Know All About Indian Railways Quota System and How to Book Quota Train Tickets

What is the Quota System in Indian Railways? 

The quota system in Indian Railways reserves a specific number of seats or berths for selected categories of travellers. The purpose of these quotas is to offer priority to some passengers who might need some assistance with their travel. This system gives preference to these passengers who fall under a specific category based on specific criteria. Indian Railways also offers concessions on the ticket fare under certain quotas. 

Key Quotas in Indian Railways: 

1. General Quota: This is the quota for everyone, who don’t need any special assistance. 
 
2. Tatkal Quota: If your travel requires urgent last minute booking, you can book through Tatkal quota. 
 
3. Ladies Quota: This quota is solo female passengers or a group of women travellers 
 
4. Senior Citizen Quota: This quota is reserved for men aged 60+ and women aged 58+ with up to 50% concession on the train fare. 
 
5. Defence Quota: This quota is specially reserved for Indian Armed Forces personnel from the Army, Navy, or Air Force. It also applies to retired personnel. 
 
6. Physically Handicapped Quota: Differently tickets under ts can book theirhis quota, which is abled passenger exclusively reserved for the ‘Divyang’.  
 
7. RAC: Also known as Reserved Against Cancellation, seats booked under this quota allow you to travel in a train but don’t reserve any berth. You can share a berth with a fellow RAC passenger. 

How to Book Quota in Indian Railways? 

It is easy to book a quota seat on the Indian Railways. You can book it on the IRCTC platform. You can also book it via Adani One in a few simple steps. Here is how you can book your ticket via Adani One.

Step 1: Visit the Adani One Website 

Go to the Adani One website or use their mobile app. Both platforms allow you to book tickets and choose quotas based on your eligibility. 
 
Step 2: Choose Your Travel Details 
 
Enter your travel details such as the starting station, destination, date of journey, and train class. You’ll see a list of trains available for the chosen route. 
 
Step 3: Select Quota and your Train 
 
When you proceed to the train route, you will see a list of quotas on the left of the screen and a list of trains available on the route. You can select your quotas, such as Ladies Quota, Tatkal, Senior Citizen Quota, etc. Select the appropriate quota based on your eligibility when you book your train ticket. 
 
Step 4: Fill in Passenger Details 
 
Enter the passenger details, including name, age, gender, and other necessary information. For certain quotas, like Senior Citizen or Physically Handicapped Quota, you may need to provide proof of age or other documentation during the journey. 
 
Step 5: Make Payment 
 
Proceed to the payment section to complete the booking. You can pay using various methods, including credit cards, debit cards, UPI, or net banking. 
 
Once the payment is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message and your e-ticket will be generated. You can then either print it or save the e-ticket on your mobile device for boarding. 

How to Cancel a Quota Train Ticket? 

Cancelling your Quota train ticket on Adani One is also very easy. Here’s how to do it: 
 
Step 1: Log in to Adani One App or Website

Go to Adani One website or app and log in with your credentials. 
 
Step 2: Navigate to "My Account" 
 
Under the “My Account” section, click on ‘Orders and Bookings’. This will show you a list of all your booked tickets, including those booked under quotas. 
 
Step 3: Select the Ticket to Cancel 
 
Find the quota ticket you want to cancel, and click on the Cancel option next to it. 
 
Step 4: Confirm Cancellation 
 
You will be prompted to confirm the cancellation. Once confirmed, your ticket will be cancelled, and the applicable refund will be processed based on Indian Railways’ cancellation policies. 
 
Step 5: Check Refund Status 
 
The refund amount is usually credited back to the payment method used for the booking within 8-10 business days. 

Tatkal Ticket Booking: Last-Minute Travel Solution

The Tatkal Quota is one of the most popular options for last-minute travellers who need to book tickets quickly. Tatkal bookings open one day before the date of travel, and they tend to get sold out within minutes, especially on popular routes. The pricing for Tatkal ticket booking is higher than regular tickets, but it’s a useful option when you need a confirmed seat at the last minute. 

Key Points about Tatkal Ticket Booking: 

Booking Timing: Tatkal booking opens at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes, one day before the journey. 
 
ID Proof: You need to carry a valid ID proof when traveling on a Tatkal ticket. 
 
Limited Availability: Seats are limited and get booked within minutes, so it’s best to be online and ready to book as soon as the window opens. 
 
Refund Policy: Tatkal tickets can be cancelled, but only partial refunds are available, and only under certain circumstances. 

Comparison of Key Quotas in Indian Railways

Tips for Booking Quota Train Tickets

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when booking train tickets under various quotas: 
 
1. Book Early for Quota Tickets 
 
If you are planning to book a ticket under the Senior Citizen, Ladies, or Physically Handicapped Quota, it’s advisable to book as early as possible to secure your seat. Quota seats are limited and tend to get booked quickly. 
 
2. Be Ready for Tatkal Bookings 
 
For Tatkal tickets, log in to the IRCTC platform at least 5-10 minutes before the booking window opens. Have your payment details and passenger information ready to ensure a quick and smooth booking process. 
 
3. Check Refund Policies 
 
Each quota comes with its own refund policy. Make sure to check the applicable cancellation rules before booking your ticket, especially if you’re booking a Tatkal or Premium Tatkal ticket. 
 
4. Travel Documents 
 
Ensure that you carry all necessary documents, especially if you’re traveling under a specific quota like Senior Citizen or Physically Handicapped. Failure to produce valid documents may result in penalties. 
 
By following these simple tips, you can master the process of how to book quota in Indian Railways and how to cancel a quota train ticket when needed. Make sure to stay informed about quota rules and timings, and you’ll have a much smoother experience when booking your next train journey. Safe travels!