You can still get a confirmed railway ticket even after the chart is prepared; you just need to do this one thing quickly..

Did you know that you can book a ticket even after the railway chart has been prepared? Many of us believe that once the seat chart for a train is finalized, tickets can no longer be booked. However, this is not the case; there is a 'Current Booking' quota—comprising a certain percentage of tickets—that becomes available only after the chart is prepared.

This means that on the day of the journey, after the chart is ready, you can book tickets for any vacant seats or berths. This facility is useful when there is space available on your preferred train, allowing you to book a ticket just a few hours before departure. This service is available at specific reservation counters at major railway stations across India. Here is what you need to know about current reservations:

How do you get the ticket?
Current reservation tickets can be obtained on a 'first-come, first-served' basis, either from counters at the originating station or via the IRCTC app. To check for vacant seats, visit the IRCTC website or app and select the 'Charts Vacant' option. Enter the train number to check seat availability. If a seat is vacant, you can book it immediately. You do not need to visit the station just to find out about seat availability.

When does the railway open current booking?
According to IRCTC rules, the first chart for any train is prepared approximately four hours before departure. If any seats remain vacant at this stage, current booking is opened for them. Passengers can book these tickets up to five minutes before the train departs. Therefore, if you are planning a last-minute trip, be sure to check the 'Charts Vacant' option.

Current booking fares are the same as regular fares
If you are worried that you might have to pay a higher fare for current booking, rest assured that is not the case. The fare is the same as that of a regular seat. In fact, for certain trains, the railways may even offer discounts ranging from 10% to 30%. However, please note that if you cancel this ticket, the fare is non-refundable.

Where can you book the ticket?
You can book tickets under the 'Current Reservation' scheme via the IRCTC website or mobile app, or by visiting a railway counter. If a seat remains vacant before the preparation of the second chart, you can get an immediately confirmed ticket.

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