RAC Ticket Explained: Meaning, Rules, Benefits and Seat Allocation

You must have heard about the RAC ticket in Indian Railways, which offers to travel in a shared seat. However, it is not limited to this but also includes a lot of information you must know to understand the RAC meaning in train.

Many people get confused when they find RAC status on their train ticket. Some travelers find it good to have at-least half confirmed seat. However, some get unhappy because they did not insure their travel.

This Rail Info will explore the RAC full form and its meaning in Indian Railways. It also explains relevant rules, their benefits, and seat allocation to complete their train journey. This guide will explain all you need to make your journey comfortable.

What is the Meaning of RAC Ticket in Indian Railways?

RAC in railway refers to the Reservation Against Cancellation. It means passengers have a partially confirmed ticket to complete the journey. RAC ticket in Indian Railways allows passengers to get a shared seat (side lower berth) in trains.

In short, RAC passengers can travel without a fully confirmed ticket. RAC is provided when only limited seat availability remains. However, it has a higher chance of getting confirmed than the WL status.

How Does RAC in Railway Work?

Every passenger must learn how RAC in train works to make informed decisions while ticket booking. RAC works on some rules, and understanding it can help to enjoy the train journey and make it memorable.

RAC Ticket Rules in Railways

Reserved Accommodation

• According to South Eastern Railway, RAC passengers provided reserved sitting accommodation initially.

Seat Upgradation over Cancellation

• When any confirmed ticket is cancelled, the RAC passengers will get confirmation based on priority.

Ticket Upgradation During Journey

• If any passenger with a confirmed ticket does not show up, RAC train ticket holders can get a confirmed seat.

Seat Upgradation Priority

• Seat upgradation happens in sequence, which means passengers with RAC1 will get priority in comparison to RAC2 and so on.

Berth Sharing

• If RAC passengers do not get a fully confirmed ticket, then they can still travel but will be required to share the seat with another RAC passenger.

RAC Passenger per Berth

• Maximum two RAC passengers are allowed to travel per berth in sharing, generally offered side lower berths.

Check RAC Status

• Check PNR status regularly to find whether the RAC ticket is upgraded or not, and seat allocation is made after chart preparation.

Benefits of RAC Status in Indian Railways

Many people think that RAC in railways can be frustrating. However, there are some hidden benefits of RAC that are listed below.

• Guaranteed Travel: According to Indian Railways, passengers with RAC status are legally allowed to travel in the train. However, passengers with WL tickets are not allowed.
• Partial Seat Allocation: RAC passengers are provided with partial seat allocation with another RAC passenger and save travel plan.
• Higher Confirmation Chances: RAC passengers are at priority to get an upgrade when any confirmed ticket is cancelled.
• Trip Saver: RAC in train can be a trip saver. It is a blessing when travelling is more of a priority than comfort.
• Useful in Peak Demand: RAC tickets can save journeys during peak seasons when it’s hard to get even a WL ticket.
• Peace of Mind: Since RAC ensures a partial seat allocation, it provides peace of mind with travel confirmation.
• Provides Flexibility in Travelling: Passengers can make cancellations before the chart preparation at minimum cancellation charges. Moreover, they can also board the train confidently.

Train Ticket Cancellation and RAC

It is essential to understand the ticket cancellation rules and applied charges. Whether you have a confirmed ticket or an RAC ticket, understanding train ticket cancellation charges can save money.

Cancellation Rules for RAC Train Ticket

Cancellation Before Chart Preparation

Passengers can cancel train tickets anytime before the chart preparation to get a refund. However, nominal cancellation charges will apply.

Cancellation After Chart Preparation

If ticket does not get confirmed, then passengers need to file a TDR for the refund.

Ticket Cancellation Charges for RAC

Indian Railways imposes nominal cancellation charges for ticket cancellation.

RAC vs Waiting List in Train

Many passengers get confused between RAC and WL in train. So, it is necessary to understand the difference to avoid ending up with a penalty or missing the train when travel is necessary.

Difference in RAC and WL in Train

RAC train tickets are far better than waitlisted train tickets due to the following.

How to Check RAC Ticket Updates Instantly?

You can check the RAC train ticket updates instantly online using the train tool. RailMitra offers to check it within a few clicks.

• Reach out to the RailMitra official website or download the mobile app.
• Find and click on the “PNR Status” feature available on the homepage.
• Enter a 10-digit PNR number and hit “Check Status”.
• It will provide information whether the ticket is confirmed, waitlisted, or RAC.

RAC in Different Classes (SL, 2AC, 3AC)

Each class has limited number of RAC seats. So, lets understand the RAC seats in different travel class. 

Sleeper Class RAC Seats

• Have higher seat availability
• Higher confirmation chances

RAC in 3AC

• RAC seats are fewer than the sleeper class.
• Comfortable even if shared berths

RAC in 2AC

• Very limited seats
• Higher ticket cost with less chance of confirmation
• Less crowded with better comfort

What if the RAC ticket is not confirmed?

If your RAC is not confirmed, and you don’t want to travel while sharing your berth. Then you should apply the following steps.

Ticket Cancellation

• You can cancel your RAC train ticket before chart preparation and file a TDR after chart preparation.
• You will get the refund as per Indian Railways rules.

Alternative

• Passengers can look for alternatives and find the train between stations. It can help to find another train to travel.
• Moreover, you can also use the live station features to find the upcoming running trains between two stations. It helps to find alternative options to continue the journey.

Tips to Increase Your RAC Confirmation Chances

The following tips can help to increase the chances of RAC confirmation.

• Book Train Ticket Early: Passengers must book their train ticket early because Indian Railways provide higher priority during upgrades.
• Select Less Crowded Train: Selection of trains with less demand have higher chances of ticket confirmation in comparison to trains with higher demand.
• Opt for Longer Routes: RAC ticket confirmation chances increase in longer routes because cancellation chances are higher when there are more intermediate stations.
• Track PNR: The passenger must check PNR status frequently to find the real-time updates for ticket confirmation.
• Go for a Flexible Travel Date: Changing the travel date can increase the chance of getting a confirmed train ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does RAC meaning in Indian Railways?

Ans. In Indian Railways, RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. This means you can travel legally, but you need to share your seat with another RAC passenger.

Q. What is the chance of RAC ticket confirmation?

Ans. RAC train ticket confirmation has a higher chance in comparison to waitlisted train tickets because Indian Railways provide priority to RAC over WL tickets.

Q. How many passengers can share a RAC berth?

Ans. A maximum of two RAC passengers can travel on one RAC seat. However, the allotted seat allocation can be a lower side berth.

Q. Is the RAC in train better than the WL on the train?

Ans. Yes, RAC status is far better than WL in the train because RAC is a partially confirmed ticket but WL is not.

Q. How can I check the RAC ticket status?

Ans. You can check the RAC updates using PNR status features with RailMitra in just a few clicks.