What is the difference between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal?
Many passengers get confused between these two. So, let’s break it down Tatkal vs Premium Tatkal.
If you’ve ever tried to book a last-minute train ticket on the IRCTC website, you’ve probably seen two special options — Tatkal and Premium Tatkal. Both are meant for people who need to travel urgently, but their rules, prices, and features are not the same.
What is Tatkal?
The Tatkal scheme was started by Indian Railways to help passengers book tickets at short notice. Normally, you have to book train tickets weeks in advance. But with Tatkal, you can book a ticket just one day before the journey.
Tatkal tickets are available for both AC and Sleeper classes, and the prices are only slightly higher than regular tickets.
It’s a lifesaver for people who have sudden travel plans — like emergencies, office trips, or family functions.
What is Premium Tatkal?
Premium Tatkal (PT) is a newer version of the Tatkal scheme. The main difference? — The fare keeps increasing based on demand, just like flight tickets.
That means if more people are trying to book, the price automatically goes up. It’s called dynamic fare pricing.
Premium Tatkal tickets are limited, more expensive, and are available only on select popular trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto.
Tatkal vs Premium Tatkal: What’s the Main Difference?
Let’s make this super clear — The biggest difference is in pricing and availability.
- Tatkal: Has a fixed extra charge depending on the class you choose.
- Premium Tatkal: Uses dynamic pricing — the more the demand, the higher the price.
Example:
If a regular 3AC ticket costs ₹1000,
- Tatkal may cost ₹1200 to ₹1300.
- Premium Tatkal could cost anywhere between ₹1500 to ₹3000 or even more.
So yes, Premium Tatkal is the costlier option.
Tatkal vs Premium Tatkal: Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Tatkal | Premium Tatkal |
|---|---|---|
| Fare Type | Fixed additional charge based on travel class. | Dynamic fare that increases with demand (like airline tickets). |
| Availability | Available on most Express and Mail trains. | Only on select high-demand trains (Rajdhani, Shatabdi, etc.). |
| Booking Mode | Online (IRCTC) and offline (railway counters). | Online only on IRCTC website or app. |
| Quota Type | For both AC and non-AC classes. | Mostly for AC classes; fewer seats. |
| Waitlist / RAC | Waitlist and RAC allowed. | No waitlist or RAC — only confirmed tickets. |
| Agents | Authorized agents can book Tatkal tickets. | Agents cannot book Premium Tatkal tickets. |
| Refund Policy | No refund on cancellation (unless train is canceled). | No refund at all. |
| Ticket Confirmation Chances | Moderate — depends on demand. | Higher — limited seats, higher price. |
| Target Passengers | Budget emergency travelers. | Passengers who want guaranteed seats, no matter the cost. |
When Can You Book?
- For AC classes → Booking starts at 10 AM, one day before the journey date.
- For Sleeper classes → Booking starts at 11 AM, one day before the journey date.
Both Tatkal and Premium Tatkal follow the same booking time, but Premium Tatkal seats fill up faster because they are very limited.
Where Can You Book?
- Tatkal Tickets: You can book them from the IRCTC website, IRCTC mobile app, or railway reservation counters.
- Premium Tatkal Tickets: These are available only online — not at any railway counter.
If you’re booking through the IRCTC website, just select Premium Tatkal in the quota dropdown menu.
Refund Rules
Whether you book Tatkal or Premium Tatkal — there’s no refund if you cancel the ticket.
The only exception is when the train itself gets canceled by Indian Railways.
So, be sure about your travel plan before booking either of these tickets.
Example: How Pricing Works?
Let’s say you are booking a Delhi to Mumbai 3AC ticket.
| Type | Approximate Fare |
|---|---|
| Normal Ticket | ₹1000 |
| Tatkal Ticket | ₹1250 |
| Premium Tatkal Ticket | ₹1800 – ₹3000 (depends on demand) |
You can see how Premium Tatkal fares can almost double when the demand is high — especially during festivals or holidays.
Tips for Booking Tatkal or Premium Tatkal Tickets
- Login early: Be ready on the IRCTC site at 9:50 AM (for AC) or 10:50 AM (for Sleeper).
- Fill passenger details in advance: Use the “My Profile” option on IRCTC to save time.
- Use fast payment options: UPI or net banking works best.
- Avoid refreshing too much: It can log you out.
- Book from a fast internet connection: Every second counts — Tatkal tickets sell out in minutes.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the simple answer:
- Choose Tatkal if you want a cheaper emergency ticket and can take a chance on waitlist or RAC.
- Choose Premium Tatkal if you must travel, want a confirmed seat, and don’t mind paying more.
Final Thoughts
Both Tatkal and Premium Tatkal are great options for last-minute travelers.
The choice depends on your budget and how urgent your travel is.
If you want to save money — go for Tatkal. If you want a guaranteed ticket without stress — go for Premium Tatkal.
Just remember — both sell out fast, so timing is everything!
