Auto Upgradation in IRCTC: Meaning, Eligibility, Rules and Benefits

By: Nish Kumar | onJanuary 13, 2026

Auto upgradation in IRCTC is a free service offered by Indian Railways during chart preparation to upgrade seats when vacant berths are available in the higher class. Passengers with confirmed or RAC ticket status have a higher chance for this upgrade.

This option is available for each individual, but can be availed of when certain conditions are met. Therefore, you need to check the full information regarding the seat upgrade in Indian Railways. It can not only improve travel but also offer unforgettable memories.

This Rail Info will uncover the truth behind the auto-upgradation in Indian Railways and how it works. It also uncovers the chances of getting an auto upgrade and the conditions to enjoy the seat upgrade in IRCTC.

What is Auto Upgradation in IRCTC and Its Benefits?

No one gets disappointed if they get more than they asked for. Yes, Indian Railways can surprise you with offering upgrades in your reservation coach. Very few people know that auto upgradation in IRCTC allows you to enjoy your journey in a higher class than you booked. IRCTC class upgradation is a service to move passengers to an upper class if vacant seats are available.

As per Indian Railways upgradation system, auto-upgradation is done automatically during chart preparation. It is done to reduce the waiting list and allot confirmed seats in a premium class if vacant seats are available. So, if you are lucky and meet all the conditions for auto upgradation, then your PNR status will show your seat from SL to 3AC or 3AC to 2AC or 2AC to 1AC.

Also Find: Check Your PNR Status – Complete Guide with Live and Accurate Results

Auto Upgradation Benefits in Indian Railways

If you have ever got the auto upgraded then you must have noticed some benefit of seat upgradation. So, check below how passengers can get benefits through it.

List of Benefits of Seat Upgrade to Passengers

Enhanced passenger comfort: The opportunity to travel in a higher class offers better comfort to travelers. It improves the overall travel experience, especially during long journeys when seat availability is a major concern.
Confirmed ticket to travel: Passengers with waitlist tickets can get confirmation in an upper class. It allows them to continue travelling but with a higher class without any effort. It also increases the chance of confirmation when booking in WL.
No extra cost: You may have a question that is Auto Upgradation In IRCTC Free? The answer is positive. Indian Railways doesn’t ask for any extra payment for upgrading your reservation class.
Access to premium facilities: As you go to premium class facilities, it also increases. With an auto upgradation system, you can get access to premium facilities at the same price, which can improve your travel experience. You can get an AC class even if selected for the sleeper class.
Less crowded: In certain routes, trains between stations are limited, which causes higher demand and increased crowds in trains. Getting seats in higher classes means less crowd and more safety. It also helps to get a better hygienic environment to enjoy the journey peacefully with less disturbance.

Eligibility, Conditions and Rules for Auto Upgradation in Train Ticket

You may be thinking about how upgradation works in Indian Railways. So, you should know that each train passenger is not included in the list for auto-upgradation, but some are considered. Full details are explained in the following points.

Select consider for auto upgradation IRCTC, while booking your train ticket either online or from the PRS counter.
As per Indian Railways if you are not provided with the option for upgradation, then you are automatically considered for upgradation.
According to Indian Railways reservation rules auto upgradation is applied on passengers who booked their ticket under the general quota.
If you have booked 6 or multiple tickets with one PNR, then you can get an upgrade only when the same number of seats are vacant in an upper class; partial upgradation is not allowed.
Indian Railways rules explain that if auto-upgraded tickets are cancelled, then the refund amount will follow the cancellation rules according to the original booked ticket.
IRCTC considers only confirmed or RAC tickets for upgradation but waitlisted tickets can be considered when seats are still vacant after final allocation..
Upgradation is not guaranteed, but some may get from SL to 3AC, and others.

What is “Consider for Auto Upgradation In IRCTC”?

After collecting information about the eligibility, you must be curious to understand the term “consider for auto upgradation” in Hindi. So, you can check the Railway upgradation schedule and benefits to find details in Hindi for better understanding.

Indian Railways offers to opt out with options considered for auto upgradation during ticket booking either online or offline.
It is the key to get included in the list of passengers who can come in the list of upgradation when vacant seats are available in a higher class.
If you fail to select the option, then you will not be considered for IRCTC auto upgradation during chart preparation.
Selecting this option also increases the chance of ticket confirmation during waitlist.

Summary

Always choose the option of auto upgradation in IRCTC while booking a ticket. It increases your confirmation chances and allows you to get a seat upgrade during chart preparation. It offers various benefits to passengers like the opportunity to get a premium class without paying extra, and better safety.

So, consider IRCTC seat upgradation rules before ticket booking and make your journey more comfortable and interesting. Moreover, you should always select the auto upgrade option during ticket booking.

FAQ on Auto Upgradation in IRCTC

Q. What is IRCTC Auto Upgradation?

Ans. Auto upgradation is a system driven facility in Indian Railways that allow eligible passengers to get automatically upgraded in higher class during chart preparation.

Q. Is auto-upgradation available for every train passenger?

Ans. Yes, it is available for everyone if they have selected the option considered for auto upgradation during ticket booking either online or offline.

Q. How does auto-upgradation work in IRCTC?

Ans. IRCTC upgrades your ticket if vacant seats are available during chart preparation and you have opted for the auto-upgradation option during ticket booking.

Q. Which classes are eligible for auto upgradation in IRCTC?

Ans. IRCTC class upgradation is only available for reserved tickets. Such as SL to 3AC or 3AC to 2AC.

Q. Will a family or group with one PNR get upgraded?

Ans. Yes, if sufficient seats are vacant, then everyone can get an upgrade or no one will get upgraded.