Railway Reservation Chart Preparation New Rules | IRCTC Reservation Chart Preparation Time
Second Reservation Charts to be issued 30 minutes before the scheduled train departure time, as was done before the lockdown
Ticket booking facility, both online and on PRS ticket counters, shall be available, before preparation of second chart
Indian Railways has decided to restore earlier system of preparation of second reservation charts w.e.f. 10.10.2025.
As per established pre COVID period instructions, the first reservation chart was prepared at least 4 hours before scheduled departure of train. Thereafter, the available accommodation could be booked across PRS counters as well as through internet on first-come-first-serve basis till preparation of second reservation charts.
Second reservation charts were prepared between 30 minutes to 5 minutes before scheduled/rescheduled time of departure of trains. Cancellation of already booked tickets was also permitted during this period as per provisions of Refund Rules.
Due to pandemic, instructions were issued to shift the time of preparation of second reservation chart to 2 hours before scheduled/ rescheduled time of departure of trains.
As per request of Zonal Railways for ensuring convenience of rail passengers, the matter has been examined and it has been decided that the second reservation chart shall be prepared at least 30 minutes before scheduled/rescheduled time of departure of train.
Accordingly, ticket booking facility, both online and on PRS ticket counters, shall be available, before preparation of second chart.
CRIS has been issued necessary modifications in the software accordingly so as to restore this provision w.e.f. 10.10.2025.
Here’s the updated scoop on Railway Reservation Chart Preparation Rules, especially the latest changes around IRCTC chart timing in 2025—focusing on what passengers need to know:
How Reservation Charts Are Prepared
Indian Railways uses a two-chart system before train departure:
| Chart Stage | When It Used to Be Prepared | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| First Chart | Previously: 4 hours before train departure.As of 1 July 2025:• Trains departing between 5 AM–2 PM: Chart at 9 PM previous night.• Trains departing after 2 PM or before 5 AM: Chart 8 hours before departure. | Finalizes confirmed berths and status updates (e.g., WL → RAC/Confirmed). |
| Second (Final) Chart | 30 to 5 minutes before departure. | Includes last-minute cancellations or quota reassignments. |
Benefits of the New Timing
- Better clarity for passengers with waitlisted tickets, offering time to plan alternatives.
- Reduces last-minute uncertainty, especially for travelers from distant areas.
- Pilot run already underway on services like the Prayagraj–Delhi Humsafar Express—aimed at rolling out across more trains.
- Operation efficiency and enhanced transparency through the revamped PRS (Passenger Reservation System) being developed.
What It Means for Passengers
- Morning trains (5 AM–2 PM): Expect your reservation chart by 9 PM the previous night.
- Evening and night trains: Chart will be finalized around 8 hours before the train departs.
- Final confirmation details (coach/seat): Updated just before departure—give it a look!
- Tatkal booking users: Must now use Aadhaar-based OTP (from July 15), reinforcing user identity.
- Waitlisted passengers: Chart update time is especially helpful to act fast if your ticket isn’t confirmed.
Passengers on Reddit emphasize how important chart updates are:
“Seat number will be updated once chart is prepared—around 4–5 hours before departure.”
Summary Table
| Feature | New Rule (Effective July 2025) |
|---|---|
| First Chart Timing | 9 PM (prev. night) for early trains; 8 hrs before for others |
| Second (Final) Chart | 30–5 minutes before departure (unchanged) |
| Status Updates | Clearer WL/RAC/Conf status earlier—enables planning |
| Tatkal Booking Requirement | Aadhaar OTP verification mandatory (from July 15) |
| Pilot Extended To | Humsafar Express initiates 24-hr pilot; expanding soon |
In Summary
Indian Railways has overhauled reservation chart scheduling to 8 hours before departure, enhancing passenger convenience and reducing last-minute chaos. This reform—combined with an upgraded PRS and Tatkal OTP system—is set to bring more transparency, efficiency, and fairness into train ticketing.
If you’d like, I can walk you through your booking timeline or help track when your train’s chart is expected!