If you have a RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket for a train to or from Patna and want a confirmed berth, you need to track your status until final charting. Most upgrades happen automatically and depend on cancellations, quotas, and last-minute changes—there’s no special “upgrade” button. Here’s exactly what to do, what usually works, and what to try if you’re still RAC at boarding time.
Check Your Current Status by PNR Before Charting
First, check your PNR status on the IRCTC app, website, or any reliable train enquiry app. On the IRCTC app or irctc.co.in:
- Go to ‘Booked Ticket History’.
- Find your Patna train booking.
- Tap the PNR to see current status. If it says “RAC xx”, you have a seat but not a full berth yet.
You can also use FindMyTrain's PNR status tool for a quick check.
When Do RAC Upgrades Usually Happen?
RAC upgrades to confirmed berths mostly happen in these two rounds:
- First Chart (usually 4 hours before departure): This allocates any cancelled seats to RAC passengers.
- Second/Final Chart (about 30-60 minutes before departure): Any last-minute cancellations are reallocated.
If your PNR stays RAC after the second chart, you travel sitting, sharing a side lower berth with another RAC passenger.
If You Want to Improve Your Chances Before Charting
- Check for higher class availability (for example, AC 3-tier if you booked Sleeper):
Go to ‘Change Boarding/Downgrade Class’ in IRCTC app or website. If higher class berths are vacant, you can pay the fare difference and upgrade instantly. - Waitlist moves fastest on unpopular days and in classes like Sleeper and 3A. If you’re flexible, check other trains or days to see if you get a confirmed seat faster.
- Ask at the station counter after charting (especially for seniors, women, or medical cases): Sometimes, TTEs allot released berths at the platform before departure. Carry ID and booking details.
What to Do After Charting—If Still RAC
If your ticket is still RAC after the final chart:
- Board the train with your RAC ticket. Your coach and seat number are printed on your ticket and chart.
- Find your seat (usually a side lower, half-shared).
- Contact the TTE soon after boarding. TTEs may have last-minute cancellations or quota berths (like emergency, VIP, or staff) that get released. Politely ask if a full berth is available; show your ticket and ID.
- If the TTE allots you a full berth, they’ll write the new berth number on your ticket.
How RAC Berths Are Upgraded: The Actual Rule
RAC upgrades happen in strict order of booking (earliest RAC gets upgraded first). The system is automatic at charting; after that, TTEs follow the same list. There is no formal fee for this process. No tip or extra payment is legal or required for upgrades.
| Situation | What Happens |
|---|---|
| RAC 1, next in line | Upgraded first if a berth frees up |
| Family with mixed RAC/Waitlist | Only RAC tickets eligible for upgrade; WL stays WL |
| Multiple RAC on one PNR | Upgraded in order; others remain RAC if not enough berths |
If You Get a Confirmed Berth Last-Minute
If your PNR status changes to “Confirmed” just before or after charting, you get a full sleeping berth. The new berth number appears on the chart, your ticket, or the IRCTC app. No SMS? Check PNR status online again before boarding.
What If You Stay RAC Until Arrival?
- You’re guaranteed to travel; you will not be denied boarding.
- You have to share the side lower berth for sitting/half-sleeping.
- If someone doesn’t show up, TTE may allot their berth to a RAC passenger after departure. Check with the TTE even after the train leaves.
- If you’re traveling with kids, inform the TTE—they sometimes prioritize families for upgrades if berths open up.
For refund rules if you cancel a RAC ticket, see IRCTC refund rules for RAC. If your train is cancelled, check cancelled trains status here.
Common Myths: What Does Not Work
- There’s no way to “request” a manual upgrade online—upgrades are automatic or done by TTEs at the station/train only.
- Tipping or bribing TTEs for a berth is illegal and not guaranteed to work.
- Calling IRCTC or railway helplines will not move you up the RAC list. They can only confirm your current status.
If You Missed Your Train or Don’t Want to Travel on RAC
- If you cancel before charting, you get a partial refund as per IRCTC rules.
- If you missed the train, claim a TDR online within an hour of scheduled departure, stating “passenger not traveled”.
- For future bookings, try Tatkal booking for higher chances of confirmation, but be aware of higher fares and different timings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my RAC ticket for Patna has been upgraded?
Check your PNR status on the IRCTC app/website under ‘Booked Ticket History’ or use a reliable train enquiry app. Your berth status will show as 'Confirmed' if upgraded, or 'RAC' if not.
Can the TTE give me a confirmed berth if I board with RAC?
Yes, TTEs can allocate any available berths from last-minute cancellations or quotas to RAC passengers after departure. Ask politely and show your RAC ticket and ID.
Is there an extra fee to upgrade RAC to confirmed berth?
No, there is no extra fee for automatic RAC upgrades. If you move to a higher class, you pay the fare difference as shown in the app or at the counter.
What if my RAC ticket doesn't get confirmed even after charting?
You still travel with a shared side lower berth. Talk to the TTE after boarding; you might get a full berth if someone cancels or doesn't show up.
Can I cancel my RAC ticket for a refund?
Yes, you can cancel before charting and get a partial refund per IRCTC rules. After charting, refund is only possible by filing a TDR if you didn’t travel.