How does Indian Railways allot seats in case of change in boarding point?

How does Indian Railways allot seats in case of change in boarding point? - Side view of young Asian guys walking on platform painted with white and red stripes along shabby stone building with striped white and red roof on daytime

I intend to travel on the Hampi express from SBC (Bengaluru City station) to Hospet. As only waitlisted tickets were available between these stations, I have booked my journey from Kengeri to Hospet and changed the boarding point to SBC. My ticket is currently RAC(Reservation against Cancellation).

How does seat allocation happen in such a situation? Is it based on the booking station or the boarding station?



Best Answer

According to Indian Railways (scroll to the bottom)

CHANGE OF BOARDING POINT : If a passenger desires to occupy reserved accommodation from any station enroute, he would be permitted to entrain at any intermediate station he chooses irrespective of the distance from the starting station subject to the following conditions :

  • A specific request must be made in writing at any computerized reservation counter and reservation made atleast 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train from the starting station.

  • The Railway Administration reserves the right to use such accommodation from the originating station up to the station at which the passenger is due to entrain.

  • No refund will be permissible for the portion of journey not performed by the passenger.

As per rules the seat allotment is based on your boarding station.




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What if we change boarding point in IRCTC?

In case a passenger has changed the boarding point he will lose all the rights to board the train from the original boarding point. If found travelling without any proper authority to travel, passenger will have to pay fare with penalty between original boarding point to changed boarding point.

How do I change the boarding point for one passenger?

Steps to change boarding station online via IRCTC:
  • Login into IRCTC website with your login ID and password.
  • Click on option 'Booking Ticket History'
  • Select the appropriate train that you want to change boarding point.
  • Click on 'Change Boarding Point'
  • You will be navigated to 'Change Boarding Point' page.


  • Can I board a train before 3 stations from where I bought the ticket?

    Yes you can board it only on next two stations. And if you fail to do so the T.T.E can allot your seat to other person as per railways rules.

    Is changing boarding point affect ticket confirmation chances?

    No. Ticket confirmation chances are based on Journey Starting Station (irrespective of same boarding point or changed boarding point) and Destination Station. So the changing boarding point doesn't affect either its status or its chances in any manner.



    IRCTC Boarding Point Change New Rule 2020 | How to change Boarding station




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