PNR requirements & eligibility for retiring rooms

Retiring rooms are a passenger amenity — they're only bookable against a valid train journey. Here's exactly which tickets qualify and which don't.

Confirmed tickets — always eligible

Any ticket with a confirmed berth allocation qualifies. This includes Sleeper, AC tiers (3A, 2A, 1A), Chair Car, and Executive Class. Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets also qualify once confirmed.

RAC tickets — eligible

RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets are eligible for retiring room bookings. You'll see "RAC" status alongside a half-berth allocation on your PNR.

Waitlisted tickets — not eligible

If your PNR shows WL (waitlisted), you cannot book a retiring room until the ticket clears to RAC or confirmed. Once it does, you can immediately book if rooms are still available.

One booking per PNR at each end

IRCTC allows one retiring room booking at the source station and one at the destination station per PNR. You cannot book multiple rooms along the same route on a single PNR.

Group bookings

For a single PNR with multiple passengers, you can book up to one room or dormitory bed per passenger. For two passengers, that means either one double room or two dormitory beds. The booking still attaches to one PNR.

Cancelled or fully refunded tickets

If your train ticket is fully cancelled, any linked retiring room booking will be automatically cancelled within 96 hours of check-in, refunded as per the retiring room cancellation policy.

Minimum age

Passengers must be at least 12 years old to check in to a retiring room. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult passenger on the same PNR.