A train reservation chart is an official passenger allocation list prepared by Indian Railways that shows confirmed, RAC, and waitlisted passengers along with seat and berth details after finalizing reservations.

IRCTC chart vacancy refers to seats or berths that remain unoccupied after the reservation chart is prepared. These vacancies usually arise due to cancellations or unfilled quotas and may be available for last-minute booking.

The reservation chart includes various codes such as berth types (LB, UB, SL, SU), booking statuses (CNF, RAC, WL), and quota codes (GN, RLWL, TQ). These codes help identify seat position, availability, and booking category.

You can check IRCTC chart vacancy after chart preparation by viewing the reservation chart online or through authorized platforms that display coach-wise and berth-wise vacancy details in real time.

As per current rules, the 1st chart is prepared 8 to 10 hours before the scheduled departure. For trains departing between 05:00 AM and 02:00 PM, the chart is usually generated by 09:00 PM the previous night.

The 2nd and final chart is generated 30 minutes before the train’s scheduled or rescheduled departure. After this chart, no further online bookings or cancellations are allowed.

The 1st chart finalizes most seat allocations and clears waitlists. The 2nd chart reflects last-minute cancellations and current bookings, representing the final seat occupancy.

• 48+ Hours: Flat cancellation charge applies.
• 12–48 Hours: 25% of the fare is deducted.
• 4–12 Hours: 50% of the fare is deducted.
• Post-Chart: No refund for confirmed tickets.
• New Update: Confirmed tickets can be rescheduled online 48+ hours in advance by paying only the fare difference.