would you like assistance with selecting the correct fare option or calculating child fare for your specific train itinerary?