Tatkal vs. Premium Tatkal: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 17, 2024
Tatkal is a scheme for last-minute train bookings in India with fixed quotas and prices, while Premium Tatkal offers dynamic pricing and fewer quotas for urgent travel.
Key Differences
Tatkal tickets are a reservation service for Indian railways, allowing bookings a day before the travel date. Premium Tatkal also offers last-minute bookings but with dynamic fare pricing, often higher than regular Tatkal.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Regular Tatkal tickets have a fixed price, slightly higher than the standard fare. In contrast, Premium Tatkal fares can vary greatly, increasing with demand.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
The Tatkal scheme has a set quota of seats reserved on most trains. Premium Tatkal, however, often has a smaller quota, making these tickets more exclusive and sometimes harder to obtain.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Tatkal bookings open at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes, a day before the train's departure. Premium Tatkal bookings also open a day in advance but are subject to availability and may not have a fixed opening time.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Refunds on cancellations for Tatkal tickets are minimal, and for Premium Tatkal, often there are no refunds on cancellations, emphasizing the urgency and commitment associated with these bookings.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Booking Time
10 AM for AC, 11 AM for non-AC
Dynamic, subject to availability
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Feb 17, 2024
Target Audience
Passengers needing last-minute travel
Passengers willing to pay more for last-minute availability
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Feb 17, 2024
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Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Definitions
Tatkal
Tatkal is a reservation service for immediate travel needs in Indian Railways.
He booked a Tatkal ticket for his urgent trip to Delhi.
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Jan 14, 2024
Premium Tatkal
Premium Tatkal is designed for passengers who prioritize availability over cost.
Despite the high cost, he chose Premium Tatkal for guaranteed travel.
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Jan 14, 2024
Tatkal
Tatkal tickets are available at a fixed premium over regular fares.
The Tatkal ticket cost slightly more than the usual fare.
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Jan 14, 2024
Premium Tatkal
Premium Tatkal is an advanced booking system with dynamic pricing.
He paid a high price for a Premium Tatkal ticket due to increased demand.
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Jan 14, 2024
Tatkal
Tatkal serves urgent travel demands with limited seat availability.
Tatkal tickets were his last option for his sudden travel plans.
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Jan 14, 2024
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Premium Tatkal
Premium Tatkal fares fluctuate based on demand and availability.
The fare for his Premium Tatkal ticket doubled due to high demand.
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Jan 14, 2024
Tatkal
These tickets are bookable one day in advance of the journey date.
She logged in early to book a Tatkal ticket for tomorrow's train.
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Jan 14, 2024
Premium Tatkal
No refunds are offered on Premium Tatkal cancellations.
When he canceled his Premium Tatkal ticket, he couldn't get any refund.
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Jan 14, 2024
Tatkal
Refunds on Tatkal tickets are minimal, reflecting the urgency of the booking.
When he canceled his Tatkal ticket, he received a very small refund.
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Jan 14, 2024
Premium Tatkal
These tickets cater to urgent travel needs with limited seat quotas.
She managed to get a Premium Tatkal ticket despite the small quota.
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Jan 14, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
When can I book a Tatkal ticket?
Tatkal tickets can be booked a day before the journey from 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Are Premium Tatkal tickets more expensive than regular Tatkal?
Yes, Premium Tatkal tickets are often more expensive due to dynamic pricing.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How is Premium Tatkal different from regular Tatkal?
Premium Tatkal uses dynamic pricing and has a smaller quota than regular Tatkal.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can I get a refund on a Tatkal ticket?
Yes, but refunds on Tatkal tickets are minimal.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Is there a refund for Premium Tatkal ticket cancellations?
No, usually there are no refunds on cancellations of Premium Tatkal tickets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can I book a Tatkal ticket for any class of travel?
Yes, Tatkal booking is available for most travel classes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What is the Tatkal scheme in Indian Railways?
Tatkal is a reservation service for last-minute train bookings in India.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How many seats are reserved for Tatkal bookings?
A set quota of seats is reserved for Tatkal bookings on most trains.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Are Premium Tatkal tickets available for all trains?
Premium Tatkal is available on select trains and routes.
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Feb 17, 2024
Is the Premium Tatkal quota larger than the Tatkal quota?
No, the Premium Tatkal quota is usually smaller and more exclusive.
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Feb 17, 2024
Do Tatkal tickets have a fixed price?
Yes, Tatkal tickets have a fixed price, slightly above the standard fare.
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Feb 17, 2024
Can I book a Tatkal ticket online?
Yes, Tatkal tickets can be booked online through the IRCTC website.
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Feb 17, 2024
Are there any additional charges for Premium Tatkal tickets?
The dynamic pricing model of Premium Tatkal itself acts as an additional charge over the standard fare.
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Feb 17, 2024
Can I transfer my Tatkal ticket to someone else?
No, Tatkal tickets are non-transferable.
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Feb 17, 2024
How does pricing work for Premium Tatkal tickets?
Premium Tatkal ticket prices fluctuate based on demand and availability.
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Feb 17, 2024
How quickly do Tatkal tickets sell out?
Tatkal tickets can sell out very quickly due to high demand.
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Feb 17, 2024
Is it harder to get a Premium Tatkal ticket?
Yes, due to the smaller quota and high demand, Premium Tatkal tickets can be harder to obtain.
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Feb 17, 2024
Can I choose my seat in Tatkal booking?
No, specific seat selection is not possible in Tatkal booking; seats are allocated based on availability.
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Feb 17, 2024
Is Premium Tatkal only available online?
Premium Tatkal tickets are primarily available online to handle dynamic pricing effectively.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Do I need to provide ID for Tatkal ticket booking?
Yes, ID proof is required for booking Tatkal tickets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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