RAC Ticket Rules: Can an RAC Seat Get Confirmed During the Journey? Complete Railway Process Explained

Securing a confirmed train ticket during peak travel seasons is often a challenge for millions of passengers. In such situations, RAC—Reservation Against Cancellation—becomes an important alternative for travelers who still want a guaranteed entry into the train. While an RAC ticket provides only a half berth, it ensures that passengers are allowed to board the train without being treated as waitlisted. Yet, a common question remains: Can an RAC seat get upgraded to a full berth during the journey? According to Indian Railways rules, the answer is yes. Under certain conditions, an RAC seat can indeed be converted into a confirmed berth while the train is en route.

This article explains the entire process, the role of TTEs, and the essential tips that can increase your chances of securing a confirmed berth during the trip.

What Exactly Is an RAC Ticket?

An RAC ticket allows two passengers to share one berth—usually a side lower seat divided into seating arrangements. Unlike a waitlisted ticket, an RAC ticket holder is permitted to board the train and is considered a partially reserved passenger.

For example, if your booking status shows 20-RAC, the number indicates your position in the RAC queue. As cancellations occur before the chart is prepared, this 20-RAC may move up to 5-RAC or even 2-RAC by the time the final chart is generated. The lower your RAC number becomes, the higher your chances of a full berth during the journey.

How an RAC Seat Gets Confirmed Mid-Journey

The confirmation of an RAC seat during the journey depends on several factors such as cancellations, no-shows, the length of the route, and the availability of vacant berths.

1. Cancellations Before Departure

When passengers with confirmed tickets cancel their bookings before chart preparation, their seats are released to RAC passengers in serial order.

2. No-Show Passengers

Once the train departs, the Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) checks for no-show passengers—those who have a confirmed ticket but did not board the train. These vacant berths become available to RAC passengers.

3. Priority Based on RAC Number

Railway rules state that RAC passengers get priority over waitlisted passengers when it comes to allocation of vacant seats. This means if your RAC number is low—say RAC 1 to RAC 10—the chances of getting a full berth mid-journey can reach up to 70–80%, especially on long routes.

4. Long-Distance Routes Have Higher Chances

Routes with long distances experience more mid-way deboardings and cancellations. A passenger traveling from Delhi to Gorakhpur, for example, might find their RAC seat confirmed if some passengers get off mid-route.

Role of the TTE in RAC Confirmation

Once the train starts, the TTE checks the reservation chart to identify vacant berths. As per rules:

• RAC passengers are the first priority for berth allocation.

• Waitlisted passengers do not get seats until all RAC passengers are accommodated.

• In AC coaches, RAC passengers now receive separate bedrolls, which earlier were shared between two travelers.

• Sleeper class follows similar allocation rules.

Passengers can track the latest updates using PNR status apps or IRCTC tools to know whether their berth has been upgraded.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of RAC Confirmation

To improve the likelihood of an RAC seat upgrading to a full berth during your journey, consider these practical suggestions:

1. Choose High-Cancellation Routes

Some routes have consistently high cancellation rates. Booking RAC on such routes increases the chances of confirmation.

2. Check the Final Chart Before Boarding

After the chart is prepared, check your updated RAC number. If it has moved to 5 or below, your chances of mid-journey confirmation are very high.

3. Communicate Politely With the TTE

You can request the TTE to keep you informed about vacant berths. However, avoid presenting false documents or making false claims, as this can result in penalties.

4. Prefer Group Bookings for Families

Group or family bookings sometimes improve the chances of getting confirmed berths together, depending on availability.

5. Choose RAC Over Waitlist

Tatkal and e-tickets in RAC status are far better than waitlisted tickets, as waitlisted passengers may not be allowed to board.

Conclusion

RAC tickets offer a reliable travel alternative when confirmed seats are unavailable. With guaranteed entry into the train and a higher probability of mid-journey confirmation, RAC is often more practical than waitlisting. Understanding railway rules, monitoring cancellations, and following the right strategies can significantly improve your chances of securing a full berth—even after the journey has already begun.