Sometimes travel plans have to be canceled unexpectedly, or the train is significantly delayed or canceled. In such situations, the biggest question on passengers' minds is:

In India, trains are not just a mode of transport, but an important part of the common man's life. Every day, millions of people travel by train for work, studies, medical treatment, or to visit relatives. People prefer trains because they are considered cheaper, more comfortable, and more reliable than buses and flights. Booking tickets has also become quite easy these days. People book tickets in minutes through the IRCTC website or mobile app. But sometimes plans change.

Sometimes travel has to be canceled unexpectedly, or the train is significantly delayed or canceled. In such cases, the biggest question on passengers' minds is whether they will get a full refund or how many days in advance they need to cancel the ticket. If you also want to know this, then it is very important for you to know the railway's refund rules. So let's find out how many days in advance you need to cancel a train ticket to get a full refund.

How many days in advance do you need to cancel a train ticket to get a full refund?

Indian Railways has clear rules regarding ticket cancellation and refunds. If you cancel your ticket at the right time, you can get a full or almost full refund. If the ticket is canceled before the train chart is prepared, the railway refunds the ticket amount. However, a nominal clerkage charge is deducted. The charge varies for different classes, such as a lower charge for Second Class (General), and a slightly higher charge for Sleeper and AC classes; the remaining amount is refunded to your account. If the train is completely canceled by the railway, passengers receive a full refund of the ticket amount. For this, too, IRCTC processes the refund automatically or through a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt).

Will I get a full refund if the train is delayed by 3 hours or more? If your train is delayed by 3 hours or more and you no longer wish to travel, the railways will give you a full refund. This rule applies to all classes: General, Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC, and First AC. However, if you board the train, you will not be eligible for a full refund. To receive a refund, you must not travel on the train.

What to do to get a refund if your train is delayed?

1. In this situation, you need to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt). To file a TDR, go to the IRCTC website.

2. Log in with your user ID and password.

3. Go to My Account.

4. Click on My Transactions.

5. Select the File TDR option.

6. Select your ticket and choose the reason for filing the TDR.

7. Now submit the request. Your request will then be sent to the railways.