What Does My IRCTC PNR Status Mean and How Do I Interpret It?
When you book a train ticket through IRCTC, you receive a 10-digit PNR number (Passenger Name Record). This number helps you track your booking details, seat status, and travel confirmation. Understanding your IRCTC PNR status is important so you know whether your ticket is confirmed, on the waiting list, or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation).
Let’s break down what your PNR status means and how you can easily interpret it during your journey.
🔍 What is IRCTC PNR Status?
Your IRCTC PNR status shows the current status of your train ticket. It includes:
-
Booking status (when you purchased the ticket)
-
Current status (updated based on cancellations or seat availability)
-
Seat/berth number and coach info
-
Train and journey details
You can check your PNR status IRCTC using the IRCTC website, app, or SMS service.
🧾 Common PNR Status Terms and What They Mean
Here’s a quick guide to the most common IRCTC PNR terms:
|
Status Code |
Meaning |
|---|---|
|
CNF |
Confirmed – You have a confirmed seat or berth |
|
RAC |
Reservation Against Cancellation – You can board the train and get a shared seat |
|
WL |
Waiting List – You cannot board until the ticket is confirmed |
|
GNWL |
General Waiting List – Highest priority to get confirmed |
|
PQWL |
Pooled Quota Waiting List – Less priority, for special quotas |
|
RLWL |
Remote Location Waiting List – Issued from intermediate stations |
|
CAN |
Cancelled – Ticket has been cancelled |
|
NOSB |
No Seat Berth – For children under 5 years, no berth allotted |
✅ How to Check Your IRCTC PNR Status?
You can easily check your PNR status IRCTC using these methods:
-
IRCTC Website: Go to www.irctc.co.in → Click on “PNR Status”
-
IRCTC App (Rail Connect): Enter your PNR under the PNR section
-
SMS: Type PNR <Your 10-digit PNR number> and send it to 139
-
Third-party apps/websites: Many trusted train apps also show live PNR status
🎯 How to Interpret Changes in PNR Status
Your PNR status may change multiple times before your journey based on ticket cancellations. Here’s how to understand the updates:
-
From WL to RAC: You’re allowed to board with a shared seat
-
From RAC to CNF: You get a full berth for your journey
-
WL stays same: Your ticket is not valid for travel; it will be refunded if not confirmed
-
Chart Prepared: Final seat status is fixed; check it online or on the station chart
📱 Bonus Tip: Get Food Delivered Based on PNR
Once you confirm your journey, you can use your PNR to place an IRCTC food order through e-catering apps like “Food on Track.” Just enter your PNR, choose your meal, and enjoy train food delivery at your seat.
📝 Final Thoughts
Understanding your IRCTC PNR status is key to managing your train journey smoothly. Whether your ticket is confirmed, RAC, or waitlisted, always stay updated by checking your PNR status IRCTC before boarding. It not only tells you about your seat but also helps you plan services like e-catering or checking train running status.
English
Arabic
Français
Español
Português
Deutsch
Türkçe
Dutch
Russian
Romaian