Train Ticket Hacks: How to Boost Your Confirmation Chances

By: Swarn Rajhans | onMay 24, 2025

Train Ticket booking in India seems like a scene from the Mission Impossible movie. The stakes, the struggle, the race against the time, the rush, it does look like an adventure movie. However this adventure is a common phenomenon for every train traveller out there trying to book a ticket.

With so many people wanting to travel by train, getting a Confirmed Ticket is indeed a Herculean task. We have compiled a list of the best tips, hacks and strategies that maximise the chances of getting a confirmed rail ticket.

So without wasting any time. Let’s dive in just like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible with the iconic music track playing in the background. Our next mission? Securing a confirmed train ticket.

Why is a Confirmed Train Ticket Essential

Confirmed train ticket guarantees you a seat on the train. Recently, there have been changes in the Indian Railway Rules which has changed its need from Convenience to an absolute Necessity.

New Railway Rules bars passengers with a Waiting List ticket from boarding AC or Sleeper coaches. Earlier, seats weren’t assigned to these passengers but boarding was allowed. Not anymore.

Waiting List passengers found on AC or Sleeper coaches will be asked to unboard the coach along with the imposition of heavy fines. They however, can board Unreserved or General coaches without any scrutiny.

In some select stations, even the entry of Waitlisted passengers to the Railway Station is prohibited until the train arrives at the platform. They have to wait at the designated Waiting Areas. Only after the train arrives can they enter the Railway Station.

The new railway rules regarding the Waiting List passengers necessitate a Confirmed Train Ticket. Without Confirmation travelling could get extremely difficult.

Before booking tickets do not forget to look at the Seat Availability service at RailMitra.com. This service provides you with the number of seats available for booking and protects you from getting Waitlisted.

Read Here: New Indian Railway Rules 2025: Key Changes for Passengers

Hacks for a Confirmed Train Ticket

Getting a Confirmed train ticket is difficult but not impossible. By following our tips and tricks you can maximise your chances of ticket confirmation.

Regular Ticket Booking:

Train Ticket booking starts 60 days before the date of departure with the departure date not included. Try to book the ticket during this time as this is the safest time to book a ticket.
If you weren’t able to book the ticket when it opened initially, you should look for Tatkal Ticket Booking.

Tatkal Booking

Tatkal Booking opens a day before the date of departure at 10AM for AC Coaches and 11AM for Sleeper coaches. Tickets end up in seconds so be on your toes.

Log In 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Use Multiple IDs for highest chances of booking confirmation.
You can use both the official website or the Rail Connect App. We have found that the Rail Connect App works better during peak booking hours.
Rail Connect has a MPIN which can be switched with Biometric Identification for a faster booking process.
Pre-save passengers details using the Master List feature.
Hit refresh 10 seconds before booking time. As soon as you see Available tickets, hit Book Now instantly.
Instead of using Cards for payment choose IRCTC eWallet, Paytm wallet or other UPI Methods as they are faster.

Tatkal Booking hacks and tips are all concentrated towards decreasing the time of booking. If your booking time is short enough, you are guaranteed a Confirmed train ticket.

Vikalp Scheme

Passengers with Waiting List tickets can opt for Vikalp Scheme which strives to provide alternate seats on similar routes as soon as possible.
Choose up to 7 trains that you can switch your existing booking for.

Premium Tatkal

If none of the other alternatives work out, opt for a Premium Tatkal. Ticket charges are exceptionally high and close to the price of a flight. Reserve this option only when you absolutely NEED to board that train.

Special Hacks

If it’s past 10AM or 11AM and you want to board the train tomorrow, don’t lose hope. Check seats under Tatkal scheme. Although the chances are low, you can still get an Available ticket there.
If you don’t get an available ticket for the selected stations, break the trip into two parts and choose an intermediate station instead. You can go from Starting station to the intermediate station and from there to the Final Station.
If the above option doesn’t work choose an extended station. Suppose you want a ticket from Kanpur to Patna, but it is not available. However, a ticket to the next station, say Bhagalpur, is available. Book a train ticket from Kanpur to Bhagalpur instead and board off at Patna.
If you are stuck at the Waiting List, look for the booking status again and again by checking your PNR Status. If you see regular developments and improvements of your PNR Status, your booking might get confirmed. If not, try cancelling the ticket and look for other alternative trains through Tatkal and Vikalp Scheme.
If the schedule is flexible., try booking a rail ticket on a Weekday or on a day where there are no Festivals or other important events. There is a huge rush on Weekends and Festivals, making a Confirmed rail ticket booking difficult during those times.
You can switch trains for your journey. Choose a train that is less popular than your original choice.

You can use other essential railway services such as Train Schedule, Live Train Running Status, Seat Availability and PNR Status at RailMitra platform. These services are aimed at making a passenger’s journey comfortable and free from unwanted problems.

These hacks and trips are designed for the various ticket booking options available at the Indian Railway. By following these hacks there is a huge chance that you will get a Confirmed train ticket.

Why is getting a Confirmed Train Ticket difficult?

We have now learnt how to book a Confirmed train ticket. However, it must be unclear to many as to why the process of getting the same is so difficult.

Let’s head on to the reasons that make getting a Confirmed ticket so difficult:

Huge size of passengers: A huge number of people want to book the ticket. However, the number of available tickets is very small. This disproportionate difference between the two makes getting tickets extremely scarce.
Limited number of trains: Although a number of new trains are being launched every year. There are still a lot fewer trains than what is required. This leads to a huge rush with many not able to get Confirmed rail tickets.
System of Quota: As if the congestion for normal passengers wasn’t enough, Indian Railways also have a quota system. In this system vulnerable groups like Ladies, Divyang and Senior Citizens. Have a fixed number of seats for them as quota. This further deteriorates the chances of getting a Confirmed rail ticket.
Booking train tickets in Bulk: Many passengers book early and in bulk. This makes a huge chunk of seats unavailable for booking.

Conclusion

Although train ticket booking is a difficult and complex procedure, it is not unattainable. By following our comprehensive tips for different ticket options you can easily secure a confirmed rail ticket.

Smart travellers don’t leave their travel booking to luck. Follow our hacks, avoid getting Waitlisted and ride your train with a confirmed train ticket.