What Is IRCTC VIKALP Scheme?
IRCTC VIKALP Scheme is a special facility by Indian Railways that helps waiting list passengers get a confirmed seat in another train — without paying extra money.
If your ticket is on the waiting list, IRCTC can automatically shift you to another train going to the same destination if seats are available.
This helps you avoid ticket cancellation and gives you a better chance to travel with a confirmed berth.
The full form of VIKALP is “Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme.”
In short:
- 👉 You book a ticket that’s waitlisted.
- 👉 You choose VIKALP.
- 👉 Indian Railways finds a seat for you in another train — for free.
Why Was the IRCTC VIKALP Scheme Started?
Indian Railways started this scheme because many passengers travel on popular routes, and some trains get fully booked weeks before the journey.
But at the same time, other trains running on the same route have empty seats. So, to make better use of available seats and to help passengers reach their destination, IRCTC created VIKALP.
It’s a win-win:
- Passengers get confirmed seats.
- Railways fill empty berths.
- Fewer tickets are wasted.
How the VIKALP Scheme Works?
Here’s how you can use it step-by-step 👇
1️⃣ Book your train ticket
- Go to the IRCTC website or app and book your ticket as usual.
- If your ticket status is waiting list, you’ll see an option to opt for VIKALP.
2️⃣ Select alternate trains
- You can choose up to 7 other trains running between the same or nearby stations.
- These trains should have the same boarding and destination clusters (like New Delhi, Delhi Junction, and Hazrat Nizamuddin).
3️⃣ Wait for chart preparation
When the reservation chart is prepared (usually a few hours before departure), the system will check if there are empty seats in the trains you selected.
4️⃣ Get automatic transfer
- If a seat is available, IRCTC will automatically confirm your ticket in one of the alternate trains.
- You’ll get an SMS or email with your new train and seat details.
Important Rules and Conditions
Before choosing VIKALP, make sure you understand these rules clearly.
- VIKALP doesn’t guarantee a confirmed berth. It only gives you a chance if another train has seats.
- You can be shifted to a train leaving between 30 minutes to 72 hours from your original train’s departure time.
- Your boarding or destination station may change to a nearby one (for example, Delhi → New Delhi).
- No extra money is charged, and no refund is given if the new train’s fare is lower.
- Once shifted, you cannot travel on the original train. You must travel on the new alternate train.
- You can travel with the same e-ticket or SMS.
- If you want to cancel after being allotted a new train, it will be treated as a confirmed ticket cancellation.
- Once VIKALP is opted, you cannot change it. You can edit the train list only once before charting.
- If you get alternate accommodation, you cannot modify your journey. You’ll need to cancel and book again if you want to change dates or stations.
Refund and Cancellation Rules
Refunds under VIKALP follow normal IRCTC rules but depend on when you cancel:
- If you cancel before getting an alternate train → normal waiting list cancellation applies.
- If you cancel after getting an alternate train → it’s a confirmed ticket, so standard confirmed ticket cancellation rules apply.
- No refund for the difference in fare or Tatkal charges.
If you were allotted an alternate train but didn’t travel, you can file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) to claim a refund.
Example to Understand Better
Let’s say you book a ticket from Hyderabad to Delhi in 3rd AC on Train 12723 Telangana Express, but your status is WL/10.
You opt for the VIKALP scheme and choose these alternate trains:
- 12647 Kongu Express
- 12721 Dakshin Express
- 12781 Swarna Jayanti Express
If there are empty berths in any of these trains, IRCTC may confirm your seat automatically in one of them. You’ll get an SMS like this:
“Your ticket has been confirmed under VIKALP in Train 12721 Dakshin Express, Coach B2, Seat 35.”
Now you can travel on the alternate train using your same ticket.
Key Benefits of the IRCTC VIKALP Scheme
✅ Increases your chance of getting a confirmed ticket
✅ No extra payment required
✅ Automatic and easy process
✅ Works for all classes (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.)
✅ Helps use vacant seats in other trains
✅ Saves passengers from ticket cancellation stress
Limitations of the IRCTC VIKALP Scheme
While the scheme is helpful, keep these points in mind:
- You can’t choose your new train manually once allotted.
- Travel time and boarding station may change.
- You can’t modify or reschedule your journey after getting the new seat.
- You may not get a seat next to your co-passenger if multiple people are under the same PNR.
Still, the advantages are much higher — especially for long-distance and busy routes.
Pro Tip for Passengers
Whenever you book a waitlisted ticket on IRCTC, always opt for VIKALP.
It’s free, it’s automatic, and it can save your trip.
You can enable it from:
- Booking page while making payment
- “Booked Ticket History” section before charting
Final Thoughts
The VIKALP Scheme is one of the most useful and passenger-friendly steps by Indian Railways.
It gives waiting list travelers a fair chance to get confirmed seats in other trains — without any extra cost or hassle.
If you’re booking a ticket and it’s showing “WL,” just turn on the VIKALP option.
You might still end up traveling with a confirmed berth instead of worrying about cancellations.
Simple, smart, and totally worth it.
